For outsiders, the first image that comes to mind when thinking about the manufacturing industry is a still picture from the Industrial Revolution. Huge coal-burning chimneys, workforce exposed to high risks, and overall hard, strength-demanding tasks. The reality couldn’t be further away from these visions from another era! Indeed, the manufacturing sector is at an exciting time. Things have evolved – considerably compared to the Industrial Revolution times. Employees who have joined the industry 20 years ago have witnessed fantastic transformations. But for manufacturing businesses, the current self-isolation policy can lead to a slow pace. However, now is the best time to seize the opportunity for more essential improvements. Bringing innovation, enhancement, and high-quality to your team begins with simple switches.
Set maintenance schedule for industrial machinery
Keeping on top of machinery maintenance schedules is tricky at the best of times. However, the temporary reduction in activities can let you arrange for necessary checks and repairs that you might have been postponing until now. The industrial boiler, for instance, can benefit from the change of pace. You can make time for necessary maintenance work without affecting your teams. The same principle applies to heavy machinery and engines that are not in use during the lockdown. You can hire professionals to proceed to deep cleaning and replace all worn parts – when the parts are available. Alternatively, many professionals can also build replacement parts.
Connect your workshops
Workshop stations need to be connected at all times. A sudden change in production can affect the rest of the work, so it’s imperative for your teams to maintain regular contact. But, rather than relying on mobile phones and emails, you could use the downtime to introduce grippers tracks, using a pneumatic actuator to build a pick-up and drop-down system. Grippers are especially useful to transport delicate and small components rapidly to other parts of the production line.
Maintain technology investments
It’s hard to think about investment when your company goes into lockdown. However, innovation shows no sign of slowing down. Consequently, if you’re going to keep your business afloat, you need to make sure it’s equipped to hit the ground running when everything is over. Maintaining your innovation investments can help you to sustain growth and meet future demand. From cutting-edge technology to increased automation structure now’s the time to seize your chance.
Make it accessible to all
The problem with manufacturing industries is that the general public often misunderstands them. Even though everybody relies on your expertise to keep their car on the road or build essential appliances, for instance, laypeople have no idea of your involvement in their everyday lives. As a result, your brand reputation is low in the market. Only specialists know about your industry. Boosting your brand awareness can help drive sales and influence after the lockdown. You can create online resources for every target audience. Pithy content that briefly introduces your business and its applications in everyday situations can reach a broad audience. Detailed and technical tutorials, trouble-shooting materials, and documentation can be published to support engineers who use your products regularly.
Self-isolation affects every business. However, the temporary pause in your activities can be an opportunity for improvement. Investing in your manufacturing industry is an effective strategy that can prepare you for the end of the lockdown.
