/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130344212z-iw-new.png)
/industry-wired/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/04/2024-12-04t130332454z-iw-new.jpg)
/industry-wired/media/post_attachments/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Manufacturing-equipment.jpg)
Reducing manufacturing equipment downtime is critical to the success of any manufacturing company. Downtime can be caused by various factors, from mechanical failures to power outages. When manufacturing equipment breaks or a power outage occurs, the whole production process can grind to a halt. It can be difficult to keep expenses in check and meet production goals when this happens.
Figuring out how to reduce downtime is no easy task. However, following these steps will help make the process as smooth as possible:
1. Invest In Efficient Conveyor Systems
The first step in reducing downtime is to invest in efficient conveying solutions. Manufacturing equipment can be fed by conveyor belts, buckets, or other devices that will move the products from one machine to another; that's why it plays a critical role in production. It reduces downtime because it keeps production lines running smoothly.
However, some conveying systems still use motorized pulleys or drum motors, which have components prone to wear and tear. If something goes wrong, it can cause downtime. To reduce downtime, invest in efficient magnetic conveyors. These types of conveyors eliminate the use of wear and tear gears that make motorized pulleys or drum motors prone to failure. You may want to visit https://www.onemotion.info/ or other reliable sites to know more about magnet-driven conveyors.
2. Regularly Maintain The Conveyors
After investing in an efficient conveying solution, regular maintenance is always a crucial part of keeping downtime to a minimum. Any damage to the belt or cracks in the frame can cause an interruption in production and lead to unnecessary downtime and equipment damage. Preventing damage is always easier than dealing with it, so make sure you regularly maintain not only the conveyor system but your company's entire manufacturing equipment as well.
3. Keep Your Facility Clean And Organized
Poor facility maintenance causes many production downtime incidents. Dirt, dust, and other debris can clog up conveyors or get stuck in any moving component of the equipment. This can increase possible damage to the machine, so it's important to clean the facility regularly. Simply hosing down floors does not cut it either. It would be best to use a vacuum to get rid of dust and other debris from the crevices of conveyors and any part of a production line's equipment. In addition, check your facility maintenance checklist every day to make sure nothing important is missed.
4. Regularly Update Process Workflow
Each piece of equipment in a production line has a specific role. The production processes workflow will define how each part works with the next and how much time is allotted to each part. Production workflows should be updated regularly as changes are made to the manufacturing process or if the company adds new equipment.
Remember that production operators will only rely on the workflow provided to them. They may not keep up with the changes if you don't update their process workflow even after upgrading or adding new equipment. They might still follow the old processing time even if the changes supposedly improved the process.
5. Train Your Staff On Proper Equipment Usage
Regularly updating process workflow is useless if production operators don't operate the production line's equipment correctly. Training helps production operators avoid common mistakes that can lead to downtime, and it also gives them tips on how to boost production so that they'll have the skills to produce quickly and efficiently. For example, if a production line uses conveyors but the workers are not properly trained to use them, they’ll be inefficient and slow down the entire production process. Worst case scenario, they might even cause the equipment to malfunction.
Thus, highly trained employees are critical to the business. They’re not only more productive but also help keep downtime to a minimum.
6. Have A Backup Plan For When Equipment Goes Down
When equipment malfunctions or if the electricity goes out, every second counts. A backup plan is necessary to reduce downtime because it can potentially save all involved in the production process. Manufacturing companies might need a manual conveyor system that works independently of an electronic one to reduce downtime if there's an electrical interruption during production. The same goes for having extra components on hand just in case they're needed. Being prepared for any problem is the best way to reduce downtime, so consider having backups of the major production line equipment.
Takeaway
The production line should also be clean and organized to reduce downtime caused by debris stuck in equipment, such as conveyors. Production workflow should constantly be updated when anything changes in the manufacturing process or when new pieces of equipment are added. Companies should train employees on how to use the equipment properly and efficiently to reduce downtime. Finally, manual alternatives to the production line equipment in case of an emergency will help keep production going.