Hello Print Shops: Does growth mean you need a new production hall?
Or not…
In the push to keep presses running, it’s common for too many pallets to be brought up from the warehouse to the production floor. While keeping the cylinders turning is priority number one (no argument there), the result is often a shop floor crowded with excess substrate pallets.
As a result of excess buffering of substrate, pallets are all over the place
This clutter creates inefficiencies:
- Lost time as operators search for the right pallet or move the wrong one.
- Disruptions as pallets, rolls, and carts block access to equipment.
- Downtime for presses and finishers when operators are stuck maneuvering around a congested floor instead of focusing on production.
The irony? These inefficiencies directly counteract your goal of keeping the presses running smoothly.
A Smarter Approach
What if inventory stayed where it belongs—in the warehouse? Instead of cluttering your production floor with extra pallets, imagine a system where operators (or even the press itself) send a substrate request to a centralized system. The warehouse prepares the materials, and a mobile robot delivers them just in time to the press—or even directly into the press if needed.
This approach offers several benefits:
- Eliminate excess pallets on the shop floor.
- Free up valuable space for smoother operations—or even room to add another press.
- Streamline material supply, ensuring the press gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, without downtime.
Why This Matters
By optimizing your material handling, you can grow your business without the need for costly expansions or additional production halls. You’ll improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and create a more organized, productive workspace.
If your goal is to grow within your current facility, now is the time to rethink how materials flow through your operation. Optimize your material handling, and make space for smarter growth.