The lead up to the holiday season is typically a plentiful time for the manufacturing industry. Every year, manufacturers employ temporary casual staff, increase production levels, and achieve record sales in the months prior to Christmas. Manufacturers of consumer goods particularly experience a stronger uplift, although the effects ripple through to the whole of the manufacturing sector.
The holiday period is a chance for manufacturers to increase revenue, build brand awareness, and have a strong end to the year.
Although this time is crucial for many manufacturers, it also comes with challenges and risks. Some businesses will struggle to keep up with high customer demand while also managing staffing issues, high prices, and supply chain stability. Making the most of the holiday season is essential, so here are a few things to look at to help your business capitalise at Christmas time.
Staff capacity
Manufacturing can require very specific job skills. Finding enough well trained and reliable employees is often difficult for manufacturers at any time of the year and can be even more so in the lead up to the holiday season. If a manufacturing business has limited staff capacity, they are likely to struggle to cope with the typical pressures that this peak season brings. Businesses should consider investing in additional staff well before the lead up to Christmas to allow for time in training new hires. This will maintain safety standards, allow for extra shifts to increase production and meet customer expectations.
Supply chains
If a manufacturer’s holiday season is busy, then their suppliers are likely to be under even more pressure. One supplier will more than likely provide materials to hundreds of manufacturers who are in the same situation of requiring greater volumes than usual in the lead up to the holiday season. It is not uncommon for suppliers to fail to meet usual performance standards during the lead up to Christmas.
Make sure you order well in advance with your supplier and continue to use reliable businesses such as us here at Asmech Systems.
Automation and robotics
While robotics would likely be considered a significant investment just to brace for the demand around the holidays, it holds plenty of potential during any busy period throughout the year. Automation takes over simple repetitive tasks that require precision, speed, and patience while evolving technology will allow for even more sophisticated tasks to be automated.
Implementing robotics into your operations can boost wrapping, labelling, assembling, and inspection processes, giving you that extra push needed before Christmas and other busy seasons.
Automation increases efficiency, worker safety and better production as a whole.
The festive season is already under way but there is still time to implement some of these measures or prepare well in advance for the next holiday period. To talk to someone about automating your business or any manufacturing supplies, please contact our expert team at Asmech Systems on 01623 424442 or sales@asmechsystems.co.uk
