Manufacturing is no walk in the park when it comes to keeping costs down and productivity up.
Did you know that on average, 21% of plant maintenance is unplanned and a third of production lines report changeover times of over an hour?
That’s a lot of time—and money—waste.
But here’s where digital signage steps in, or rather takes over by reducing operational costs through better coordination and faster response times.
Digital signage transforms the factory floor by delivering real-time updates and automating essential tasks. It also plays a major role in reducing labor costs.
Let's go through each of these benefits one by one.
In a manufacturing environment, downtime is a costly villain, hiding in plain sight. When machines break down or processes halt, production slows to a standstill.
Take, for instance, a machine that produces widgets at $50 a piece, cranking out 500 widgets an hour. An hour of downtime could easily burn $25,000. Now, add the cost of repairs, labor, and wasted time, and the bill skyrockets.
Here's how digital signage saves you the bill—and shows you how to reduce labour costs in manufacturing.
With digital signage, real-time updates and alerts are delivered straight to the factory floor, helping teams respond instantly. Whether it’s maintenance alerts or production metrics, the entire workforce stays informed.
Imagine a digital display that flashes maintenance warnings when equipment needs servicing—no more waiting for an operator to discover the issue after it's too late. Instead, potential problems are addressed before they snowball, leading to faster repairs and minimal downtime.
Moreover, companies using digital signage to display live KPIs, like uptime versus downtime, have reported productivity increases by almost a quarter.
Additionally, this proactive communication reduces labor costs, as fewer staff members are needed to relay updates or troubleshoot problems manually.
Also Read: Top 6 Benefits of Using Digital Signage in Warehouse Operations
Instead of waiting for a meeting to discuss yesterday’s output, what if your staff could see real-time data that helps them make decisions on the spot?
This is the beauty of visual automation: it eliminates guesswork and keeps everyone focused on hitting targets.
Let’s talk safety first. Instead of relying on static posters, which often fade into the background, digital signage brings safety protocols to life. Factories can display dynamic safety alerts or reminders based on real-time conditions.
For example, if a forklift is malfunctioning, signage can notify everyone on the floor instantly.
Then there’s inventory management and process flows. With digital signage, the days of manual updates are long gone.
Whether it's tracking stock levels or flagging bottlenecks in the production line, digital displays make it simple to get information to the right people without delay.
The result? Faster replenishment, fewer delays, and increased output.
Let’s face it: constantly relaying shift changes, task updates, and safety alerts through manual systems is a major drain on resources.
Want to learn how to reduce labour costs in manufacturing? Digital signage reduces the need for extra hands by automating routine communications.
For example, automated shift updates displayed on digital signage cut down on the need for supervisors to personally inform employees of changes. This reduces idle time as workers are instantly aware of their schedules.
Takeaway?
By taking over mundane communication tasks, digital signage allows businesses to operate with fewer employees, or at the very least, put their staff’s time to better use. And when labor hours aren’t being wasted on simple updates or running around with printouts, that’s pure cost-saving gold.
Also Read: Digital Signage as a Tool for Dynamic Pricing Strategies in Retail
When it comes to safety and employee training, digital signage is like your factory floor’s personal safety officer—always alert, always clear, and impossible to ignore.
Whether it's updating workers on safety hazards or delivering training modules, digital signage ensures everyone is on the same page, quite literally.
For example, instead of a static "Hard Hats Required" sign, digital signage can instantly notify workers of real-time hazards, like a spill or equipment malfunction.
This not only reduces the chances of accidents but also cuts down the time it takes to communicate important safety updates.
A study conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reveals that businesses utilizing digital safety signage have experienced a 20% drop in workplace accidents.
This reduction in incidents has led to up to 25% fewer compensation claims, a 15% decrease in downtime, and a noticeable reduction in employees requiring sick leave due to injuries—a prime example of how to reduce labour costs in manufacturing,
Digital signage takes employee training to a new level by displaying bite-sized training modules or safety reminders right where they’re needed most.
Imagine workers engaging in quick safety briefings or even interactive quizzes via touchscreen displays—keeping safety top of mind while minimizing the need for lengthy training sessions.
Additionally, this approach reduces the time and manpower required for traditional training, cutting down on labor costs.
The cherry on top? Digital signage can be managed remotely, ensuring safety protocols are up-to-date across multiple locations. Plus, for diverse teams, digital signage can switch between multiple languages, ensuring no one misses critical safety information due to language barriers.
Also Read: Future Trends: The Evolution of Digital Signage in Manufacturing
We've covered a lot of ground discussing how digital signage is essential for boosting safety, increasing uptime, and cutting down labor costs. But this visual revolution offers even more for more business.
Since the pandemic, workplace wellness has become a top priority for companies. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 7.8 million workers missed work due to illness in January 2022 alone.
A proactive approach to employee wellbeing like digital signage can help prevent burnout and reduce absenteeism.
Whether it's broadcasting safety alerts or promoting wellness programs in break rooms, digital signage keeps your team informed, engaged, and healthier.
If you're looking to put this theory to the test and install digital signage for maximum productivity, L Squared is your biggest ally.
With over 17 years of experience and a proven track record with Fortune 500 companies, L Squared delivers the tools you need to keep your workplace running smoothly.
Plus, getting started is as easy as setting up your system in just one hour. And with 24/5 live support and customizable features, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Ready to take the leap? Get in touch with L Squared today!