5 Steps to Future-Proof Your Plant

The heat treat industry is always evolving, so companies must continually look for new ways to improve their systems, add value to their company, and boost profits and sustainability for growth.

According to a recent study conducted by a group of 100 registered event attendees, creating systems to make jobs easier and boosting profits and sustainability for growth are the most significant challenges facing job shops. With a resounding 92% of top management has been with their companies for over three years, implementing new systems to meet these challenges can be difficult.

Additionally, only 52% of respondents shared that they actively have a succession plan, which is critical in future-proofing any heat treat job shop. With a focus on what respondents were particularly interested in learning to future-proof their plant, 45% wanted systems to make their jobs easier, and 50% thought boosting profits and sustainability for growth was more important.

Here are five steps to building a future-proof heat-treating plant.

Step 1: Make a Plan

To build a future-proof plant, companies must create a plan that includes a business strategy, leadership plans, equipment and capital plans, talent development, culture, and systems and processes. These plans must be regularly updated to keep up with the changing needs of the industry.

Step 2: Digitize Current Systems

Companies should move their plants into the digital age by implementing a live plant operating system that encompasses their entire business. This system will eliminate paper-based systems, provide a single source of truth, eliminate silos, provide superior traceability, and eliminate wasteful communication. With a live system, companies can access information from anywhere and improve communication among all departments.

Step 3: Automate

Automation of processes and systems, from the front office to the plant floor, and from shipping and receiving to the boardroom, will help companies save time, act faster, and improve productivity with instant, automated communication. Fewer errors will result from eliminating tedious admin tasks, and systems can be set up for others to run.

Step 4: Optimize

Optimization of production processes will help companies make the right decision faster, tune pricing with actual production data, and identify operator training opportunities. Companies can develop new processes and offerings, invest time into sales, marketing, hiring, and growth.

Step 5: Lead

Great leadership is key to driving action, and companies must be bold in their decision-making, get buy-in from the team, empower team members to lead areas of the business, hold the team accountable and celebrate wins, establish key partnerships, and share success with the team, customers, and community.

In conclusion, building a future-proof heat-treating plant requires a plan that includes a business strategy, leadership plans, equipment and capital plans, talent development, culture, and systems and processes. Companies must digitize their current systems, automate processes, optimize production, and lead their teams. However, when determining a vendor you should ask many questions and conduct thorough research to evaluate solutions. For example, do they practice what they preach? Can you secure three references to discuss onboarding, efficacy, and ROI? Make sure to also check how they speak about their competitors – if comments are distasteful, there is a reason for their insecurity.

By following these steps, companies can stay competitive, profitable, and sustainable in the ever-changing heat-treating industry.

 Written by:  Author unknown, for Steelhead Technologies Blog.