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Category: Productivity

Why Should You Consider Modular Solutions for Lean Manufacturing?

Manufacturers and warehouses are constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency while keeping costs low. Although automation is a popular solution, implementing technology-heavy processes can be challenging, and calculating ROI can be complex. However, flexible material handling solutions can help facilities improve their workflow, providing a solid foundation for automation and empowering teams to work with existing resources. Modular systems offer versatile, low-cost, and robust assembly materials that can improve material handling. With modular solutions, facilities can design, build, and install material flow structures, resulting in quicker improvements.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider flexible, modular solutions before investing heavily in automation.

The Benefits of Implementing Modular Systems in Your Facility

Integrating automated systems can bring about a host of benefits, but it involves extensive planning and setup, and once integrated, they cannot be easily moved. A modular approach can help your company take baby steps towards an intuitive material handling system that can be set up much quicker, allowing you to reap the rewards sooner.

A few of the most enticing benefits of going modular may include the following:

Make the Best Use of What You Have Available

When you choose to implement flexible, modular systems, you gain the advantage of making near-immediate changes on the warehouse floor. And unlike automated systems, you can get started on your project much sooner.

Scalable and Flexible Solutions

One of the biggest reasons why owners and managers choose modular solutions over automated ones is that you can scale modular systems as your company grows or your needs change. If your end goal is to evolve into an automated state, modular solutions can make that transition easier and even evolve alongside you.

Optimize Processes Sooner Than Later

As we mentioned earlier, choosing a modular setup allows you to get started quickly and easily. What that boils down to is that your facility can begin making changes now while still having the ability to optimize as needed.  

Setup Lean Initiatives Before Investing

Modular systems are both cost-effective and flexible, meaning you have the chance to align and optimize important lean processes early on. Once those processes are up and running, you can begin thinking about investing in automation since you already have a clear pathway to success defined.

Get Automated Benefits at Lower Prices

Flexible material systems give you many of the same benefits that you would get by going the automated route – such as more efficient processes and enhanced material flow – at lower prices. As we mentioned earlier, having these benefits at lower prices can help you become more efficient both now and in the future, even if you’re looking ahead to an automated system.  

Three Popular Flexible Material Handling Solutions from FlexMation

If your warehouse or facility is primed for modular handling solutions, FlexMation is ready to help every step of the way. In addition to providing support for your team, FlexMation offers a long list of products that will fit in perfectly for your flexible future. Here are just a few of our most popular flexible solutions to improve your lean manufacturing.

Industrial Workstations and Lean Workcells

Industrial workstations, workbenches, and lean workcells are crucial equipment in your manual production area, and fortunately, they happen to be our specialty! The design process begins with a comprehensive Q&A session where we delve into your project goals. It’s not just about a workbench; it’s about enhancing productivity, promoting growth, and ensuring employee well-being.

By identifying the essence of your motivation, we can provide better recommendations along the way. The outcome? A solution that is exclusively yours, tailored to your product, your team, and their responsibilities. The possibilities are practically endless.

Tugger Carts

If you are manually pushing heavy carts or frequently using a forklift, a compact push-pull assist could be the solution to optimize your material flow. These push-pull assists (also known as push-pull assistants or “tuggers”) are suitable for various applications, ranging from medical to industrial to high-tech sectors.

Gravity Flow Racks

Also called FIFO and Supermarket racks, flow racks are essential if you’re looking to improve material flow on your facility floor. Flow racks from FlexMation can be used to store overflow products, free up floor space, and make products more accessible. They can also be used to create a tailored material setup that improves flow in and around work areas.

Trust FlexMation for Your Lean Manufacturing Needs

FlexMation strives to be a reliable partner and supporter in enhancing your manufacturing performance. We specialize in designing customized industrial workstations, FIFO racks, carts, and other equipment to enhance productivity and safety in industrial, manufacturing, and high-tech environments. Our goal is simple: we aim to assist you in performing your job with greater efficiency, safety, speed, and intelligence.

Contact our office today to get started.

Bosch Rexroth workstation with all the active assist options and call out icons

5 Workstation Setups to Suit Your Lean Manufacturing Needs

Bosch Rexroth workstation with all the active assist options and call out icons

Custom-made workstations allow you to limit the workspace surface to only what is necessary. You may think that having a larger working surface limits productivity, but the opposite is true. In fact, small industrial desks encourage problem-solving and proper tool storage. But that’s not all – custom workstations can also help foster warehouse cooperation, boost production efficiency, and even reduce the chance of accidents happening.

That may leave you wondering, “What are some of the most useful workstation setups to use?” At FlexMation, we craft custom industrial workstations that meet your unique needs. Here are just a few of the most popular and useful setups we build for our clients.

1. Stand-Up Stations for Better Ergonomics

Standing workstations are designed to create a more comfortable and ergonomic work environment for employees. Studies show that standing while working reduces stress and the risk of injuries while also increasing productivity. While they have long been used in manufacturing industries, they are now gaining popularity in offices as well.

When you work with FlexMation, you can create stand-up workstations at the perfect height and with all the necessary features. These structures are adjustable, portable, adaptable, and more cost-effective compared to a pre-fabricated stand-up workstation.

2. Improve Lead Time with U-Shaped Workstations 

Cellular production plays a crucial role in lean manufacturing, which is known to significantly enhance the efficiency of a production line. For instance, in the aerospace industry, the implementation of U-shaped workstation layouts has led to a reduction in customer lead times by up to 90% in certain cases.

But what makes the U-cell workstation layout so efficient? The reason is that the product can move swiftly from one operation to another, where the same worker can often carry out multiple tasks. U-cell stations consolidate operations, reduce floor space, minimize transport time from station to station, limit unnecessary steps, and reduce reach distances.

3. Adapt to Your Lean Manufacturing Needs with Custom Worktables

Worktables are often used as simple shop tables for assembly work. However, with material handling accessories from FlexMation, you create a working table that adapts to the needs of your employees.

When used as part of a lean manufacturing setup, worktables act as the central piece of the structure. They can then be customized with industrial workstation accessories such as ergonomic equipment, lighting, material handling, and much more.

4. Save Time and Energy with Task-Relevant Work Centers

Centralized work center structures are essential hubs designed to provide workers with easy access to work instructions and KPI information. These stations should group similar operations by cost or activity type for efficient operations. The primary advantage of this structure is that workers save time as they do not have to walk long distances to access information about an operation; it is readily available nearby.

5. ESD-Safe Workstations for Electronic Components 

ESD, an abbreviation for Electrostatic Dissipative, refers to a workstation that possesses anti-static characteristics. It is particularly beneficial for manufacturers that deal with electronic and electric components. Building an ESD workstation is not necessarily more complicated or expensive than building a more common workstation. However, if you’re interested in ESD workstations, you should always select ESD-compliant parts to ensure the safety of your electronic components.

Discover Custom-Designed Workstations from FlexMation 

FlexMation has designed over 6,000 customized industrial workstations and has thousands of satisfied clients ranging from small industrial shops to world-class manufacturers, universities, and research labs. We can help you with workstation design whether you have a complete drawing or are just starting out. Let’s work together to build the perfect workstation for your needs. Contact our office today for a free quote and to learn more about how FlexMation exceeds lean manufacturing goals.

7 Reasons Why Aluminum Process Enclosures Are So Popular

Process enclosures are designed to contain and prevent contamination at testing stations. They can also confine machine, robotic, or laser processes and come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations to meet specific needs similar to machine safety guards and controlled environments, enclosure boxes are essential for safety and efficiency and serve a variety of needs, from web handling and noise mitigation to pressure testing and enclosures for heavy grinding equipment.

When it comes to processing enclosures in lean manufacturing, those of the aluminum variety provide professionals with a host of useful benefits to protect people, processes, and products. Here are just a few of the most helpful benefits of aluminum enclosure boxes.

1. Excellent for Electronics

Due to its exceptional electrical and shielding properties, aluminum is widely used in the production of process enclosures meant to house or protect electronic components. Its versatility and durability make it a top choice in the lean manufacturing industry. Aluminum is a highly conductive metal with the highest electrical conductivity-to-weight ratio among all metals. It is an ideal material for enclosures as it provides excellent RFI / EMI shielding and effectively controls ESD (electrostatic discharge). Additionally, aluminum is a great reflector of externally generated interference, particularly electromagnetic wavelengths of radio and radar.

2. Weight & Strength

Aluminum is a popular choice for constructing enclosures due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that aluminum enclosures are not only lightweight but also strong. Compared to other materials used in enclosure construction, aluminum offers better fracture toughness, making it resistant to impacts, mechanical breakage, and propagation of fractures. Additionally, aluminum does not easily stress, tear, or crack.

3. Resistance to Corrosion

Corrosion is a real issue in the world of manufacturing. Maybe that’s why so many experts choose aluminum process enclosures over alternative options because it’s naturally resistant to corrosive substances like salt water. Aluminum is actually resistant to several substances that cause weathering and can even withstand long-term exposure to UV rays.   

4. Resistance to Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

Aluminum is a versatile and reliable material that maintains consistent characteristics over a wide range of temperatures. It is not only strong and durable but also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which enables it to withstand higher temperatures without distortion. In cold weather, aluminum enclosures do not become brittle or fragile; on the contrary, their tensile strength increases without losing ductility. These features make aluminum an excellent choice in lean manufacturing.

5. High Safety

Aluminum is a highly versatile material that is non-toxic, odorless, tasteless, and non-absorbing. It is also non-sparking, non-magnetic, and non-flammable, making it ideal for use in a variety of specialized environments. For example, aluminum enclosures can be used in a variety of harsh and even sensitive environments, from manufacturing plants to sensitive areas like food prep locations with high sanitary standards. Additionally, aluminum is fully recyclable, which makes it an environmentally-friendly choice for many industries.

6. Heat Dissipation Properties

Aluminum is a popular choice for enclosures due to its superior thermal conductivity. It effectively and efficiently dissipates heat away from electronics and other equipment. Additionally, aluminum boasts a high reflectance to incoming radiated heat, such as sunlight, with a reflectivity of over 80%.

7. Custom-Designed Options

Custom enclosures are typically designed to be specific to a product or process. In order to create the perfect enclosure, our team works closely with clients to develop the concept or can use an already completed drawing. We have the expertise and knowledge to make your custom process enclosure a reality. Unsure where to start or whether an aluminum enclosure box is a better choice than plastic? Contact our office in Minnesota today for a free consultation. It would be our pleasure to answer your questions and learn more about your project and the needs you have in mind.  

The Premier Choice for Aluminum Enclosure Boxes in Minnesota

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners and allies who advance your manufacturing performance. We create beautiful custom industrial workstations, FIFO racks, carts, and other equipment to improve productivity and safety in manufacturing, industrial, and high-tech environments. Simply put: We help you do your job better, safer, faster, and smarter. We also help protect your people, products, and processes with custom aluminum enclosures. And when your most valuable players and products are protected, you benefit from enhanced efficiency and overall productivity.

Curious whether aluminum enclosure boxes are a good fit for you? Give us a call. Whatever your goal, we’ll help you get there. 

Exploring the Advantages of Industrial Gravity Flow Racks

Flow racks have proven to be a highly effective tool for optimizing and modernizing essential tasks, such as inventory management, order picking, and part picking. Companies that have implemented flow racks have experienced increased productivity, effortless organization of packages and parts, and a smoother production process, even in the face of supply chain challenges.

As an authorized distributor of UNEX products, we can confidently say that industrial racks can help companies be more efficient and reduce wasted space. If you’re looking for a way to maximize your workspace to boost productivity and profitability, investing in a flow rack system may be the solution you’re after. But what exactly are flow racks, and how can they help you capture more revenue? We’ll answer those questions and more below.

Flow Racks Explained

Flow racks are incredibly user-friendly both in terms of understanding and operation. These systems work by utilizing gravity to create a dynamic and efficient process for picking and production, as well as for storage in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. With their modern design, flow rack systems help to eliminate common problems that come with traditional static shelving systems.

They are perfect for minimizing storage sprawl and supporting intuitive, ergonomic, and efficient storage, organization, and picking processes for a wide range of industries, including:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  •  Fulfillment
  • Logistics
  • More

How They Work

Flow racks utilize the power of gravity to create efficient conveyor systems for manufacturing and warehousing. Unlike static systems, flow racks provide angled and easily accessible racks that allow for smooth movement of parts and products towards pick points.

This results in reduced travel time and increased pick speeds, enhancing operator efficiency without adding to their workload. Flow racks are an ideal solution for facilities looking to streamline carton flow, improve efficiency, and ensure FIFO stock rotation, as they save space, time, and resources.

Who Benefits Most from Gravity Flow Racks?

Flow racks can enhance operations in many different warehouse settings. Industries such as manufacturing, retail, fulfillment, and logistics are particularly suited for the time and energy-saving advantages provided by flow racks.

Industrial flow racks from FlexMation are particularly useful for businesses that deal with bulky or hazardous products that may be challenging for employees to handle. Plus, their gravity-driven design enables inventory to be stocked, sorted, and retrieved in a way that is ergonomically sound, reducing operator fatigue and the risk of injury.

Three Advantages of Flow Racking in Lean Manufacturing

At FlexMation, reliable feedback is a crucial component in giving our customers the products they truly need to optimize their lean manufacturing initiatives. When we asked customers to tell us some of the biggest benefits of using industrial flow racks, they were happy to oblige.

Customized Modular Solutions

One of the biggest reasons why lean manufacturers choose gravity flow racks is because of their modular design.  Flow racks can be tailored to suit your most intricate and demanding production needs due to their effortless installation process and adaptable design. With a single flow rack, you can establish an independent unit that optimizes carton flow in vital loading zones, or you can merge racks to construct customized, adjustable flow bays that facilitate seamless line changes.

More Facility Space

By using flow racks, facilities can significantly increase their storage space utilization without having to expand their storage areas. This is due to the space-saving design of flow racks which can support a parts and SKU density that is 7x higher than traditional pallet storage systems. In fact, flow racks have been shown to cut travel time in facilities by up to 80%.

Optimized Operator Ergonomics

By utilizing basic physics, flow racks can greatly improve operator ergonomics in warehouse settings. The conveyor systems that are powered by gravity in flow racks help to minimize the need for reaching, bending, lifting, and carrying. This enables workers to increase their pick and production speed while also minimizing fatigue and inefficient or wasted movements.

Additionally, flow racks allow for convenient access and visibility to every part or SKU in the unit, which is not possible with static shelves and pallets that have fixed, inefficient points of pick. The products in flow racks flow forward, which saves workers valuable time and energy that would have been wasted searching and retrieving materials stored out of reach in the back of static systems.

Learn More About UNEX Flow Racks from FlexMation Today

Maximizing space is important for any manufacturing environment. One of the best ways to achieve that goal is by using flow racks to organize important components in your warehouse. Curious if UNEX roller racks are a good fit for your industrial needs? Contact FlexMation today. Whatever your goal, our team of experts will help you get there.

Computer shows the Lightning Pick tool and the various boxes as part of its process.

How Does Error-Proofing Technology Boost Your Accuracy and Efficiency?

Computer shows the Lightning Pick tool and the various boxes as part of its process.

In the world of lean manufacturing, seeking ways to constantly improve is crucial. That’s where error-proofing technology can ensure that your products are built more efficiently and accurately. Eliminating product defects through error-proofing can also result in numerous business benefits, such as improved production output and quality predictability, decreased scrap rates, less redundant and rework inspection, reduced variability, and ultimately, lower costs since the products will be manufactured correctly on the first attempt.

Some of the most common benefits of using error-proofing technology in the manufacturing workplace include:

  • Improve the quality of your products
  • Save money and reduce costs
  • Fewer customer complaints
  • Improved employee morale
  •  Elevated productivity
  •  More accountability for errors
  • Improved transparency

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Those sound like some great benefits. But how do I figure out which error-proofing products or systems are the best for my goals?” At FlexMation, we find the best approach to answering this question starts by examining your company’s specific problems. What are some of the features you need to reduce the pain points you’re experiencing? Once you have that answer, you can nail down your error-proofing system decision. At FlexMation, we have several error-proofing technologies to choose from.

Build2Light™ Pick-To-Light Systems

The Build2Light™ pick-to-light system by Lightning Pick is a reliable solution for error-free parts picking, assembly, kitting, sequencing, and other material handling operations. As humans, we are prone to making mistakes, but with Build2Light, these errors are minimized using light displays that show the correct locations and quantities. This ensures that the right tools and parts are used at the right time. Additionally, the accompanying software coordinates the whole process with your bill of materials, making employee training and new product launches much more efficient.

Benefits of Build2Light™ systems include the following:

  •  Workers spend less time analyzing and notating part numbers.
  • Fewer part number transpositions and reduced operator picking errors.
  • You can reverse this system into a Put-to-Light system. Contact FlexMation for more information.

Digital Assistance Validation Systems (DAVS)

DAVS (Digital Assembly and Verification Systems) are utilized for tasks such as incoming inspection, counting, sorting, and manual assembly stations. The software and system can display comprehensive work instructions, including images of the required tasks to be performed.

Benefits of DAVS include the following:

  • Incorrect locations, items, and work procedures are caught on camera and logged for traceability and quality validation. This process can greatly reduce errors.  
  •  Less experienced workers or new hires can learn faster with fewer errors.
  •  Your company’s accuracy and speed of manufacturing is increased.

Custom Error-Proofing Solutions to Meet Your Lean Manufacturing Goals

At FlexMation, our goal is to be your trusted partner – allies that don’t just supply parts but advance your lean manufacturing performance. At the end of the day, our goal is to help you do your job safer, smarter, and better all around. One of the most effective ways to do so is with error-proofing systems like those listed above.

By offering additional solutions such as custom industrial workstations, FIFO racks, carts, and other equipment, you can improve your company’s productivity and safety, whether you do business in the industrial world or a high-tech environment. Whatever your goal may be, our engineers will help you get there with confidence and one-on-one attention. Ready to get started? Let’s build.

large work stations that are customizable with shelves, visual management options, lights, and drawers.

Improve Your Workplace Efficiency With Custom Workstations

How Custom Workstations Can Improve Your Business

large work stations that are customizable with shelves, visual management options, lights, and drawers.It’s essential to consider the work environment you’re providing at your company. Do you want an open ecosystem that fosters flow and collaboration? A place where employees have enough separation to privately focus on their work? Something completely different than both of these?

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. But the truth is the tools and equipment you provide your employees, such as workstations, need to coincide with your company goals.

The Big Deal About Workstations

Workstations need to be more than tables — They need to serve the company culture. Having a random assortment of tables may be the reality for the early stages of a business, but as a company evolves, so should its workstations.

Implementing workstations that are customized to your space and your employees’ specific job responsibilities will have a variety of benefits, including:

  • Improved workflow thanks to right-sized stations that reduce the amount of wasted space.
  • Increased productivity and efficiency because each station is tailored to job function.
  • Rejuvenated employee wellbeing as a result of new, optimized workspaces.

It’s Time to Make Your Assembly Environment Better

If you’re looking to revamp your assembly area with custom workstations, we can help you make it happen. Workstations and lean work cells are our passion!

The design process starts with an in-depth conversation where we review your goals. We know it’s not just about a workstation — It’s about productivity, growth, and employee wellbeing.

Our Custom Workstation Options Include:

  • Stand-alone workstations, workbenches, and worktables
  • Workcells: Linear, U-shaped, back-to-back
  • Limitless size options
  • Height-adjustable or fixed-height
  • Sleek, high-tech look (because aesthetics are important)
  • Easily reconfigurable, able to change with product lines and future needs
  • Ergonomic designs boost employee well-being and engagement
  • ESD-safe options
  • Endless customizations with accessories
    • Material presentation (onboard or docking)
    • Shelves and bin holders
    • Technology integration
    • Tool organization and visual management
    • Ergonomic, comfort/accessibility accessories
    • Custom-designed fixtures

About FlexMation

We aim to be trusted partners who advance your manufacturing performance. Simply put: We help you make things better, safer, faster, and smarter. We create world-class custom work cells, workstations, FIFO racks, carts, and other equipment to improve productivity and safety in manufacturing, industrial and high-tech environments. Whatever your goal, we’ll help you get there.

Let’s Find Your Solution. Fill Out Our Contact Form to Get Started!

Hovmand lifter carts image large

What Can A Trolley Lift? 5 Different Things

5 Things Lifting Trolleys Can Help You Move

Lifting trolleys (or lifting carts) are extremely valuable in a variety of work environments. They combine powerful lifting ability (starting at 150 lbs.) with easy movement to help manage a variety of different loads.

You want to make sure you keep your crew happy, healthy, and productive? A great start is to increase their lifting capabilities while reducing their back strain. Hovmand lifting trolleys can help you make that happen.

Hovmand lifter carts image large

1) Rolls

Paper, wrapping material, foam, and other materials that come in rolls can be lifted with ease. Learn more here.

2) Drums, Buckets & Canisters

Drums are large and cumbersome, which makes lifting them a struggle. Lifting trolleys can have drum lifter attachments to make lifting, tilting, rotating, and moving them a breeze.

When it comes to hauling small items like buckets, the constant repetition can be rough on a person’s back even if the buckets aren’t terribly heavy.

Lifting trolleys can utilize attachments such as straps, electric grippers, and crane arms to make transporting buckets quick and easy. Learn more here.

Finally, lifting trolleys can haul canisters and assist with the refilling process, which is especially helpful to keep employees safe from potentially hazardous materials.

3) Crates/Containers

You may think transporting and stacking crates is only in manufacturing or warehouse environments. However, many office and retail employees could also use a hand with crates.

Using a lifting cart allows the employee to fluidly move and stack containers on pallets or numerous other locations. Lifting carts for crates can help makes stocking items quick, efficient, and painless.

4) Bowls

If you’ve ever worked in a bakery or a kitchen, you’re well aware that large mixing bowls are constantly being relocated, tipped, cleaned, and more. Your employees are there to cook and bake, not train for a bodybuilding competition. Lifting carts can be used to make it easy to lift, move, and clean bowls. Learn more here.

5) Tires

Car tires are deceptively heavy. They may seem easy to move around, but their awkward shape can lead to jerky movements and there’s serious potential for damaged spines.

Lifting trolleys can be used to not only transport tires but can also be used in the process of assembling them. Learn more here.

Custom Solutions for Lean Manufacturing Process Improvement

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners who advance your lean manufacturing performance. Simply put: We’ll help you make things better, safer, faster, and smarter.

If you’re interested in learning more about how lifting trolleys can improve productivity and increase employee health, we’d be glad to help you.

Let’s Find Your Solution

Movexx tugger walk behing machine shows a man in an industrial setting moving equipment easily and safely.

The Benefits of Having Tugger Carts in The Manufacturing Workspace

4 Reasons Your Manufacturing Area Needs Tugger Carts

Improving productivity and flow is important in any workplace. Whether your company is in manufacturing, construction, medical products, or any other industry, there’s always room to progress.

Manufacturing areas specifically can benefit from upgrading their material movement process. Push-carts and forklifts have been used for decades, but they can be clunky, slow, and inefficient.

The solution? Tugger carts (also called push-pull assists). Here are four reasons your manufacturing company needs them to improve your intralogistics:Movexx tugger walk behing machine shows a man in an industrial setting moving equipment easily and safely.

1) Comfort & Convenience

Tuggers can pull thousands of pounds of material. That’s right, thousands. Depending on the model, tugger carts can carry a load weight of 2,200 – 5,500 lbs.

They also offer ergonomic operation and low noise levels (70 dB). These features keep your employees safe and comfortable!

2) Practicality

Employees can chain together several carts for a “train” behind the tugger, which can replace up to three forklift runs. Carts are also impressively agile and able to quickly shift in and out of tight spaces.

3) Simplicity

Tugger carts require minimal training and no specialized licenses. This means that inexperienced users can learn to operate them easily and safely.

In addition, carts operate on a battery pack instead of a gas engine. This means no fumes to bother employees and minimal maintenance is required.

4) Adaptability

Tugger carts can be modified with attachments like tow bars, hooks, lifters. This makes the carts extremely versatile and enables them to push or pull anything with wheels.

About Us

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners. Allies who advance your manufacturing performance. Simply put: We help you do your job better, safer, faster and smarter.

We manufacture beautiful custom workstations, FIFO racks, carts and other equipment to improve productivity and safety in manufacturing, industrial and high-tech environments. Whatever your goal, we’ll help you get there. Ready? Let’s build.

Learn More About Our Tugger Carts

Manufacturing Company

3 Tips for Improving Productivity in Manufacturing

How to Improve Productivity at Your Manufacturing Company

How to Improve Productivity at your Manufacturing Company

To have a productive business, you need your employees to be efficient and effective. This may seem obvious, but it’s not as common as you’d expect. Many offices, warehouses, and other workplaces struggle to give their employees an environment that empowers them to be productive.

You’ve hired the best people for the job, which should be a good thing, except the team is still struggling to meet demands. It’s frustrating and confusing and you don’t know how to make things better. In this case, it might be time to evaluate your workplace to see where you can make improvements.

Company productivity isn’t entirely on the shoulders of your employees. It’s also based on your willingness to provide them with the best tools to get the job done right. When people have the proper equipment, they become empowered to do their job quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

Here Are 3 Ways to Improve Productivity in the Workplace

1) Workspaces

Employees spend a large amount of their time at their desks. It’s important that they have everything they need and nothing that they don’t. But creating the perfect workstation or workbench is a tricky task.

Workspaces need enough room for employees to have their tools readily available while still being small enough to avoid wasting space. The workstations also need to have the right accessories to ensure proper organization.

2) Material Transport and Flow

How are materials organized and moved around your facility? Here are some important pieces of gear that you need to have:

  • Racks: These are often called Point of Use racks, FIFO racks, and flow racks. Racks can help you free up floor space and store items to make them more accessible.
  • Lifting Carts: These ergonomic trolleys can easily lift heavy items (Over 150 lbs) to save your employees from straining their backs.
  • Push-Pull Assists: Tugger carts eliminate the need to push heavy carts by hand or run a forklift back and forth. This technology is ergonomic, efficient, easy to use, and versatile.

3) Visual Communication and Assembly Line Optimization

Communication is critical for all businesses, but especially for the ones with loud, energetic environments. Lean Visual Management (Signs, information boards, floor markings, etc.) can ensure safety and help keep everyone on the same page with procedures.

To improve the productivity of assembly and end-of-line inspection, it’s worth considering a camera-based assistance system. These systems can be implemented into your existing workspaces and help:

  • Guide employees through each step of the assembly process
  • Optimize manual processes
  • Improve employee morale

About Us

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners who advance your manufacturing performance. Simply put: We help you do your job better, safer, faster and smarter.

We manufacture beautiful custom workstations, FIFO racks, carts, and other equipment to improve productivity and safety in manufacturing, industrial and high-tech environments. Whatever your goal, we’ll help you get there. Ready? Let’s build.

Let’s Find Your Solution!

Unex Gravity Conveyer

Updating Conveyors to Improve Material Flow in Production Environments

How to Improve Flow in Production Environments with Conveyors

Unex Gravity Conveyer

Production is busy, and sometimes it can feel chaotic. To make things easier, many companies use manual conveyors to transport materials (parts, bins, pallets, etc.) throughout their production areas and warehouses.

Conveyor fixtures can be installed on workstations and flow racks to move products between stations more efficiently and make picking and handling processes quicker. They can also be set up independently and be used to move large items, packages, and more throughout a warehouse.

Enter UNEX Gravity Conveyor Rollers

UNEX conveyor rollers are rugged, low-maintenance, and can be easily implemented into your existing conveyor systems. Some benefits of these rollers include:

  • Entirely steel (or aluminum) construction
  • Capability to fit most spaces and layouts
  • Can be made as permanent fixtures or temporary
  • Simple installation
  • And more!

Outdated conveyors can malfunction, cause damage to equipment and materials, and slow down productivity. UNEX conveyor rollers can improve your efficiency and create a state of constant flow in production.

Custom Solutions for Lean Manufacturing Process Improvement

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners who advance your lean manufacturing performance. Simply put: We’ll help you make things better, safer, faster and smarter.

If you’re interested in learning more about how conveyor rollers can increase productivity and improve flow, we’d be glad to help you.

Let’s Find Your Solution

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