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Efficiency has always been considered among the top goals in manufacturing, but in a global, online economy, the need to improve efficiency is a never-ending quest. Nowhere is this more true than in pallet manufacturing, as the aforementioned digital and global economies constantly call for more logistics resources.
Pallet manufacturers have had to contend with a growing demand for warehousing as online and physical retail have merged into a hybrid of sorts. Promises of ever-increasing delivery speeds from giants like Amazon have required more warehousing operations across greater swaths of the planet.
On the one hand, this growth has been good for pallet manufacturers. After all, growing demand means growing opportunities.
On the other hand, these demands have placed a strain on pallet manufacturers and warehouse managers, who need to get more done in less time, sometimes with fewer resources. When efficiency is properly planned and executed, it can greatly enhance operational efficiency in both sectors. Still, when executed poorly, it can create a situation in which everyone is constantly playing catch-up.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do If you work in pallet manufacturing and have found yourself in the latter position. Below are some tips for improving operational efficiency in pallet production:
Just like value selling focuses on maximizing the value or use you can get out of a product or service, efficiency is about maximizing the time and resources you can use to get more done. When it comes to tips for improving efficiency in pallet production, you can look for ways to get the most value out of the resources at your disposal.
For example, take a look at your warehouse layout. Is there any vertical space that isn’t being used or used to its fullest potential? Are there ways to tweak your load and unload areas to make movement through these spaces more efficient?
Even shaving off a few seconds here and there can speed things up, and better space utilization and inventory management can add up over time. As a bonus, making small changes can lead to increased storage space and, in some cases, reduce manual labor requirements.
When increased efficiency is the goal, pallet, and warehouse operations can benefit from the implementation of management systems. These systems can be implemented using software, and software solutions for managing pallet and warehouse operations can usually scale with growth.
A management system may contain features like inventory management, human capital management, tracking and tagging capabilities, and more. Because of the varied features available, it’s generally a good idea to compare solutions before implementing one into your operations. You’ll want to think about the features that are beneficial for improving overall warehouse efficiency now. Still, you’ll also want to think about what features you may need as your operation evolves.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in management software has also become a hot topic in recent years. Using AI, your management software may be able to analyze labor spending and your operation's throughput to pinpoint ways to reduce labor costs while also reducing waste. AI can also improve product handling procedures, and the use of these types of technologies generally increases productivity as a whole.
One of the easiest and yet most overlooked tips for improving operational efficiency in pallet production is soliciting feedback from team members. The professionals you work with each day who are directly involved in the manufacture and handling of pallets are usually the people with the best insights, as they are intimately familiar with your processes.
As a result, take some time to meet with your team members on a regular basis. Consider developing a review or survey process through which team members can provide feedback. You can also hold one-on-one sessions regularly to discuss ideas to improve efficiency. You will likely find that your workers can offer a fresh perspective that metrics on a spreadsheet can’t match.
If you haven’t already, standardize procedures surrounding pallet sizes, handling procedures, and anything else you can think of to create more efficient processes. This is especially true when processing online orders. Even if you provide custom pallet manufacturing, you can still create standardized procedures for your ordering process, parts storage, raw materials handling, and more.
Online orders for pallets are increasingly popular these days, so if your company offers that option, make sure its website features a streamlined ordering process. Standardized pallet sizes would be a good place to start, but also consider the questions you ask customers purchasing custom pallet sizes.
For instance, do the questions asked on your website make sense to the average buyer? Are there too many or too few questions involved in the custom pallet ordering process? Can you combine or separate questions to avoid mistakes and hassles? Making the ordering process easy for the customer is just as important as making it easy for your team to get the right information to avoid mistakes and re-manufacturing.
Although the above tips for improving operational efficiency in pallet production can be helpful, they can also require time to plan and implement. Many pallet operations managers and logistics experts have little time these days to spend on analysis, meaning it might make more sense to work with a professional to improve efficiency and grow your business. Working with a professional not only saves time but can also bring an outside perspective to your efforts, potentially improving your final strategy.
To partner with an expert who can help with marketing pallets and pallet services to your target markets, contact the pros at Pallet Company Marketing. We specialize in targeted solutions designed to enhance your pallet company’s reach and engagement with customers. We’re dedicated to improving pallet businesses, and we can help you find ways to maximize your digital resources.
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