One of the largest causes of lost productivity in manufacturing is downtime, which leads to struggles with delays, customer satisfaction, and lost revenue. According to recent Deloitte research, downtime costs industrial manufacturers an estimated $50 billion annually.
Reducing downtime is a critical step toward improving operational efficiency. If you are looking for ways to boost the productivity of your industrial warehouse, the use of high-quality heavy lifting equipment solutions can significantly minimize downtime, reduce safety risks, and improve workflow. Keep reading to find strategies for improving productivity in manufacturing by investing in the right moving equipment, implementing proper training, and more.
Strategies for Improving Productivity
To enhance productivity in manufacturing, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive strategy. We’ve outlined several key approaches to help your team achieve optimal efficiency.
Invest in Single-Branded Equipment
Standardizing your moving equipment by investing in a single brand delivers significant advantages for improving productivity in the manufacturing industry. With a unified system, you’ll benefit from having a single point of contact for moving equipment maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting, eliminating delays caused by incompatible parts or inconsistent servicing processes. This consistency minimizes downtime, reduces total maintenance costs, and ensures seamless warehouse operations.
Choosing a trusted supplier for your industrial dolly, rotating dolly, or other heaving lifting equipment not only saves you time and money — it helps to prevent accidents and prolong the lifespan of your machinery. Additionally, investing in moving equipment from a single supplier simplifies training for your team, supporting immediate productivity and creating a long-term foundation for growth and efficiency in your operations.
Ensure Proper Equipment Selection
Selecting the right moving equipment is critical for ensuring smooth warehouse operations and reducing downtime. Factors such as size, shape, weight limits, load distribution, and floor surfaces must be carefully evaluated. Considering the role maneuverability plays in your industrial lifting needs is also highly important. The correct rotating dolly or industrial jack can mean the difference between a smooth move and one that poses safety risks for your team.
For example: Dollies designed for 90-degree turns and straight paths might suffice for certain tasks, but omnidirectional dollies offer greater flexibility for lateral, diagonal, or 360-degree movement, ideal for warehouses with complex layouts. Considering these factors ensures that an investment in equipment helps a business increase productivity by streamlining moving operations and reducing operational risks.
Implement Comprehensive Training
Comprehensive equipment training is a cornerstone of improving productivity in manufacturing. Ensure your team is trained on equipment operation, best practices for load handling, and safety protocols. A well-trained workforce minimizes the risk of errors and accidents, leading to smoother operations and a safer work environment. Consult with your moving equipment supplier if you are seeking appropriate resources and guidance, as they can provide expert insights, tailored recommendations, and demonstrations to ensure your team maximizes efficiency and safety.
Develop a Proactive Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of accidents and breakdowns while extending the lifespan of your moving equipment, contributing to a reduction in costly downtime and replacement costs. Implementing a proactive maintenance schedule for equipment like industrial jacks ensures they remain safe and efficient. Understanding the maintenance requirements of your specific equipment is key to optimizing the use of machines to increase productivity in your warehouse.
For hydraulic jacks, your daily maintenance checklist should include conducting visual inspections for wear, damage, oil leaks, fluid level changes, and debris. Monthly maintenance items should include lubricating moving parts per manufacturer recommendations, cleaning air vents to avoid dust and debris buildup, and tightening bolts and fittings. Finally, annual maintenance recommendations for hydraulic jacks include performing an oil change using manufacturer-recommended hydraulic fluid, inspecting all components for wear and functionality, and testing lifting capacity.
Optimize Workflow and Project Management
Optimizing your facility’s workflow and project management is essential for improving productivity in manufacturing. Start by evaluating your current processes to identify inefficiencies or gaps in resource allocation. You can make any necessary adjustments to production schedules, reorganize to improve warehouse accessibility, and integrate the right moving equipment to streamline your operations. Incorporating equipment like a rotating dolly or robotic dolly can further enhance workflow, ensuring that your team can navigate tight turns or safely move large, heavy industrial objects like CNC machines. Efficient project management ensures every part of your operation works together as one well-oiled machine, reducing delays and maximizing productivity across your warehouse.
Partner With GKS For Superior Heavy Lifting Solutions
When it comes to heavy lifting, GKS Moving & Lifting Solutions stands out as a trusted partner. Whether you’re ready to invest in an industrial dolly with superior maneuverability or need expert help determining which equipment is best for your operations, GKS can help you make the right choice. Our U.S.-based customer service team partners with you to understand your needs and select equipment that aligns with your goals. You can trust GKS for quality and durability — every GKS product is backed by an extensive warranty and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it will perform exactly as designed.
Contact GKS today to discuss your heavy lifting equipment needs and take the first step toward a more productive and efficient warehouse.
