If you're like most manufacturers, you don't track order-processing. Yet focusing on this performance metric can identify operational inefficiencies that are cost-cutting opportunities. And continued monitoring lets you keep those costs in check and predict future outlays.
In the News
One of the most nerve-wracking experiences in a manufacturing executive's career is when an Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) inspector shows up at the door and says something like: "We received a complaint, and we'd like to take a look around."
No matter how careful your manufacturing company and your workers are, accidents and injuries can still happen. When they do, responding properly is an important factor in keeping your workers' compensation costs under control.
6 Steps
Here are six steps to take when an injury occurs:
Do you ever get an uneasy feeling that your purchasing system is out of whack? Are you concerned that expenditures are being made on your company's behalf that would never meet with your approval?
If you're like most manufacturers, your on-time delivery rate could use some improvement. This is most critical in a just-in-time environment. But it can be an issue for every manufacturer in terms of building customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge.
5 Ways to Improve Timeliness
It's a rare business owner who doesn't want to improve profits and boost cash flow by reducing the carrying cost of inventory. Here are two cutting-edge ways to help you manage inventory more efficiently.
By law, all manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers must notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) if they obtain information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product:
In the ever-expanding global economy, nothing about suppliers or distributors can be taken for granted. As illustrated by the numerous high-profile recalls that have occurred, manufacturers outsourcing to foreign countries must maintain quality control in their supply chains.
In many manufacturing plants, a parts room occupies considerable space, uses non-value-added staff and takes employees away from their jobs to get the supplies they need. Is there a more-efficient setup? Some plants are switching to satellite stocking programs to be more nimble and cost effective.