Jeremy Kaplan
Do you have a great idea for a new product? If so, one of your biggest stumbling blocks on the road ahead is, without a doubt, the cost of the manufacturing process. It’s sad to think that the greatest idea in the world may not become a reality due to the price of production – but it’s the reality we live in.
With this in mind, we thought we would offer some great ideas for reducing those costs. Follow them and you should give your product idea a fighting chance of getting to the market. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know!
Optimize labor costs
Labor might turn out to be one of your biggest costs of production. Whether you are opening a dedicated factory or hiring manufacturers, it’s vital that you control these costs as much as possible. Efficiency is everything in production. Go for experience over unskilled workers, and keep an eye on the entire manufacturing process. Focusing on every last action taken by employees will eliminate wasted time – and it’s something you can continue to work on as time goes by.
Lower cost of materials and waste
It’s not just time that you will waste, of course – it’s materials. Always be on the hunt for better alternatives to supply your materials. If you can get a better price without affecting quality, it makes sense to make a switch. Reducing waste in the production process is also vital. You should aim to give your employees the skills they need to perfect every part of the process. Scientific molding training, for example, will help them learn how to make the most of the materials they are using. Even the smallest little changes to the process can have a big impact on your cost of sale.
Anticipate regulations
It’s vital that you understand industry rules and regulations before you even get started. If you aren’t complying right from the very beginning of your enterprise, mistakes will be made. And, it can be an expensive project to change completely the way you work further on down the line.
Control inventory
Supply and demand will be a significant factor in your success – and you have to have the means to control it. The more stock you hold, the higher your cost of sale. But, at the same time, you will miss out on profit if you fail to meet demand. There is a fine balance to strike with inventory, so it’s vital to be nimble and responsive to customer demand. Consider learning some of the principles of lean manufacturing to ensure you never run out of anything. It will also help you keep your stock levels down to a minimum.
Lower your energy use
Don’t forget about the costs of your energy use, either. Energy is often up there with labor as one of the biggest expense you will face, so always seek ways to drop wasteful practices. Ensure that you are tracking and regulating energy to get more out of every sale.
Hope this has helped – let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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