Manufacturing is an important part of a country’s economy. It creates value in products and services and drives innovation. For businesses looking to get into manufacturing, it is essential that they have a deep understanding of the industry before they begin their venture. With careful planning and comprehensive knowledge of the manufacturing process, there is a great opportunity to create successful and profitable businesses.
Understanding the different stages of manufacturing, and the resources involved in each one can help you decide if it is the right fit for your business. With the right level of expertise and dedication, manufacturers can build an international reputation as well as sustain their brand and profitability over the long term. So here’s our expert manufacturing guide!
Table of content:
- What Does The Manufacturing Process Involve
- The Risks in Manufacturing
- The Benefits of Manufacturing for SMEs
- How To Get Started In Manufacturing
- Different Types Of Manufacturing Processes
- How Can an Inventory Management Software Help You Grow
- Resources
- Conclusion
What Does it Involve?
The process of curating products by hand or machine and then selling them to a customer is known as manufacturing. Manufacturing is typically done on a large-scale production line using machinery and skilled labor. It is a straightforward business in which the owner purchases raw materials or component parts in order to produce a finished product. The manufacturer must cover costs, meet demand, and produce a product to supply the market in order to function as a business.
What About The Risks?
The manufacturing process also includes some risks. If you supply too much, you will flood the market, causing a drop in price and profits. Quality control is also an important aspect of successful manufacturing. The manufacturer will need to keep a close eye on product quality from start to finish, with numerous tests along the way. This will help him avoid long-term consequences.
A manufacturing company may require many parts for the complicated assembly of a quality product. Reducing risks requires keeping production costs to a minimum, having good quality control, and having excellent sales management.
To ensure that all of these aspects are taken into account, the manufacturer must be able to effectively manage every aspect of their manufacturing process. There are four main categories of manufacturing processes: planning and design, production, delivery of goods, and sales. In order for a business to successfully flourish in the long term, there’s the need to carefully plan and execute each step to the highest standard.
The Benefits of Manufacturing for SMEs
1. Lower Manufacturing Costs
Creating a flow by sorting the materials, tools, supplies, and equipment needed for production and eliminating waste can result in reduced inventory space (up to 70% WIP) and increased available work area. Identifying and eliminating waste in the 5Ms (Man, Machine, Method, Material, and Management) results in cost savings.
2. Increased Efficiency
Organizing tools, materials, machinery, and workstations in accordance with the production procedure creates a path in the work area. This eliminates production misspend, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency of up to 30% – 40%. The proper organization can also eliminate/reduce human interference in production.
3. Limited Reserve Requirements
The ability to implement these improvements on a regular basis in the manufacturing process results in less engineering time, waste materials, and labor. Strategic production planning can eliminate waste, requiring less capital.
4. Reduced Time-to-Market
The effective utilization of resources and strategically planned production results in reduced development time, allowing for products to reach the market faster.
5. Improved Quality
With fewer interruptions and less waste, there is an improvement in overall quality as well as consistency. Technology advancements such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) help to streamline production processes, resulting in a decrease in defective products.
6. Reduced Risk
Implementing lean manufacturing techniques can reduce the risk of mistakes and human error during production. It also reduces the time-to-market thus mitigating potential losses associated with launching a product late.
7. Improved Flexibility and Agility
Lean manufacturing gives SMEs the flexibility to adjust quickly to changing customer demands or market conditions. This can happen without incurring additional costs, allowing them to stay competitive. It also provides them with the agility needed to create new products faster than their competitors, improving their chances of success in the market.
8. Better Financial Management
Lean manufacturing leads to improved cash flow management, as well as better inventory management. This helps businesses reduce their costs and increase profitability.
Overall, lean manufacturing provides SMEs with numerous advantages that can help them compete more effectively in the global marketplace. It allows them to operate more efficiently, reduce costs and improve the quality of their products. It also gives them the agility and flexibility needed to respond quickly to changing customer needs or market conditions. Finally, lean manufacturing can help businesses manage their finances more efficiently and increase their profitability. With all these benefits, it is no wonder why SMEs are turning to lean manufacturing as a way to remain competitive and profitable.
How to Get Started in Manufacturing?
1. Construct a mutually satisfactory alliance
The big manufacturers may not take you seriously enough as a start-up. The amount of business you bring to their table is also insignificant. As a result, you must create an incentive for the manufacturer to collaborate with you.
2. Start slowly
It takes a significant amount of time and money to establish your own manufacturing facility. You cannot afford to make mistakes. Cricket Allen, founder of The Perfect Snaque, believes that entrepreneurs should avoid risks in the early stages by leasing or renting space and equipment rather than purchasing them outright.
3. Conduct a study
Whether you are looking for a manufacturer or establishing your own manufacturing unit, you must conduct extensive research before making a decision. Trade journals and trade shows are excellent places to conduct research and network with manufacturers.
4. Have existing potential partnering
Rather than focusing on just one good vendor, have several reliable options. The founder of Pretty Pushers advised having a list of vendors and alternating among them for risk diversification and competitive pricing.
5. Look for potential partnerships
Many experienced entrepreneurs advise looking for potential partnering with other companies in the industry that may have the capacity to manufacture your products. This way, you can work together and generate more business opportunities.
6. Develop a sustainable relationship
Establishing a healthy relationship between you and your manufacturer is essential for success. You must find a balance between providing quality materials and services at competitive prices. Regular communication is key to developing a successful relationship with any manufacturer.
7. Secure your intellectual property
In order to protect yourself from potential legal issues, make sure that your Intellectual Property (IP) is secure with the manufacturer you choose. This means that all documents, designs, and ideas related to your product should be legally protected.
8. Be flexible and open-minded
You may have a vision of what you want from your manufacturer, but it’s important to remain flexible and open-minded in order to get the best results. Listen to the advice of experienced manufacturers and don’t be afraid to make changes if necessary. Furthermore, be willing to compromise in order to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
9. Stay organized
Although the process of finding a manufacturer can be overwhelming, it’s important to stay organized and keep track of all documents related to your product. Keep detailed records such as quotes, contracts, and delivery dates so that you can easily refer back if needed.
Different Types of Manufacturing Processes
Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a process designed to help manufacturers reduce waste and increase efficiency. It focuses on using fewer resources than traditional production while still meeting customer demand. This involves streamlining processes, reducing inventory, and eliminating activities that don’t add value or don’t directly contribute to the product or service.
Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM)
Quick-response manufacturing is an important part of modern production. It uses a combination of lean manufacturing principles and Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory systems. This combination helps in reducing lead times, increasing throughput, and improving customer satisfaction. QRM focuses on reducing the amount of time it takes to manufacture a product from start to finish and is designed to improve customer responsiveness.
Continuous Flow Manufacturing
Continuous flow manufacturing, or CFM, is a production method that works well for products with high levels of demand. This type of process involves machinery that operates at a steady rate and never stops until the end product is complete. The goal of CFM is to reduce downtime and optimize production flow by ensuring that the product moves quickly from station to station.
Agile Manufacturing
Agile manufacturing refers to a system that is designed for quick changeovers, short lead times, and small batch sizes. It combines the best elements of a job shop, discrete, and batch processes. It provides manufacturers with the flexibility and responsiveness needed in today’s fast-paced market. Agile manufacturing systems are designed to
- Reduce costs
- Improve product quality
- Increase throughput
- Providing customers with a higher level of service
Just-in-Time Manufacturing
Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing is a production method that focuses on reducing inventory and increasing efficiency by producing only what is needed when it is needed. This process involves scheduling the production of components and materials just before they are required in the final assembly process, eliminating wasted time, labor, and money. JIT can also improve quality because there are fewer opportunities for errors due to materials being delivered just in time.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a set of techniques designed to help businesses improve their processes and reduce waste. This method focuses on identifying and eliminating variability in production processes, improving quality control, and increasing efficiency by reducing variation. Six Sigma is used in many production processes to ensure that the highest quality products are manufactured with the least amount of waste.
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is a term used to describe the current trend in manufacturing technology, which involves using digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to improve efficiency and create more personalized customer experiences. By implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, manufacturers can increase productivity, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Job Shop Manufacturing
Job shop manufacturing employs production areas rather than an assembly line and is commonly used for small-batch, custom products made-to-order for specific clients or customers. These workstations may specialize in one or a few products, such as a custom shoemaker or commercial printing press, and offer the ability to easily customize the final product.
Discrete Manufacturing
Although discrete manufacturing employs an assembly or production line, it is far more diverse than repetitive manufacturing and allows for more frequent changeover and variation. With discrete manufacturing, a company can have multiple styles, sizes, or modifications for a product, though this often means that production takes longer due to extra setup or removal as needed.
3D Printing
Many in the industry now consider 3D printing to be a sixth manufacturing process that is widely used. 3D printing, which was invented in the 1980s, uses various composites and materials such as plastics and metals to create three-dimensional goods layer by layer based on a digital model rather than physical labor or mechanization. This field has seen tremendous growth, with dozens of equipment manufacturers and hundreds of thousands of 3D-printed items already on the market.
Repetitive Manufacturing
This manufacturing method employs dedicated production lines that all work on the same product or component all day, every day of the year. You can match operation speeds to customer demand or client requirements to make more or fewer items because there is so little changeover and setup.
Batch Process Manufacturing
Similar to discrete and job-shop manufacturing processes, batch-process manufacturing is driven by customer demand or the availability of ingredients and raw materials. One manufacturing run may produce a batch large enough to meet client demands, so you complete production, clean the equipment, and resume when another batch is required.
These are just a few of the production methods used by SMEs today. Understanding these techniques is essential for any business that wants to remain competitive and succeed in the manufacturing industry. By leveraging the right production methods, SMEs can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
How Can an Inventory Management Software Help a Manufacturing Business Grow
An inventory management software can be a powerful tool for manufacturers looking to manage and grow their business. With an inventory management system, manufacturers can track what products they have in stock when items need to be replenished, and how much it costs to produce each item. This information can help manufacturers make informed decisions on pricing, production scheduling, and customer service.
Furthermore, manufacturing inventory management software can provide invaluable insights into customer demand trends and fluctuations which can be used to adjust production accordingly. With the right inventory management system in place, manufacturers can dramatically improve their efficiency and profitability by reducing costs associated with overproduction or understocking. By utilizing the data provided by an inventory management software to make informed decisions, manufacturers can ensure that their products are in stock when customers need them and production costs are kept to a minimum. In short, an inventory management system can be a valuable asset for any manufacturing business looking to stay competitive in today’s market.
Through proper use of an inventory management software, manufacturers can benefit from increased visibility into their operations, improved customer service, more efficient production scheduling, and faster access to critical data. Additionally, an inventory management system can help manufacturers identify issues early on before they become major problems. By responding quickly to changes in demand and supply levels, manufacturers can ensure that their products are always in stock when customers need them without overstocking or wasting resources. In this way, manufacturers can save time and money while delivering high-quality goods to their customers. With the right inventory management software in place, any manufacturing business can experience significant growth.
*Terms & Conditions apply
Resources and Support Available to Help SMEs Succeed in Manufacturing
- The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a study sponsor, is a nationwide network of more than 70 non-profit centers spread across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. They are linked through NIST and provide access to over 2,000 manufacturing and business specialists with hands-on experience. Each facility has its own identity, with names such as the Florida Suncoast Manufacturing Technology Center.
- Another study sponsor is the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), a national technical service provider. The institute operates four locations in West Virginia and serves Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. RCBI was established by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop a quality, just-in-time manufacturing supplier base for the United States Department of Defense and its prime contractors.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also plays a role in helping SMEs succeed in manufacturing. It provides financial assistance, including loan guarantees and venture capital programs. The SBA also offers training and counseling services, as well as access to educational and research resources. In addition, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, which is part of the SBA’s Office of Innovation & Technology, works with representatives from small-to-medium-sized manufacturers. Its goal is to improve its competitiveness in today’s global market.
- Finally, the Manufacturing USA network of institutes provides a platform for SMEs to interact with large corporations, government agencies, and universities. Through this platform, SMEs can access resources such as knowledge sharing, mentoring support, and technology transfer services. Additionally, the institute’s infrastructure enables companies to develop new products or processes more quickly and easily than ever before.
All in all
In conclusion, there are many resources available to help SMEs succeed in manufacturing. By taking advantage of these resources, such as the MEP and RCBI, as well as training and counseling services from the SBA, SMEs can increase their competitiveness and grow their businesses in today’s global market. Additionally, by leveraging the resources of the Manufacturing USA network, SMEs can benefit from access to advanced technologies and research opportunities. By taking advantage of these resources, SMEs can remain competitive and grow their businesses in today’s global environment. Finally, it is important for SMEs to remember that they cannot do it alone—they must work with partners and build relationships in order to succeed.
Author’s Bio
Purushottam Raj Gaurav is part of a talented team of content writers working at Emergen Research, fastest growing market research firm in the industry. He has experience in developing quality content and is currently involved in writing articles, press releases, and blogs for the company. He is highly motivated and enjoys putting ideas and thoughts into words to enable the reader to experience a seamless perusal.