Streamlining Your Manufacturing - 4 Ways to Overcome Problems
The manufacturing industry comes with its own set of problems and challenges. Waste tends to be the biggest problem in the industry, and comes in multiple forms, from product and time, to energy and money.
There are ways to improve and work towards a lean manufacturing standard with sustainable productivity. Read on to learn four ways to overcome common problems that the manufacturing industry encounters.
Automation
Automating production is the easiest way to overcome many of the challenges that the manufacturing industry has. Many manufacturing companies that are currently integrating automation to their production are not only using it to streamline in the present, but to plan for expansion and future automation.
Adding turnkey weld cells and industrial robots can save not only time, but costs. Labor costs for the US could shrink dramatically by 2025 with the addition of robots. NRTC customers alone have seen a 200 percent increase in throughput from implementing our turnkey weld cell solutions to their production processes.
Using the latest technologies such as automation not only keeps a company’s production operating smoothly, but makes them more competitive in the market compared to similar companies. Saving time and money allows for products to stay at a better price point for both a consumer and a manufacturer.
Training
Training employees is a simple and effective way to overcome issues that might arise on a production floor. Thoroughly trained employees will be able to spot issues quickly, as well as ensure consistent maintenance plans for the facility and machinery.
Training for employees also involves making sure all proper safety measures are being implemented Almost all safety related accidents can be prevented with proper training, preventing not only a loss of money, but a potential loss of time and employees. In fact, the aggregate cost of work injuries to the U.S. economy in 2019 was $171 billion.
NRTC Automation offers training programs for a variety of tasks, from familiarizing your team with the latest in robotics to offering hands-on training in programming and troubleshooting.
Analyze Data
Automating production allows for manufacturers to look deeper into the data collected during production. Reading the results of production allows for weaknesses to be detected early, increases or decreases in production monitored, and adjustments be altered as needed on the fly.
Taking a data-centric approach with data-forward software can more precisely measure success, and create a system of records so all employees and team members work with the same data. This creates clarity and clear communication across all channels.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance should be a part of all manufacturing and production protocols. Along with daily, weekly, and monthly checks on robots and machines, reconditioning should be considered an important element in the maintenance cycle. Reconditing your equipment by cleaning out dust, removing old grease, replacing old parts, and regreasing joints. This will extend the life of equipment and ensure many years of use.
NRTC offers industrial robot refurbishing to extend the lives of your robots and return their functionality to the highest caliber. From basic testing to complete overhaul, NRTC has a refurbishment solution to fit your needs. Additionally, we can help with restoring your robot to its visual best with our repainting services, as well as assisting with industrial robot repairs.
NRTC has Automation Solutions
NRTC Automation is dedicated to assisting with industrial automation solutions, from turnkey weld cells to robot repair and maintenance. Our additional assistance through options like engineering contract services and parts manufacturing. Learn more on our website, or contact us for more information.