In some instances, equipment and organization on the Tin can making machinery production line can be to blame for slow line speeds. In other cases, the cause is people. Specifically, management problems can interfere with a facility’s productivity. Some examples of management issues that should be resolved to improve productivity include:

Communication issues: Communication is vital to the success of any company. It’s particularly important when your business is trying to maintain a production schedule and boost its productivity. A lack of communication between supervisors, upper-level managers, and people working on the facility floor can lead to delays and interfere with the quality of the products produced. One way to correct communication concerns is to develop a system for reporting and sharing information. Who should they tell if there is an issue with a piece of equipment?
Scheduling concerns: Employee schedules are another management issue that can often be overlooked. Having too many people working during one shift can be just as challenging for productivity as having too few people on a second or third shift. Management should work together to find a way to staff a facility most effectively and efficiently so everyone’s skills and talents are well-used during their scheduled work time.

Employee disengagement: Poor management styles and methods can cause employees to disconnect and disengage from their work. When team members disengage, they don’t care about the company’s products or goals. They may begin coming to work simply to collect a paycheck. Creating programs to encourage employee engagement, such as reward programs for the shifts or teams that produce the greatest volume of product during a week or month, will help employees feel connected to their work and increase overall productivity.
Micromanagement: Part of being an excellent leader is recognizing that your team is competent and capable. Micromanaging overlooks the fact that people can do their work without ongoing, intense supervision. Although it may seem counterintuitive, insisting on managing every aspect of your team’s work and behavior can lead to a drop in productivity and a slowdown on the production line. If you or other supervisors tend to micromanage, try to take a step back and trust that your team members will get the work done. Resisting the urge to micromanage can also help increase engagement among your team, leading to an even greater productivity boost.