5 Ways to Reduce Production Costs with Materials Handling Equipment
Component and material costs are a constant battle for manufacturing businesses who want to provide high-quality, affordable products for their customers. In June 2021, it was reported that the price of structural steel 31.8% higher than it was in April 2020. Many are now looking for new ways to cut back on production costs. Here are 5 ways materials handling equipment can help you do so.
1. Make the most of your space
Maximising the space available is key because floor space is expensive, so it is imperative that your layout is well planned. The plan should factor in how products and components will be handled before you decide where production equipment will be located.
If you have a blank canvas, this gives you the best opportunity to plan your factory layout, as it can help you make significant savings on the cost of materials handling and production equipment. You can read more about this idea and other questions you should ask when buying new lifting equipment here.
To make the make the most of your space, you can use the space above by using an overhead lifting device. This type of materials handling equipment enables you to free up valuable ground level capacity for your production equipment. Using an overhead rail system can improve the reach and versatility of your handling equipment as you can transport your materials across the workspace.
2. Reduce damage costs
By utilising materials handling equipment, you can reduce the cost incurred when products are damaged. Lifting equipment provides a safe, methodical, and efficient handling method which keeps your products secure and minimises the risk of dropping and damaging items and injuring workers.
Ensuring that you get it right up front could save you thousands further down the line. Better to take the time now than be left playing catch up later on.
3. Provide training opportunities
Materials handling equipment is most effective when the operator is competent and can confidently operate it. Providing the correct training will enable you to ensure that the lifting device is used safely and efficiently.
Again, given the nature of the investment it is best to make sure you are getting the most out of your equipment. Put the work in up front, get your staff trained, and reap the rewards for years to come.
4. Reduce production downtime
When your equipment breaks down, production downtime and the cost of repair can prove expensive. Wear and tear often goes undetected and when it results in a parts fault, delays and production downtime is inevitable.
You can protect your valuable assets by investing in a comprehensive service plan for your equipment. Materials handling suppliers like Handling Concepts will offer you preventative maintenance, routine inspections, and on-site repairs to ensure that your handling equipment is up to standard and working optimally for your business. You can find out more here.
5. Modernise your operation
As new technologies emerge, you can significantly improve productivity by replacing older, obsolete equipment and processes. This can save money on energy bills, is cleaner for the environment and can increase production speed.
Modernising your materials handling processes by investing in mechanical handling devices can free up workers to do more skilled tasks. It will also ensure that they are safer and unlikely to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries caused by manual handling.
How can Handling Concepts help?
With almost 30 years of experience, you can rely on Handling Concepts to help you reduce production costs with materials handling equipment. You will benefit from pragmatic advice and innovative solutions from a team that is passionate about improving your productivity and efficiency.
Contact Handling Concepts today to learn more about the materials handling solutions available to you.
