< Previous20 Business Link www.blmforum.net MATERIALS HANDLING the sealants utilised and accessibility of stock. All of these combine to determine the speed at which the materials can be processed, and the quality of the end product. Given that Unplanned Downtime, Yield, and Inventory Turnover are amongst some of the most common Key Product Indicators measured by manufacturers, it can be seen how efficiency with materials handling can improve these indicators. AGVs are expected to reduce workplace accidents significantly, as driving automated paths and the ability to inter communicate with other AGVs reduces likelihood of collisions. It is estimated that 25% of injuries in the workplace are caused by contact with objects and equipment and reducing the need for manual handling across the production process, underscores the impact of automated vehicles in reducing these incidents. Warehouse software and SCM (Supply chain management) software has also been under scrutiny of late, with lessons learned from the pandemic being that warehouses need ways to operate on skeleton staff and shortages. This has been a timely lesson, since the great resignation and a dearth of skilled workers has caused the problem to grow. Using computers alongside machines for materials handling purposes has long been the dream of companies operating warehouses, as it removes the risks for accidents and scandals, and machines can work longer hours with less breaks. However, the technology has always been inhibitive in the past compared to the traditional workforce, and however efficient machines may be, humans are more flexible, able to adapt to changes without the need for programming and keep working. This has slowly begun to change in recent years with robots becoming more affordable and widely produced, and employee wages have risen alongside this, slowly closing the gap between investment cost and sustained wages. The cost of living has put a stop to wage increases sadly, as the economy and many businesses are struggling to afford them, but it is unlikely to be something that continues. Once the economic troubles are over, whether it be through a recession or not, it is likely that employees will demand higher wages, and that the national wage will increase once more. With that in mind, it might be worth looking at automated materials handling sooner rather than later. At some point, it might be mandatory, or even the industry standard. www.blmforum.net Business Link 21 MATERIALS HANDLING © stock.adobe.com/bluebeat7622 Business Link www.blmforum.net WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT I n today’s business landscape, the responsible handling and disposal of waste materials have become crucial, drawing increased attention from regulatory bodies and consumers alike. This heightened focus demands a nuanced approach to waste management, with a knowledge of how to be responsible with resources. As well as necessitating a keen understanding of evolving market dynamics, shifting consumer behaviours, and strict governmental regulations, proper waste disposal requires attention to how we use water as a fundamental cleaning ingredient in many industries. One of the main catalysts driving industry transformation is a heightened environmental awareness. Over the past five years, corporations have undergone a significant shift, embracing sustainability initiatives with unprecedented enthusiasm, particularly in their pursuit of mitigating their carbon footprints. Waste management, where before it was largely overlooked, has now assumed a central role in these green initiatives, and the responsible use of water is an essential factor. A thoughtful approach to water utilisation stands as a testament to a company’s commitment to both efficiency and eco- consciousness. Central to this ethos is the precise measurement and continuous monitoring of water consumption throughout waste management processes. Leveraging advanced sensor technologies and real-time monitoring systems, businesses can gain deep and meaningful insights into water usage patterns. This data-driven approach enables pinpointing areas of excess consumption, allowing for targeted interventions to curtail wastage effectively. Embracing closed-loop systems takes sustainable waste management a step further. By integrating recycling and reuse mechanisms, businesses can significantly reduce water wastage. Within a closed-loop system, water from one facet of the operation is collected, treated, and redirected for use elsewhere within the facility. This circular approach not only conserves water resources but also minimises operational costs, creating a symbiotic relationship between environmental stewardship and financial discretion. Any business wanting to conserve water before it can enter their facilities can do so too, by making use of rainwater. Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems into waste management marks a progressive stride toward water conservation, as this naturally replenishing resource is as versatile as any The role of water conservation, recycling, and compliance are vital in today’s evolving business landscape. 25 Á The path to sustainability www.blmforum.net Business Link 23 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT © stock.adobe.com/malp24 Business Link www.blmforum.net WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT © stock.adobe.com/Sergey © stock.adobe.com/VisualProductionwww.blmforum.net Business Link 25 WATER AND WASTE MANAGEMENT other resource, and available for any purpose. From cleaning operations to landscape irrigation, this practice not only conserves fresh water, but also bolsters the facility’s resilience against water scarcity, bringing self-sufficiency to operations. For businesses engaged in landscaping or green waste management, adopting intelligent irrigation techniques is paramount. Weather-based irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors offer precise control over watering schedules. By aligning irrigation with actual plant needs and weather conditions, businesses conserve water resources and enhance the vitality of green spaces. This strategy marries environmental preservation with landscaping aesthetics, promoting a holistic approach to water efficiency. Choosing water-efficient equipment is a handy strategic investment for waste management operations. Opting for machinery and appliances designed with water conservation in mind significantly reduces overall consumption. From high-pressure cleaning systems to industrial washers, these technologies enable optimal performance while minimising environmental impact. Businesses can thereby achieve operational excellence, without compromising their commitment to sustainability. In the pursuit of water efficiency, collaboration with water management experts is invaluable. These professionals offer specialised insights, conducting comprehensive water audits tailored to specific business needs. Their recommendations, ranging from infrastructure improvements to behavioural adjustments, serve as guiding principles for businesses committed to optimising water usage. Through this collaborative partnership, businesses can navigate the complexities of water management with expertise and finesse, ensuring a harmonious balance between operational demands and environmental preservation. These beneficial collaborations also secure your business in compliance matters, keeping a communication channel open to ask any questions about areas of potential concern. Waste management isn’t merely about discarding materials; it’s about optimising resources. Through recycling initiatives and waste reduction strategies, manufacturers breathe new life into materials that might otherwise be discarded. This creative approach fosters innovation, inspiring the development of eco- friendly materials and processes. It’s a testament to the industry’s adaptability and resilience. In a similar way, navigating the labyrinth of regulations governing waste disposal is more than a legal obligation. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates ethical business conduct, reinforcing trust with stakeholders. It’s a pledge to uphold moral values, ensuring that every operation is conducted with due diligence and respect for the environment. Compliance in water and waste management is critical for safeguarding public health, preserving natural resources, and upholding environmental standards. Within the legal framework, businesses must adhere to regulations concerning the safe disposal of industrial waste and the responsible use of water resources. This includes obtaining the necessary permits for waste discharge and water usage, as well as complying with specific guidelines for treatment processes to ensure contaminants are properly removed before discharge. Government bodies often monitor and enforce these regulations rigorously, so meticulous record- keeping and transparent reporting should never be disregarded. Adherence to waste segregation and recycling mandates is equally imperative, with fines and legal actions possible consequences for non-compliance. Businesses must also stay abreast of evolving environmental laws, embracing eco- friendly technologies and practices to reduce their ecological footprint. Collaborating with governmental agencies, staying updated with local, national, and international regulations, and investing in employee training are essential strategies for navigating the intricate landscape of legal and governmental compliance in water and waste management. Beyond environmental and compliance concerns, efficient waste management translates into tangible benefits. Minimising waste generation reduces disposal costs and maximises storage space, leading to increased operational efficiency. Moreover, it enhances a company’s brand, boosting your image as a socially responsible entity. Consumers today appreciate businesses that not only offer quality products but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to the environment and society. Through the careful use of water to care for the environment, while providing the safest and most reliable services to customers and the public, you can do both at once. In the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, businesses embracing responsible waste management practices not only secure their present, but also lay the foundation for a sustainable future. By balancing operational needs with environmental conscientiousness, manufacturers aren’t just creating products, they’re crafting a legacy of responsible stewardship for generations to come.26 Business Link www.blmforum.net EDUCATION AND TRAINING Retrain to retain Retrain to retain www.blmforum.net Business Link 27 EDUCATION AND TRAINING According to fresh research from the Office for National Statistics, staff shortages are everywhere, from farming, haulage, hospitality, health and social work sectors and all are causing pressure on businesses throughout the UK. With the lack of staff increasing pressure on a company’s ability to operate at normal levels due to reduced stock and supply chain disruption, nearly a third (32%) of businesses with 10 plus employees expressed a workforce shortage, add to this strike action affecting 13% of businesses, recovery still taking place from the pandemic and an increasing number of people absent from work due to stress or long term illness - things look bleak. The Government’s Lincolnshire Employment and Skills Strategy Report 2021-2023 stated that, of 1,200 regional businesses approached, 35% were having difficulty filling vacancies and that High staff turnover combined with difficulties in recruiting is making business more challenging than ever. Could training and skills development not only help fill niches, but keep staff from looking for work elsewhere? 28 Á © stock.adobe.com/Right 328 Business Link www.blmforum.net EDUCATION AND TRAINING this was mainly due to skills shortage, especially as Lincolnshire, in relation to the UK, has a huge employment requirement in food & drink manufacturing, wholesale & retail and agriculture, but also struggles in the smaller markets of professional services, finance & insurance and information technology. Finding staff is hard and keeping staff can be harder, and businesses across the western world have also seen a rise in what many are calling “lax standards” among new employees. This may be that employees aren’t prepared for the working world, don’t understand it, aren’t motivated by money or just aren’t as “hard-working” as they used to be. Some of this may undoubtedly be true, but some of it is doubtless also exaggeration and unreasonable expectations by employers. It’s always easy to complain of how things were better in the “good old days” when they were younger. Yet more of it is undoubtedly the shift toward employees valuing their free time more and their bank balance less, caused in no small part by the cost of living and the simple fact that a lot of young people couldn’t afford a house even if they worked to the point of collapse. So, if you can’t achieve your dreams through hard work, why bother? The feeling of being just another cog in an uncaring machine doesn’t help, which is where training and development can come to the rescue. Many younger employees are coming out of schooling or university and many employers are complaining that their new recruits don’t have a “working attitude”. In all fairness, this is understandable. The transition from school to employment is not easy, and it would be strange if someone did come out of school with the full mentality of an adult working a 9- 5 job. That simply isn’t how school is. Training, be that in-house or external, is used as a means to help bridge the gap and prepare a new employee for their role. A new job is stressful and training is supposed to give them the tools they need not only to perform it, but to feel confident and relaxed in doing so. Stressed employees may make mistakes, and will always be unhappy, which can lead to high staff turnover. The problem comes from training being seen by many managers as an unnecessary step, or something to be rushed through. It’s easy to say, “this job is easy; they should be able to do it” and then bulling through training and unleashing them on your customers, but such methods inevitably lead to poor performance and poorer mood. In a recent survey, 56% of UK workers stated that they would leave their current role if their workplace stopped providing training. 31% of those surveyed had in fact left a position after experiencing this. The fact that over half of individuals expressed the idea of leaving if their workplace training stopped is a clear indicator of its value, and yet many continue to believe in the idea that employees will be content to stagnate in the same role for 10+ years without ever wanting more for themselves. Employers espouse the desire for “ambitious go- getters motivated by money and ready to work hard” and then turn around and expect them to accept stagnant work with no opportunities to grow their skills and earn promotion. It’s double standards. In house training removes the need for unnecessary mixing, as those training © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Businesswww.blmforum.net Business Link 29 EDUCATION AND TRAINING them are people with whom they would already be interacting. Moreover, courses can be delivered online, via platforms such as Microsoft Teams. These sites allow screen sharing for easy demonstration and have a hands-up function to allow employees to easily ask questions. As many businesses continue to operate on a hybrid basis, this could seamlessly integrate into everyday operations. Whilst taking a day out for training will result in some lost productivity, an employee who is unskilled or incorrectly trained could result in a long term lack of productivity as the potential for mistakes and having to rectify them increases. Furthermore, businesses miss out on the opportunity to upskill employees and help them to develop new skills. This helps the business to stay current and provides the opportunity for diversification of thinking and business approach. This could entail a training programme of creative problem solving, technical knowledge implementation, and out of the box thinking. As well as increasing business productivity, it stimulates employees and motivates them to take on other responsibilities. This has the dual benefit of making them less interested in looking elsewhere. © stock.adobe.com/Vitalii VodolazskyiNext >