If you want to make higher profits, then the best solution is to work backward through the supply chain. The manufacturing process is the initial phase of any product, and even though it is complicated, the margins are low and the risk is high. Because of the sheer volume of the operations, it is an extremely profitable part of the supply chain to be in. If you are considering setting up a manufacturing plant, these are the most important resources you will need.
1. Product
The most important consideration is the product itself. Whether you choose to manufacture a unique product that you develop yourself or you choose to manufacture something that already exists, you need to be sure that it will be a viable choice in the long run. Ideally, you should have a thorough product research strategy and in-depth product knowledge before making this decision. It would be a good idea to hire a consultant or a specialist to help you make this decision.
2. Location
You will need to set up your manufacturing facility somewhere, of course, and the location you choose will have a huge impact on the efficiency of the operations and even the profitability of the business. The best solution will be to choose a location where you can get some government support and additional benefits for the kind of business that you want to conduct. Subsidies and government support can help transform your business. Similarly, setting up shop in the wrong place could cost you the business itself.
3. Machinery
Other than the land and the building, the capital assets involved are usually the largest expense for a manufacturing business. When choosing machinery, you need to understand the technical specifications of the machines you are buying. You also need to understand the implications of owning these assets for long periods of time. Having a sound technical team to help you in this regard is key.
4. Packaging And Logistics
With all your focus on production, it would be wise to outsource related operations such as packaging and transportation. The best solution is to get a 3PL partner who is a specialist for your kind of product. If you are manufacturing garments, then a fashion 3PL will be the best choice rather than a generic 3PL service. Such a partner will have the best solutions for storing, packing, and transporting your goods as compared to a general service provider. Hiring a specialist 3PL service will help you keep your costs as low as possible and get the best quality service since they will have the exact solutions that are necessary for your particular product.
5. Team
To help you manage the manufacturing process, you will need a diverse team of professionals. You need technical staff, managerial staff, warehousing experts, and many other kinds of professionals. Team management is a skill in itself, and as your operations grow, you should start looking for a professional to handle this part of the business. If you are an expert in management, then you can dedicate yourself to this role and hire experts for other operations that you are directly overseeing.
6. Marketing
The main benefit of being in the manufacturing industry is that you get to benefit from economies of scale. However, this is only going to be possible when you are actually increasing your output. To do this you will need a strong marketing team that can continuously bring in more orders and decrease your per-piece cost. For this, you need to use all marketing channels that are available and that are within your budget. There is no harm in trying out different marketing channels to see how they work for you and then focusing your spending on those that bring you the most business.
7. Accounting
As your operations start to grow, you will start expanding into new markets and get new customers, you need to pay close attention to internal management. In particular, the kind of accounting you do in your business is very important. There are a lot of variables in any kind of manufacturing process, and it is only through good accounting that you can keep an eye on overall cash flow, as well as leakages and injections. Initially, you can do the accounting yourself through free software or an inexpensive cloud-based service. However, as you start to grow, one of the first investments should be in hiring a specialized accountant who understands your manufacturing business and has relevant experience. This will be a tremendous asset to help you optimize your operations.
Just like any other business, the manufacturing industry is constantly changing and improving. To stay on top of the competition and to keep yourself competitive, you need to invest in your business to keep it ahead of the curve. Whether this means buying better machinery or hiring better people. However, these upgrades will only be possible when you are running a profitable enterprise. Starting off with as much knowledge as possible will help you move in the right direction.