Manufacturing Operations Management Best Practices and Strategies

June 21st 2022 11:00:00 AM



people in manufacturing environment operating eqipment

How a manufacturer maintains its manufacturing operations plays a significant role in its success. Manufacturing operations management is about optimizing production. Its goal is to make the best quality products at the most economical price as quickly as possible. The scope of manufacturing operations management includes production, quality control, equipment maintenance, and inventory.

Examples of Manufacturing Operations

The following are specific examples of manufacturing operations:

Production Planning: Managers determine the company will make a particular product, and they decide the details at the company facility.

Production Control : After manufacturing gets underway, managers continually monitor the process. They make any necessary changes to it.

Inventory Control: Team members must keep on top of inventory tomirror the pace of customer orders. Managers determine whether to increase orders or slow down based on the company’s needs.

Quality Control: Company managers monitor the quality of the company’s products. They must change the production process to address any issues, so customer satisfaction remains high.

Benefits of Good Manufacturing Operations Management

Why would a business invest the time and money to ensure it performs the above functions well? Here are some excellent reasons to make that business move:

  • Less Waste

Effective manufacturing management helps the company make better use of its raw materials. The company ends up with less waste as a result.

  • Improved Product Quality

Manufacturing management minimizes damage to raw materials, leading to better quality products. 

  • Better Customer Satisfaction Rates

Higher quality products improve customer satisfaction. The company grows as satisfied customers place more orders for products.

  • More Efficient Use of Employees

Manufacturing operations management encourages departments and teams within the company to work together. This type of cooperation increases efficiencies throughout the company.

  • More Effective Compliance

The company will find it much easier to follow all applicable government regulations. The business will be more likely to avoid paying fines and other penalties. 

  • Higher Profits

When manufacturing operations management is working welland all the elements are running smoothly, the company’s profits will increase over time.

Best Practices in Manufacturing Operations Management

Successful manufacturing companies use automation in their operations. They make decisions based on current data and financial information. They are constantly tracking KPIs (key performance indicators).

1. Create a culture where safety is a priority.

Employees working in manufacturing are in an industry where they are exposed to some risks daily. Safety needs to be a priority for everyone in the facility. Each employee must understand the role safety plays when working with machinery and following processes carefully in the workplace.

2. Put a risk management strategy in place.

A company risk management strategy assists in identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating risks. Productivity can improve, and accountability can remain a priority alongside an effective risk management strategy for your company. The risk management strategy allows your team to assess processes and make changes to reduce risks. 

3. Provide cross-training for employees.

Employee training programs include on-the-job training, classroom training, and online courses. Cross-training increases company productivity and makes employees’ work more exciting and engaging. It also reduces the risk of injuries and increases team members’ understanding of how plant jobs are interconnected.

4. Standardize plant floor techniques. 

The “5S” of standardized work—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—provides employees with clear instructions about how to perform each job on the plant floor. This technique organizes the workplace to boost productivity and bring minor problems to light before they become larger ones.

The 5S standard is also adequate for adding cleaning to minimize COVID-19 virus transmission. 

5. Use manufacturing operations management software for tracking processes in your company.

How do you know whether your manufacturing operation is performing well? Track your results and look for increases in raw material usage, equipment effectiveness, and on-time deliveries. These improvements in your manufacturing operation can indicate more financial success for the company and higher customer satisfaction levels. 

Scanco Has Operations Management Solutions for All Types of Manufacturers

Scanco has manufacturing software solutions for customers who wish to begin automating their job management functions. We also have solutions for companies looking to upgrade their current automation system.

Sage Operations Management is our comprehensive solution for automating job management for manufacturing, installation, and field service customers. It works with Sage 100 for operations and financial information. Operations Management is our recommended option for small-to-medium-sized companies.

Manufacturing 100 is the perfect option if your goal is to increase efficiency in your operation. It allows your team to eliminate manual tasks by upgrading to mobile scanning and automation throughout your warehouse. The barcode data collection capability allows your team to track materials, labor, timecards, status updates, and finished goods.

We understand that your manufacturing business may be similar to others in your field. Still, it’s not the same as any other. We make it easy for our customers to find the exact solutions to help them with their current challenges and nothing they don’t want or need.

To discover what solution or modules will fit your current needs best, we invite you to watch this video, Sage 100 Can Be Confusing. Let Scanco Demystify Manufacturing, to learn more.

Contact Scanco to Discover More About Your Operations Management Options

Do you have questions about which Scanco operations management solution is right for your manufacturing business? Contact us online or call (330) 645-9959 to make an appointment with a Scanco Solutions Expert to take the next step today.

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