Fabrication Shop Productivity
Running a stone fabrication shop successfully involves many aspects of business management. One facet of that success is knowing how to improve fabrication shop productivity. After all, productivity is valuable. Boosting production can impact the bottom line of the business. In this post we sill look at some factors that can increase the amount of production you receive from your fab shop. Additionally, we will consider some ways shop managers can affect the productivity of the fabrication shop for the better.
Efficiency Is Related to Productivity
It might seem obvious, but how often does it come to mind? Productivity and efficiency are directly related. Productivity is the amount of work that a fabrication shop performs. Similarly, efficiency means measuring the effort needed to perform a given amount of work. So when a person produces more work with less effort, the efficiency of the shop goes up. Efficiency in turn, creates a path for increased productivity.
The more efficient a fabrication shop becomes, the more potential there is for increased productivity. Since efficiency frees up time, “reinvesting” that time so-to-speak in doing more work becomes key. Whether the time is used doing more of the same work or taking on a different kind of work, the idea is the same; more work can be done. Taking up a new task means there is potential for increased efficiency as the fabricators get more familiar with performing the new task effectively.
Productivity and Machine Performance
Machine performance is another piece in the fabrication shop productivity “puzzle”. After all, poor performing equipment stops periodically. Hence, productivity is lower than a smooth running machine. To take that idea even further, if a machine is out of commission, it can be devastating. Productivity is low for both the job the broken machine was performing. Additionally, the relief machine does another task to take up the slack. This translates into even more work to accomplish the same output.
A key to keeping machine productivity at its highest point is to keep all fabrication equipment running in peek condition. Regular inspections help with accomplishing this. Another contributing factor to machine longevity is following the recommendations for running tools on the machine. For example, how you run a bridge saw blade can not only impact the blade but also the bridge saw. Running the blade in a way that allows for the best cut without binding will contribute to the life of the blade and the saw.
Productive Shops Offer Great Service
The quality of the service of the shop will have an impact on fabrication shop productivity. Why is that the case? We have already established that efficiency and productivity are related. This idea comes into play when it comes to service as well. Poor service results in repeated work and more interaction with customers. Hence, if you or your employees are busy having follow up conversations with unhappy or concerned customers, that is time that could be spent performing work on another project.
Most of the time bad customer experiences can be avoided by communicating before, during, and after the job is complete. Setting the proper expectations before the project, informing the client during the task, and educating the person after the completion are important. Keeping the customer abreast of the situation calms them and boost the comfort level. Educating them afterward arms them with the know-how they need to properly care for and protect their investment.
Quality Fabrication Affects Productivity
The quality of the fabrication work your shop does is a large contributor to the level of productivity it yields. Think about this: better work gives the customer no cause for complaint. The fewer complaints the shop receives, the less time it takes to follow up and correct errors. Excellent work is imperative to shop productivity. So be sure to keep an eye on ways to improve the quality of your shop’s work.
As we have considered, fabrication shop productivity relies heavily on accuracy, quality, and efficiency. When you shop increases those aspects of the work, and then reinvests the time gained, it will continue to grow not only in productivity, but also in profitability.