The Importance of Workflow in Factory Operations: A Closer Look at NSP Coatings

In the world of business, operational efficiency is often the determining factor between success and stagnation. NSP Coatings stands out in the realm of industrial coatings, but they’re not alone in recognising the transformative impact of a well-defined workflow.

Renowned companies like Toyota, with its Toyota Production System, have reported saving billions through waste reduction and operational improvements. Amazon’s impressive supply chain management, backed by its Kiva robotic system, has slashed its “click to ship” time by 225%, resulting in significant cost savings. Similarly, tech behemoth Apple meticulously orchestrates its product launches and supply chain, ensuring streamlined operations from manufacturing to the end consumer.

What these industry titans and NSP Coatings have in common is an understanding that a structured workflow not only drives efficiency but also translates to tangible savings in time and money. They exemplify how a commitment to process optimisation is at the heart of high-performing businesses across sectors.

Workflow

Every thriving factory has a secret weapon: a well-defined workflow. Factories with smooth operations invariably have systems in place that are detailed, efficient, and tailor-made for their products and processes. NSP Coatings, an established name in the industrial coatings business, offers a masterclass in setting up factories with precision-driven workflows.

The Advantages of a Streamlined Workflow

• Efficiency and Productivity: A well-defined workflow ensures that there’s no waste of time. Every product, in this case, large industrial metal items like balconies and railings, moves systematically through the process, ensuring maximum throughput.
• Ensures Quality: With a set process in place, there’s a reduced chance of errors. Every item undergoes meticulous checks at various stages, ensuring the final product meets the desired standards.
• Organisation and Tidiness: A good workflow means that there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. This reduces clutter, ensures safety, and makes the factory a more productive space.

The NSP Coatings Workflow: Cohesiveness in Action

• Initial Inspection: Upon delivery, the quality control manager checks the items. Only those that match the detail of what is expected progress to the next stage. Items that don’t are quarantined, until a conversation with the customer can be had to address any issues.

• Shot Blasting: This is the first process in the coating. The metal items are treated with a high-velocity stream of abrasive material. This process cleans the surface of the metal, removing rust or old paint, and provides an ideal surface for the coating to adhere to.

• Hot Zinc Thermal Spray: Here, the metal items are sprayed with molten zinc. This provides a protective layer that shields the metal from corrosion.

• Powder Coating: Depending on the customer’s needs, the metal might receive a primer coat before the main coat, ensuring longevity and an enhanced finish. The powder used here is typically a free-flowing, dry powder. When applied, it forms a skin around the metal, providing a robust protective layer.

• Cooling Area: Once coated, the items are transferred to the cooling area where they are cured to solidify the coating.

• Final Inspection and Transportation: Post cooling, every item is inspected thoroughly one last time. After getting the green signal from the quality control manager, it’s moved to the transportation department for delivery.

Throughout these stages, the roles of the quality control manager, the site foreman, and the operations manager are crucial. They ensure coordination among different departments, guarantee that quality standards are upheld, and that the workflow progresses smoothly and efficiently.