For some manufacturers, changing production schedules and fluctuating client demands cause unexpected peaks and troughs of activity
For others, especially those dealing with seasonal demand or contract-based work, these busy periods are often entirely predictable.
This makes the challenge slightly different: less about forecasting when demand will peak, and more about planning to ensure there’s enough capacity in place for when it does.
Increasingly, temporary buildings are becoming part of that planning process, providing additional space when demand rises and removing it when requirements return to normal.
Maximising the opportunity
Events or occasions such as Christmas, harvest time, framework contracts and product launches not only place additional pressure on facilities, but the higher production levels also represent an opportunity.
Manufacturers that plan ahead are often better placed to respond when demand increases, and not just by storing more stock.
Having extra space available provides greater flexibility; it might mean the ability to accept a larger customer order, increase production or hold additional inventory so products are ready to dispatch when demand increases. It could also allow a business to shorten lead times, improve customer service or take on work that might otherwise have to be turned away because there simply isn’t enough room.
In many cases, having the available capacity determines not just how efficiently a manufacturer operates, but how much business it can realistically win.
Peak demand affects the whole operation
Volumes may increase for weeks or months at a time, placing pressure on every part of the operation. More raw materials arrive on site, larger quantities of finished goods need storing, dispatch areas become busier and production space has to accommodate increased activity.
As each area reaches capacity, the knock-on effect spreads across the site, workshop space can end up being used for storage, forklift movements increase and workflows become less efficient.
Creating additional space for these supporting activities relieves pressure before it begins to affect productivity. Rather than reacting once warehouses are already full or dispatch areas become congested, manufacturers can keep production areas focused on production, maintain smoother operations and make better use of the site as a whole.
For many manufacturers, that’s the difference between simply coping with increased demand and operating efficiently throughout the busiest periods.
Renting provides space without permanent investment
One of the challenges with seasonal demand is that it rarely justifies permanent expansion.
Building a permanent extension to cope with a few months of increased activity each year can leave businesses paying to maintain capacity they don’t regularly need.
Renting allows manufacturers to add space only when it’s required, avoiding the cost of maintaining oversized facilities during quieter periods.
In addition to providing cost savings, this offers flexibility. At Smart Space, rented buildings can be purchased at any point during the rental period, with the future purchase price agreed upfront. So, businesses can try before they buy: install the building when they need it and make the capital investment decision at the end of the season, if volumes remain high. If volumes have dropped, the building can simply be removed.
Importantly, renting doesn’t mean compromising on the building itself. The same options for insulation, lighting, doors, cladding and internal features are available whether a building is rented or purchased, allowing every structure to be specified around the needs of the operation.
Fast installation supports better planning
Knowing that demand is coming is one thing; having the space ready in time is another.
Permanent construction projects can involve lengthy planning, significant groundworks and disruption to day-to-day operations. Temporary buildings provide a much faster solution, often installed and operational within weeks. PVC roof structures can be installed directly onto existing surfaces with minimal ground preparation, allowing additional storage or production space to be introduced with much less disruption to the wider site.
Because buildings can be positioned around the available space, manufacturers can introduce additional space where it’s most effective. Sometimes that means extending an existing facility, while in other cases, a standalone structure makes better use of an underused part of the site or awkward space.
Planning ahead, not playing catch-up
Managing seasonal demand isn’t just about coping with busy periods, it’s making sure the business is ready to take full advantage of them.
By planning additional space in advance, rather than only when production rises, manufacturers can ensure the extra capacity is ready before existing facilities come under pressure. The result is a business that’s better placed to respond to increased demand, fulfil larger orders and maintain efficient operations throughout the busiest periods of the year.
For more information, visit www.smart-space.co.uk
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