QMS INTERNATIONAL
A manufacturer ’ s checklist for kick-starting 2022
How can manufacturers and engineering companies hit the ground running when 2022 rolls round ? To get your organisation ready for the new year , here are some practical tips to put in place courtesy of Claire Price at QMS International .
At the start of 2021 many of us were hoping that things would soon go back to normal , but the lingering effects of the pandemic have meant that many organisations have continued to struggle to get back on their feet . As the year draws to a close , now is therefore the perfect time to take stock and lay down the foundations for a stronger 2022 . But what should be on your checklist ?
1 . Review and reflect
Before you set new ambitions plans or targets in place , it is vital to look back on the year and review your successes , shortcomings and lessons learned . This information can then be used to inform your strategy going forward , helping you to improve your business ’ performance .
Make sure that any lessons or new solutions that have been found are clearly communicated to the rest of your business . This will boost efficiency and ensure the same mistakes aren ’ t made in other business operations .
2 . Think about employee retention
The manufacturing and engineering sectors have been plagued by a skills shortage for a number of years . Even in 2019 , the British Chambers of Commerce revealed that 81 % of manufacturers questioned were struggling to find people with the right experience and qualifications . This shortage has been compounded by the so-called ‘ Great Resignation ’, which has seen thousands of workers walk away from their jobs in the aftermath of the pandemic .
Putting aside some time to think about your current workforce should therefore be a key part of your checklist . To build loyalty with your workforce , think about communicating a clear vision to them , sharing your ambitions for the business and where it could go in the next few years . Make sure you highlight how their individual roles will contribute towards this success to illustrate their importance and value in the business .
To avoid gaps when people leave , try to create a new recruitment policy which proactively looks for talented people . This will prevent a ‘ knee-jerk ’ reaction when a notice is handed in and will reduce the risk of having essential roles lying vacant when your business can ill afford it .
3 . Time to innovate
By reviewing the strengths and weakness of your current business you can begin to identify opportunities to improve it . This can involve making things more efficient , for example , but it can also help you to spot areas to innovate .
Digital transformation could be one of the areas you may want to investigate . The fourth industrial revolution is becoming reality for more and more manufacturers and engineering companies , and this means you may need to look at increased digitisation sooner rather than later . A report by manufacturing consultancy HSSMI ( From survive to thrive : a pathway to digital transformation ) warned that UK manufacturers need to accelerate their adoption of digital technology in order to avoid being left behind .
By implementing greater digitisation and data mining , you can uncover inefficiencies more easily , decrease errors and complete more timely maintenance , all of which will aid stronger business performance in the future .
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8 DECEMBER 2021 read online : www . surfaceworld . com