In the United States, the manufacturing sector's productivity increased by 1% during the third quarter of 2024.
That might not sound like much, but in the manufacturing world, even a small uptick can be significant.
Manufacturing productivity is uniquely challenging compared to other industries, yet it's crucial for controlling costs, boosting profitability, and staying competitive in a crowded market.
When it comes to improving productivity, many manufacturers turn to expensive consultants and complex strategies. But what if the solutions you need are already right in front of you?
Often, the manufacturing productivity tools you already have in your setup hold the key to unlocking greater efficiency.
Here’s a look at five high-impact tools you likely already have—and how to use them to take your productivity to the next level.
Not to be dramatic, but inventory management systems are the heartbeat of manufacturing operations. They help maintain the perfect balance between having too much stock (like, wasted capital) and not enough (cue panicked phone calls to suppliers) for all your manufacturing tools and equipment.
With real-time tracking, these inventory management systems ensure:
This is why Deloitte argues that businesses using advanced inventory systems report up to 35% fewer stockouts annually.
If you already have an inventory management system, congratulations—you’re ahead of the curve. Here's a couple of more things you can do to maximize its value:
Pro Tip: Want to take it up a notch? Pair your inventory management system with digital signage. Display live inventory updates on strategically placed screens across the facility to enhance manufacturing productivity tools by reducing wasted time hunting for materials.
Maintenance tracking software might not be the flashiest tool in your manufacturing productivity toolkit, but it’s certainly one of the most vital.
Use maintenance tracking software to make sure:
The integration of the software with production schedules further simplifies operations, allowing downtime to be planned without disrupting workflows.
Just like in our last tool, digital signage can amplify the impact. Display real-time updates on screens across the production floor, showing pending tasks, in-progress repairs, and reminders for upcoming servicing.
Also Read: How Digital Signage Keeps Cross-Shift and Cross-Department Safety Communication Clear
If inventory management is the heartbeat of manufacturing, project management tools offer a lifeline for easing workflows.
Honestly, it's not even just manufacturing. Surprisingly, 77% of high-performing projects rely on project management software, showcasing its critical role in success.
For manufacturers, this software is one of the most important manufacturing productivity tools as they simplify task delegation. The result? It allows managers to assign responsibilities, set clear timelines, and monitor progress in real-time.
Features like Gantt charts or Kanban boards make complex workflows visually manageable, while automated notifications take care of deadlines.
Now, here's what happens when you combine these tools with digital signage.
Example: Let's say you're in an automotive assembly plant. The facility integrated digital signage with its project management software to display real-time production schedules, task statuses, and key milestones on large screens across the shop floor. Workers could easily track their daily goals and see updates on project progress without needing individual logins.
Ready to optimize your manufacturing setup? Book a demo with L Squared today.
Communication platforms like Slack, Teams, and email are the usual platforms for keeping teams connected.
These communication platforms are important manufacturing productivity tools for teams looking to maximize their productivity and efficiency.
They achieve this by providing real-time messaging, document sharing, and smooth collaboration. This in turn ensures all employees are always updated and on the same page.
For example, Slack’s channel-based organization allows teams to categorize discussions by projects or tasks, while Microsoft Teams integrates with calendars and project management tools to streamline workflows.
To demonstrate it better, this is how communication platforms can help you:
However, the challenge lies in ensuring that critical updates reach all employees, including those on the shop floor or in remote locations.
By integrating communication platforms with digital signage, manufacturers can display key announcements, shift schedules, or production updates on large screens in high-traffic areas.
Here's how it works: A plant could use digital signage to showcase updates from Teams, such as urgent maintenance alerts or safety reminders. This reduces reliance on emails or individual notifications, which might go unnoticed.
Also Read: How to Reduce Labor Costs in Manufacturing with Digital Signage
Tracking KPIs like output per worker, machine efficiency, and quality rates is no longer a tedious task with performance tracking tools.
For instance, a production manager can identify a drop in quality rates, trace it back to a specific machine, and schedule maintenance before the issue worsens.
Here, performance tracking tools like Prodsmart and Acumen Data Systems can function as manufacturing productivity tools. How? By linking KPI tracking to training or reward programs, businesses can turn data into actionable strategies that motivate teams and encourage growth.
Pro Tip: Looking to measure your team’s productivity? Here’s a list of the most important KPIs for manufacturing productivity.
You can make performance tracking actionable with a few steps:
Now, integrate digital signage to display KPI trends, such as daily production goals and defect rates. Employees can see real-time updates and adjust their workflows accordingly, while management uses this data to recognize top performers or address inefficiencies.
There you have it—five powerful manufacturing productivity tools that are likely already part of your manufacturing setup.
All you have to do is optimize your manufacturing tools and equipment to use them up to their full potential.
One creative addition to this toolkit is digital signage. Displaying real-time updates, KPIs, and announcements on high-visibility screens keeps everyone informed and accountable—whether they’re on the shop floor or in the office.
And if you’re looking for a trusted partner, L Squared is the perfect choice. With over 17 years of innovation and experience serving Fortune 500 brands, L Squared provides digital signage solutions that are user-friendly, customizable, and supported by a responsive team.
Intel summed it up perfectly:
"The transition from our previous software to L Squared was seamless. The platform is user-friendly, easy to deploy, and backed by a supportive team offering practical feedback and recommendations."
With deployment as quick as one hour and 24/5 live support—contact L Squared to ensure you’re equipped to enhance efficiency, safety, and engagement.