Manufacturing companies have always faced pressure to operate facilities efficiently, but the need to contain costs has recently taken on a new dimension for facilities management (FM) teams. Corporate sustainability mandates, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and shifting market forces have added new layers of complexity to keeping costs in check.
Luckily, many strategies companies can use to save money can also tackle these other challenges, such as improving energy efficiency and bridging workforce skills gaps. Manufacturers can turn headaches into advantages by harnessing the power of data, cutting-edge technology, automation, and continuous process improvement.
How can companies use these tools to drive efficiencies throughout their facilities?
2. Streamline processes with technology
In today’s challenging labor landscape, smart investments in technology can help bridge gaps in worker availability and skills. For example, some companies use artificial intelligence (AI), as well as augmented and virtual reality devices or digital twin technology, which enable experienced technicians to help troubleshoot equipment issues remotely.
Cleaning and landscaping robots and sensor technologies can also boost efficiency. For example, in manufacturing facilities with clean rooms, such as semiconductor plants, FM teams must suit up every time they service the room, which can take 15-20 precious minutes multiple times a day. Proximity sensors can alert the FM team when service is needed — such as when waste bins are getting full — so they don’t have to enter the clean room as frequently.
5. Integrate processes inside and outside the yellow line
Manufacturing facilities typically have separate teams and processes to manage spaces outside and inside the yellow line — where production happens. While having separate teams serves an important purpose, integrating processes, technologies and data across that boundary can help create efficiencies.
A coordinated approach can unearth massive efficiency gains, especially when investing in innovative technologies. An AI-driven inventory management system, for example, is exponentially more powerful when used by both FM and the team managing production line equipment.