In an ever-changing industry where technology thrives and tradition is timeless, workshops in manufacturing come in all different shapes and sizes. A facility that benefits from the ease and functionality of robot arms could be right next door to one that thrives on manual processes. However optimising productivity in line with lean manufacturing is not limited to one or the other. Hoffmann Group UK delve into the 3 things their manufacturing customers do or have done to improve productivity and become lean.
Lean manufacturing can be defined as maximising productivity and minimising waste within a manufacturing facility. The benefits of taking the time to work towards this principle can lead to reduced operating costs, decreased lead times, and improved product quality.
As a manufacturer, Hoffmann group understands the importance of reducing costs and improving service to meet demands and compete on a global scale. As a UK supplier, Hoffmann works alongside its customers to make UK manufacturing more successful by increasing productivity and simplifying procurement of industrial tooling and equipment. Here is 3 things Hoffmann’s customers did to improve their productivity
1. Standardising Tool Kits
We all know the age-old story of lost tools and precious productivity time due to searching for said tool. Hoffmann Group technical specialists work alongside manufacturers to design and create the perfect standardised kit for engineers and operators. From a choice of tool cars and cabinets to designing foam inlays for hand tools, standardising tool kits is a wonderful way to increase team morale through ownership and improve productivity through a decrease in walk and wait time.
Airbus Chester has seen an increase in productivity since standardising their kits. Previously, operators were working out of various boxes to fulfil one role. They said: “our cabinets were not lockable before – now that they are we are seeing fewer missing tools and those that are missing, are quickly identifiable due to the foam inlay designs. Hoffmann’s support and advice has been invaluable in improving our productivity and efficiency.”
2. Cutting Tool Management: Proactive over Reactive
Milling and drilling is at the heart of many manufacturing operations. The star of the show is always the quality and efficiency of cutting tools. As it has such a big part to play, storing cutting tools correctly can help manufacturers save time and money.
ABG Rubber and Plastics in Leicester were having trouble with lost and damaged tooling due how they were previously stored. The manual storage system of basic drawers and cupboards meant the tooling clashed and eventually became unusable. Implementing Hoffmann’s Tool 24 System has transformed how they buy and store their tooling – every tool is logged and has its place. The intuitive system also reports when stock is low with an option to automatically reorder as well. They said: “The system from Hoffmann has allowed us to be proactive rather than reactive, saving us time and money.”
3. Hand Tool Management: Quality over Quantity
With an array of overheads and pressure to cut costs to compete in a global market, it’s understandable why manufacturers look to buy the cheapest hand tools. However, overall, the case is often the lower the cost, the lower quality which means these tools need to be purchased more often.
Don Whitley Scientific have reported significant cost savings on several hand tools purchased at one time since using Hoffmann’s own brand Garant. The durability of the tools means that these hand tools are only being bought on occasion. Alongside foam inlays to reduce and rectify missing tools, Don Whitley Scientific say: “we have improved productivity and saved on cost. We continue to work with Hoffmann because of the quality of their products and the service they provide.”
Want to find out more about how Hoffmann can help you become a lean manufacturer? Contact us now:
Phone: 0121 716 4301