Industrial design has served as an important part of manufacturing for more than 60 years.
Historically, manufacturers have based floor plan designs on efficient processes. However, there’s an increasing shift toward designing floor plans with more consideration for employee needs.
Keep reading to learn more about how to optimise your industrial design operations.
The Growing Demand for Industrial Design Optimisation
Today, companies might ask an industrial designer about creating a different kind of industrial space. Employers want spaces that are attractive to employees. Moreover, they want their spaces to work better instead of giving their competitors an advantage.
The work environment is also becoming more important to potential employees. A growing number of job candidates are choosing companies based on the work environment. As a result, the views of manufacturers around the world are shifting.
The Benefits of Optimised Industrial Design
Everyone wants to feel connected—especially in the wake of the pandemic. People want a feeling of community. Also, employees want to feel important and valued by their company.
Process-oriented facilities can make employees feel as though they’re working in a prison-like environment. Instead, employees should have a positive feeling from the moment they walk through the door.
Part of this includes building a sense of equality. For instance, your facility should have a single entrance for all workers. This is better than one for production and a separate one for administration.
A New Paradigm: From Processes to People
There are many forces impacting product manufacturing. Firms must work under a stricter regulatory environment.
There’s also a higher demand for products. In addition, more manufacturers are creating products for direct-to-consumer sales.
What’s more, those products are more personalised. In addition, consumers want sustainability in their goods. On top of all this, companies must manage an increasing shortage of skilled talent.
The Factors Influencing Optimisation
Together, these forces are making companies recognise they need revolutionary change. As a result, many companies have plans to install or upgrade their packaging and manufacturing lines.
They want to increase the flexibility of their companies. Firms want to expand the use of innovations, such as:
- Automation
- Blockchain
- Digital technology
- The Internet of Things
Cost is always a concern when investigating new technology. However, you could end up generating more expenses in the long run if you focus solely on upfront costs.
Considering Modern Equipment
The total cost of ownership for equipment and a new facility is only part of the equation, but it’s important. Still, you must look beyond the purchase price of a new factory layout. You must quantify the real cost of owning and operating a redesigned floor.
You must think about things like machine footprint. Also, you must think about heightened hygiene requirements. You must also consider ongoing cleaning and sanitation.
In addition, you must also think about a more efficient operating environment. Likewise, you must consider training and learning curves for your employees. Finally, you must consider about ongoing consumables needed to keep your facility going.
Assessing Possibilities for Optimisation
Today, companies are finding efficiencies using new tech like cloud-based platforms. They’re using technology to share information seamlessly and securely between departments. They’re also sharing information with external partners more easily.
Technology creates a more efficient manufacturing process and an integrated approach. It empowers you to build smart products for your customers. These products gather data and enable you to create an ongoing series of improved products.
Leveraging New Digital Tools
You must consider these points and reimagine your value proposition. When you redefine your floor, you can also redefine the role you play in your industry.
There are many innovations that can help you do more and do better. These innovations include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud-based platforms
- Compute power
Today, technology is an experimental playground for engineers and designers. Now, you can replace many of your physical processes with digital simulations.
This ability enables you to create endless iterations until you reach the desired outcome. You now have innovative options like assessing heat distribution using thermal analysis. You can even model granular flows with discrete element modelling.
Adding Personalised Touches
Most of all, you must put your people before technology and equipment. With this in mind, it’s critical to solicit associate input. Your staff can inform you about the kind of changes that will make their jobs easier and make them feel valued.
For instance, surveys might reveal your employees would appreciate an expanded dining facility with outdoor seating. It might also compel you to consider a community garden where employees can grow their own herbs or flowers. Your staff might even request a fitness trail surrounding a nearby fishing pond.
Your employees might even ask for something more straightforward. For example, they might request a centralised dining facility that’s closer to the work floor. With this facility, they would find it easier to enjoy a full break.
You can deliver a favourable employee experience resulting in increased engagement by using their input to shape your new industrial design strategy.
Your Partner for Building the Next Chapter of Your Organisation
You now know more about how to optimise your industrial design operations. If you want to optimise the waste management section of your facility, trust ANIS Trend.
We’ve served many industries for more than 25 years. We’re an internationally recognised machine-building company.
ANIS Trend can help you create an efficient system for managing communal, packaging, and industrial waste. Feel free to learn more about our full line of waste management products.
