When it comes to designing a machine shop, the layout and design of the shop floor is crucial to the workflow of the shop. If manufactured parts follow a linear, repeatable, and efficient path on the shop floor, we see productivity and profits rise. We have outlined 4 essential principles to keep in mind when organizing or reorganizing a shop floor:
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1. Space Available
The first step in optimizing a machine shop is to consider the space you have. Naturally, you can only work that space. So, short of planning a full-scale renovation how can you increase your space? The key lies in getting the most out of the space you already have. In short, unused space is wasted space.
2. Workflow and Distance
The best machine shop layouts optimize workflow. The first step to improve the workflow is to analyze the people, technology, and processes required for your production. Also, consider the procedures, communication tools, and resources available across your company.
One of the best tools to maximize productivity is to consider the path a part takes through the shop floor. If the part is traveling more than the minimum distance around your workshop from start to finish, you’ve not fully optimized the process and even small inefficiencies adds up. We advise the use of shop layout diagrams that analyze the paths taken through the shop for different metalworking operations in addition to operations such as receiving, storage, assembly, and shipping.
“Bad” workflow
“Good” workflow
3. Satisfaction and Safety
Safety is paramount. We know that a safe employee = a happy employee and that a happy employee = a productive employee. Design your shop with safety on the forefront of your mind: prevent dangerous overhangs, trip hazards, and noxious materials. Also, make sure machines are clean, floors are swept, and all waste is properly managed. Finally, educating employees about workflow and emergency protocols goes a long way in eliminating risk.
4. Flexibility
The best shops take the future into account. Keep in mind: when you optimize the workspace and workflow, productivity soars. When productivity is up, profit follows close behind. The next natural step is to expand. When an expansion happens, a complete overhaul of the floor can shut you down—potentially for weeks. If the shop only needs minor adjustments, though, you can get back to work and the rearrangement is made minimal cost.
By implementing these four principles in your shop floor layout you can potentially maximize space, optimize efficiency and increase safety. So take some time to analyze and improve your shop floor layout; it just might be the key to making your shop the best it can be.
