Knowledge is rarely an issue for production managers of sophisticated engineering plants. They are experts in their own manufacturing needs, goals and challenges. However, putting this knowledge into action can run into obstacles, particularly in managing capital expenditures (CAPEX) while also striving for optimal operational performance.
Buying new machinery can pose several challenges. There may be a substantial financial commitment upfront when purchasing new machinery. It can be difficult to predict the long-term returns of machinery – how well the equipment will integrate into the production line, how reliably it will run, and how well the machinery will perform against its time and cost key performance indicators (KPIs). There are also questions of quality and flexibility: how will equipment adapt to industry changes? Choosing the right machinery demands thorough market research, technical evaluations, possible disruptions, and potential training costs for upskilling staff.
How can manufacturers overcome or avoid such risks?
Read the full article in DPA's February issue