In today’s fast-paced, ever changing industrial world, the ability to overcome operational challenges is critical. This is why engineered problem solving is a cornerstone of manufacturing excellence. Competitive businesses must utilize engineering principles and analytical methods to identify primary causes in problems and eliminate inefficiencies in order to optimize the entire production process.
From minor disruptions to major disasters, a strategic approach to solving problems facing manufacturers today is necessary for them to remain competitive tomorrow. That’s why advanced, forward looking solutions must be employed to solve the sophisticated problems the manufacturing industry is up against now.
At Maximum Material Handling, we specialize in engineered problem solving. By developing comprehensive solutions to your material handling needs, we can dramatically impact workflow efficiency, safety and cost reduction. Using this method our experienced team can analyze the challenges within your facility and create a detailed plan that’s tailored to your operation.
What is Problem Solving Assistance in Manufacturing?
Engineered problem solving is more than just reorganizing the need for minor changes or simple repairs. It is a systematic, data-driven approach to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Many firms have a “firefighter” approach to problem solving, in that they only address major problems as they arise. Unfortunately, this approach fails to get at the root of the problem and falls short in making any lasting improvements.
To have a real impact, problem solving needs to be comprehensive so that no potential factors are missed. There is always more than one way to investigate and solve a material handling problem, but critical steps include:
- Defining the problem. Collecting operational data, error rates, and other data helps in evaluating the current situation and the scope of the problem, including any related upstream and downstream issues.
- Posing critical questions. Asking questions like “what,” “where,” “when,” “who,” and “how much” help paint a clear picture of the problem.
- Uncovering the “why.” Most problems are multi-layered and there may not be a single, clear-cut cause. For example, the core issue may be masked by symptoms that come from other processes or equipment.
The key to this process is remembering that the details of the application, the materials in question, and the production goals all provide valuable context for the solution that works best for the specific facility and process.
The Benefits of Problem Solving and Our Capabilities
Engineered problem solving goes well beyond merely, “fix it when it’s broken.” It is a much more strategic approach that has a greater effect on operations and your bottom line. At Maximum Material Handling, we use a combination of ingenuity, imagination and determination to convert challenges into opportunities.
Finding Strategies to Reduce Waste
Waste reduction is a positive outcome when engineered problem solving is implemented. Determining exactly what the problem is (and what it isn’t) saves on unnecessary costs associated with labor, damaged materials or equipment, and unplanned interruptions to work.
There may be multiple ways to move material in your facility from one area to another, whether it’s for storage, staging, or processing but it can be difficult to know what equipment you need to complete the task.
For example, you may begin by asking questions like, can I do this with a hoist? Maybe a monorail would be better? Do I need a monorail with switches and curves or will a crane system do the job? I wonder if a below-the-hook device exists to handle my product? Maybe my application is best suited for a manipulator? Maybe I need a combination of these things? What’s the best way to do this without wasting my time, production time, revenue and space?
The answer? Working with a partner like Maximum Material Handling, who understands how to identify these challenges, solve these challenges and can apply this knowledge to your specific facility. That’s a great way to implement lasting change quickly and affordably.
Boosting Efficiency with Automation
Implementing smart solutions can help your company value quality and efficiency more too. With proper problem solving engineering, material handling becomes more efficient with fewer slow downs as supplies are moved from one point to another. Automated systems help reduce human error, and reduce fatigue associated with walking and carrying materials across the facility. The result is shorter cycle times and employees who make fewer errors, both of which boost production and quality.
Improved Productivity and Engagement
By integrating innovative systems for material handling builds a sense of continuous improvement and innovation. Adopting changes that work reliably and have a noticeable impact on productivity often open the metaphorical door to influence creative thinking and problem solving in other areas of work too, which builds morale and engagement.
Why Choose Maximum Material Handling?
How easily parts, materials, and supplies make their way around a facility has a big impact on productivity and throughput. Whether you’re scaling up production or just noticing bottlenecks that never seem to resolve, the experts at Maximum Material Handling can help with problem solving services.
Our systematic approach ensures that all relevant factors are considered, and all solutions are designed with your company and your goals in mind. Contact us to discuss the challenges and possible solutions at your facility, or request a quote to get started.