Continuous Improvement Processes are Vital to Your Fabrication Process
A continuous improvement approach can help fabrication and machining facilities operate on a higher level while constantly seeking out new opportunities to add value to their products, services, and processes. A fabrication shop focused on continuous improvement processes invests in their technology, professionals, and facilities. In turn, they are able to provide the best products and services to their clients.
What is a Continuous Improvement Process?
The continuous improvement model is a constant and ongoing improvement of processes through incremental improvements over time. There are several methods of continuous improvement, with the most widely used tool being the PDCA cycle. PDCA stands for plan-do-check-act. This model identifies an opportunity and plans are made for the change, the change is made, and it’s then determined whether or not the change was successful. By defining the problem, coming up with an approach, implementing a plan on a small scale, evaluating the results, and working from that analysis to move forward, the cycle will produce positive growth. Every improvement is the baseline for the next potential opportunity for growth, not merely the end goal. The goal of all models used is to emphasize employee involvement in growth and improvement, and work to measure processes to reduce time, costs, and potential issues. When processes are working well, they will continue to work, but processes that can be improved will always be left with the opportunity for improvement.
Why is a Continuous Improvement Process Vital to Metal Fabrication?
Technology and innovation are progressing more quickly than ever before. If a metal fabrication shop only sticks to what has worked in the past, they will quickly be out of date. Metal fabrication is a process that evolves with the latest technology. Having a highly skilled team dedicated to continuous improvement practices ensures that the latest technologies and techniques can be incorporated into the process for the highest-quality final product. Using certified welders who participate in ongoing professional development and training allows these experts to stay up to date on the best technologies and allows the fabrication shops to invest in the newest equipment that will allow the shops to remain on the cutting edge of manufacturing and machining. Every cut, bend, roll, punch, and weld will be performed by a thoroughly trained operator and produced at great accuracy.
Benefits of Continuous Improvement Processes
When a metal fabrication shop focuses on continuous improvement processes, the shop, and the clients they serve, will enjoy many of the benefits from a facility who focuses on continuous improvement. Employees will feel valued and like they are contributing to the success of the company. Some additional benefits include:
- Increased Productivity.
- Improved Quality.
- Lowered Costs.
- Decreased Delivery Times.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction/Morale.
- Reduced Employee Turnover Rate.
A metal fabrication shop with a commitment to continuous improvement processes means you’re getting a quality product produced with the latest technology by trained and skilled professionals. The dedication these metal fabrication shops show to their craft should assure you that your project will be handled with precision and attention to detail.
Finding the right metal fabrication partner should not be a part of the project to rush through, but a time to do your due diligence and make sure that the shop you partner with can handle your project from start to finish and meet your expectations throughout the build. Swanton Welding has been an industry leader for decades, and our success is based on the high standards we follow to create high-quality products for our customers. If you’re looking for a shop to partner with for your next project, contact us for a quote.
