How the 5S Principle Promotes Productivity in Metal Fabrication Service Delivery
The metal fabrication industry in Australia has become highly competitive, which has exposed modern fabrication shops to unique challenges. It has made it difficult for new fabricators to weather the stiff competition and achieve the desired success. The situation can be partly attributed to the increased demand for experienced metal fabrication services by construction companies. However, it is not all gloom and doom for new metal fabricators, especially if you are open to applying the 5S principles of lean manufacturing. This article highlights how start-up fabricators can benefit from using the 5S principles for unrivalled service delivery.
Eliminate Metal Waste -- There is nothing wrong with metal waste, mainly if it can be recycled. However, metal fabrication is different from standard manufacturing processes where industrial waste can be recycled instantaneously. Recycling metallic products is time-consuming. The reason for this is that metallic waste must be smelted to achieve the desired form before fabrication. Since the 5S principle advocates for sorting and setting, fabricators can eliminate waste significantly. For example, setting a metal sheet to the desired dimensions enhances efficiency and reduces wastage. Sorting promotes collective recycling of metal products with similar attributes.
Reduced Waiting Time -- When a client places an order for a metal product, the least you can do is deliver the product on time. Unfortunately, it can be easy to struggle with schedules, especially those that take up multiple fabrication projects at a time. While you should start small, there is nothing wrong with working on several projects if you can effectively sort, set, standardise and sustain each fabrication project. It means that all fabrication tools and equipment should be within reach and the workstation should be free of obstacles. Not only do these conditions improve workflow on a fabrication floor, but it also eliminates waiting time or reduces it significantly.
Quality Control -- There is no room for substandard metal products given the stiff competition in the metal fabrication industry. Therefore, you must strive to deliver quality services and products to each customer regardless of their order quantity. However, it can be easy to overlook quality assurance, especially on huge orders, especially if you have not standardised your metal fabrication process. The 5S principles of lean manufacturing encourage fabricators to put in place quality standards for employees to assimilate. For example, all load-bearing metal products, such as staircases, must conform to Australia's structural steel welding standard AS/NZS 1554.7. Such standardisation ensures you produce metal products that meet unique application requirements.
To learn more, contact a metal fabrication service.
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