Don’t Be Limited by What You Know
There are many activities and processes that businesses and their management do, create, develop, and produce that make them successful and it is certainly true that no one will know your product or your business better than you.
Whilst you may have competitive advantage, you may inadvertently be limiting your development and growth potential if you do not seek external support, knowledge, and expertise.
When it comes to factory design, whether it is equipment and spatial optimisation, product and range diversification or production efficiency that you require, it is unlikely that you will have the knowledge or the internal resources to tackle the task at hand.
By utilising external factory design engineering consultants, the uniqueness of your product, your “special sauce” if you will, remains. However, the following benefits gained through optimisation of your peripheral support systems could mean the difference between basic competitive advantage and serious market share and growth.
Bringing a broader vision
Whether working with your internal engineering team or as your internal design engineering team, your factory design consultants will inevitably offer a fresh perspective. They are not influenced by internal biases or legacy practices; therefore, it is easier for them to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement that internal teams may have previously overlooked or neglected.
By delegating parts of the factory design project to external suppliers, your internal team can then focus on their core competencies and strategic decision-making thereby leading to better overall project outcomes as each team can concentrate on their areas of expertise.
Bringing experience & specialised knowledge
There are few, if any, factories on the planet with an internal engineering team who can cover all areas of expertise, especially those of complex and often sporadic factory design or redesign projects. It is not only the specialised knowledge brought by factory design consultants that can assist in specific areas, but their extensive experience with a broad client and industry base that enables them to introduce innovative solutions and best practices; many of which you may not even be aware.
The cross-industry insights and innovative approaches can then be adapted to your specific needs, enhancing the overall design, efficiency, and functionality of your factory.
The comprehensive planning and integration services offered by all experienced factory design engineers ensures that all aspects of your factory design, from layout to workflow to machinery, are cohesively planned. This holistic approach, in turn, helps in creating a more efficient and effective production environment.
Innovation
Just as you keep abreast of the latest innovation in your industry and remain ahead of the curve when your customers require that knowledge, so too are experienced factory design engineers up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
Their awareness of emerging trends ensures that your factory design incorporates state-of-the-art solutions, as well as cutting-edge tools and equipment that improve productivity, safety, and quality.
Cost Efficiency
While hiring external suppliers will always involve an upfront cost, an investment in factory design expertise and experience will always outweigh the costs. Consider, for example, the costs to future revenue and market share if you don’t invest in the correct skills.
Other areas of cost efficiency include optimisation of resource allocation, waste reduction, and improvements to overall operations that, although identified by your operational and management teams, the business simply lacks the expertise to remedy.
Error mitigation
By working with expert factory design consultants, the risk of errors and mistakes is significantly reduced. Their expertise allows them to identify and mitigate the risks associated with factory design and construction. Their experience with similar projects allows them to foresee potential issues and implement preventative measures, reducing the likelihood of costly delays or problems in your particular project.
The same applies to the complexities of compliance and standards. Their knowledge and experience, ensures that your factory design complies with all necessary regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and ensuring a safe working environment.
Structure
Factory design engineers and consultants incorporate robust project management and communication tools that facilitate better collaboration and transparency throughout the project. Their structured approach ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and that the project progresses smoothly.
The moral of the story is really to understand that although no one knows your product or business better than you, when it comes to factory design, your knowledge may be somewhat, if not completely limited.
Collaboration and partnership with a team of factory design experts such as those from CDE Design Solutions, with experience across countless projects and industries, means that you and your internal team can still be working on all that makes your product unique whilst your factory design needs are in safe hands.
^ Originally published in Food & Drink Business Magazine | June/July 2024