Waste Management is Essential for Modern Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing, effective waste management significantly helps manufacturers accommodate rising market shares, customer satisfaction and profits – elements vital to creating responsiveness and agility in ever-changing fields. It is important that businesses possess consistency across the board, and waste management is a big factor in meeting that end.

Companies must realize that the importance of waste management goes far beyond their enterprises. To recognize this fully, businesses have to consider the slew of customer options available when it comes to delivery, design and deadlines. For example, Porsche, among other brands, allows customers to walk into their garages with specific paint colors, which creates a unique and valued customer experience. Companies must be agile and responsive to both customers and suppliers to make this possible.

The production line process must be aligned and in tune with the available materials. Manufacturers need real-time access to the process, without upsetting normal operations, to make sure that all of the products turn out spanner-free. If a company does not have a consistent plan in place, it becomes problematic to try and make broad engineering changes.

Many manufacturers are finding that green development makes perfect business sense because these efforts reduce waste and energy use as well as promote long-term efficiency. A study by the U.S. Green Building Council showed that environmentally conscious businesses average 28 percent more savings on energy costs compared to a baseline facility. Due to variations of this strategy through truck, rail and air shipping, companies can maximize their long-haul operations. It should be noted that although some manufacturers are forced to trade expediency for green materials, 82 percent of 18- to 25-year-old consumers would rather wait for an environmentally friendly and sustainable product.

It is also important for companies to locate themselves near their target audiences whenever possible. Benefits include shorter shipping time and a smaller environmental footprint. This tactic is not only to retain customers, but also to stay competitive now and in the future. The key to success is the ability to be flexible in a global market, and it is ideal for businesses to operate with a zero-waste standard in regard to materials and waste. Companies cannot ignore the demands for change and how they are affecting so many industries. Technology continues to develop and innovate, and customers expect corporations to adapt. What businesses choose to do to accommodate this request affects results for a long time to come.

Going forward, businesses need to recognize that green commerce and waste management are a vital elements to success. Updating company standards and practices to fit in with a changing business world is a fantastic way to acquire customer satisfaction and maintain loyalty. Building a reputation as a conscious company pays off in multiple arenas.

Photo Courtesy of Waste Management at Flickr.com