A Brief Factory Planning Guide

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By Kevin Taylor


Production efficiency depends on how well a factory is planned. According to experts, a production unit requires meticulous design to make it more efficient and reduce resource wastage. There are factory planning principles that will guide investors towards developing a unit that is effective for production of any product.

Factory designs are dictated by industry regulations. Each industry sets standards based on the risks that face such production units, the need for efficiency in operations and desire to reduce installation expenses, among other factors. The standards must be met for any production unit to be approved to run. Failure to adhere to these standards comes with penalties that can sometimes be punitive. There are conditions for amount of space to be used, lighting, optimal air circulation and materials to be used during construction, among other factors. There are manuals provided by regulators to guide designers and investors.

How much space do you have and are you permitted to use? The expenses of acquiring industrial space demand that the small space available is utilized maximally. Develop designs that help you to maximize the space available. Install units whose size is relative to the space available. Consider underground and aerial installations to maximize on space usage. Movement, lighting and aeration will affect your usage of space.

How much have you budgeted for the project? Some designs can be exorbitantly expensive yet you can settle for cheaper ones. There are designs that would make your operations too expensive because workers or clients have to move around. Maximize on resources available yet develop a plan that will still be effective.

Pick modern designs that enhance your production efficiency, allow you to use fewer resources and are safer. You require the services of an experienced designer to uses these designs. Benchmark with your peers in the industry to identify futuristic designs that would serve your purpose. These designs will provide a construction and efficiency advantage beyond improving on safety around the industry.

Safety is at the center of all factory designs. It receives a lot of emphasis in regulatory standards and will either cause your plan to be approved or rejected. Safety measures to be taken will depend on the risks that people working in the area are exposed to. The designs must provide sufficient escape routes to minimize danger that may be lurking around.

The industry setup must enable efficient running of operations, especially reducing the resources required to keep it running. This is done through building of units and departments close if their activities are related. It means that work is completed faster and there is no waste of time or resources moving from one end to the other. Fewer materials like piping will be required to set up a close knit factory.

Factories are expanded gradually. In fact, different units are built slowly until the entire factory is complete. Planning should therefore have a larger picture in mind so that you are not forced to demolish units and rebuild them when expanding or setting up others. Plan a unit with long term goals in mind.

Hire professionals to be involved in planning. Only professionals can ensure that industry standards are met. Having long term plans and considering them in your designs saves you time and resources when you need to make future modifications.




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