7 ways to introduce batch manufacturing into your business
Batch manufacturing is batching together all of the instructions that need to be followed with each batch of production.
If you want to start making products in-house or reach out to outsource manufacturing, batch manufacturing is a workflow process that can help you create products and track items across your business.
Why is batch manufacturing important?
There are many reasons why it is important for businesses. The most obvious reason is that batch manufacturing can help to improve the quality of products being made. Having a set process for making products helps to ensure that each product is made in the same way every time, which leads to a higher quality product.
It can also help to improve efficiency in a business. When products are all made in the same way, it becomes easier to track inventory and ensure that the right materials are available when needed. This can help to reduce waste and improve overall productivity.
Finally, batch manufacturing can also help to improve communication within a business. When everyone involved in the production process knows what they need to do and when they need to do it, there are no mix-ups or mistakes that can occur, which could harm the quality of the end product. Batch manufacturing creates a set process for making products that everyone involved in production knows how to follow, which leaves little room for error.
If you’re still on the fence about batch manufacturing, be sure to check out some of the many benefits that batch manufacturing can bring to your business. With such a wide variety of advantages, it’s hard to imagine why any business wouldn’t want to implement batch manufacturing into their production process. If you’re looking for a way to improve your business’s quality, efficiency, and communication, batch manufacturing may just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Here are 7 ways to implement batch manufacturing into your business:
1. Produce larger batches
You produce more at once instead of producing one unit at a time. This will save time because you aren’t transferring production at every step during production. Instead, you can consolidate these steps into one or two sessions for multiple units simultaneously, which will reduce the total amount of work required throughout the entire process. Some common ways people batch their work is batch cutting fabric for a collection, batch printing T-shirts, or batch frying french fries at a restaurant.
2. Name and number each batch
Each batch of products has its own name and number to track it from start to finish. This way, you can tell which batch was produced in what order and how many units of each batch have been made. With identifying information on the batches you make, you’ll be able to keep track of everything across your entire business with ease. You also won’t get confused by missing production files when trying to check inventory levels or tracking orders that need to be sent out because there is an easy system in place for identifying all units in every batch made throughout the process.
3. Label and code each unit in a batch
Similar to batch numbering, you can also label and code each unit in a batch. This will help you keep track of the product moving through your business and help with quality control. You can use a barcode scanner or RFID tags to automate the tracking process.
4. Use batch production tickets
A batch production ticket is a document with all of the information related to a particular product batch. This includes the batch number, name, ingredients, manufacturing instructions, quality control measures, and more. Having this document will help you keep track of every step of the batch manufacturing process to ensure quality control.
5. Have a designated area for batch manufacturing
If possible, try to set aside an area specifically for batch manufacturing. This designated area will have all of the equipment you need to produce batch units and help keep your entire operation organized. Not only that, but setting up specialised area might be required if you are batch producing hazardous materials or combustible chemicals for use in your business.
6. Switch over to batch production at the end of every job
If possible, try to switch over to batch production at the end of every job on site. For example, if you take castings off a molding machine, each mold is an individual batch unit with its own number and name. Try switching over to batch production when the last casting has come off of the machine so that all pieces can be put into one batch together before transferring it to the next process in your workflow.
7. Implement batch manufacturing software
Batch manufacturing software programs like manufacturing ERP software are specifically designed for manufacturers and large-scale production companies. These software programs make batch manufacturing easier by automating many parts of the process, such as assigning batch numbers automatically, printing batch tickets automatically, and tracking each unit with barcode scanners or RFID tags.
