The configuration of your workshop could mean the difference between an organized or un-organized embroidery workshop.

When planning your workshop, consider some important factors:

• Space available
• Number of machines
• Size of machines
• Lighting
• Power
• Network ports / cables
• Easy access to an exit for safety
• Easy access to supplies

Getting Started

The size room you have will almost certainly vary for every embroidery business. A good tip is cut out your furniture and equipment into scale size pieces of paper, and lay them out in a to-scale size drawing of your workshop area.

Firstly, draw your workshop area on a piece of plain or graph paper. Map out the door, window, and don’t forget power points and network ports!

Next place your to-scale paper furniture in your workshop area. In this example, we have:

• three four head machines
• a single PC for accessing designs and work order information
• a thread storage cabinet
• general storage cabinet for storing machine maintenance items, backing material and other items
• hoop rack (board)
• corner constructed metal racks for storing boxes and production material off the floor

Continue re-arranging your workshop until you create a layout suited to your needs and the equipment you have.

Consider the location of the PC to allow easy access by all machines. The PC should also be located near network ports and power points to avoid lengthy and potential dangerous cables.

Threads should be stored in a closeable cupboard. Dusty threads are a breeding ground for dust mites that will reduce the quality and strength of your thread. This will result in thread breaks on your machine affecting the quality of your embroidery and cut directly into your profits.

Threads are commonly stored in large steel storage cabinets. They are strong, long-lasting, and offer protection from dust.

Safety First

Consider safety as your number one priority! Ensure the layout you create does not violate any industrial health and safety laws in your region, and ensure allow plenty of room for yourself or your team to move around the working equipment.

Try to avoid running cables across the floor. At all times try to run any cabling around the edge of the room along the walls.

The Horse Shoe Method

The ‘horse shoe’ method of aligning multiple machines in a workshop environment is common in embroidery where a company has multiple machines. It allows multiple machines to be maintained and monitored effectively by a single or two machinists.

This method is especially common in larger workshops, where two machinists can effectively monitor and operate three machines. These are often called machine ‘pods’ and typically a PC is also assigned to each pod allowing design downloading and production order monitoring.

Team Involvement

Involve your team in any changes you make to the production area. As daily users of this area, your production team will have some useful insight into improving this vital revenue generating area of your business. Involvement and part ownership of the change process will also in your team accepting the changes, resulting in a smooth and fast transition.