Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1362655
A Successful Organization 7 4 G R A P H I C S P R O S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A P P A R E L D E C O R A T I N G Physical considerations such as plumbing and electric must be considered in designing your production floor layout. (Image courtesy GPX/Regan Dickinson) I t's time to lay out a new decoration fa- cility floor plan — the following key concepts will elevate your business to the next level. These concepts apply to every decoration facility whether you work out of your garage or set up a large production shop. It is crucial that you dili- gently plan your space. Poor layout plan- ning can be devastating to time, finances, and opportunities, but developing a qual- ity layout can drastically improve many aspects of your business. PROCESS PRODUCTION Gathering information is the first step in the process. Before you can begin to physi- cally set up your production space, identify your company's goals and expectations. Knowing your future goals ensures you accommodate the necessary space and flex- ibility when laying out your shop. Your plans may involve adding more automatics with the intention of producing higher- volume runs or adding warehouse shelving to increase your material-handling capa- bilities. Talking to your vendors and your own team is the best approach to plan for future growth. Vendors have a wealth of knowledge be- cause they often visit so many decoration facilities and gain intricate knowledge of business processes commonly used in the industry. We used to have very little organization of jobs that needed to be printed, until one day a vendor told me that some shops set up 10 shelves and organize orders first by the last number of the work order ID. It wasn't something we had considered before, but we imple- mented it the next day to great benefit. One good idea can make all the difference in your company's future. Good ideas and ways to avoid layout pitfalls will come from inside your orga- nization if you let them. Open up conver- sations to employees at all levels. Amazing innovation has been spawned by everyone, from frontline workers to executives. Laying out a decora- tion facility for success B Y N A T H A N B E L Z