Anyone who has paid attention to our industry knows that lasers are the future for stamp production and the future is here now.
Not only are lasers being used for stamp production, but many companies are also using their lasers for a whole host of other engraving applications, not just for stamps. Signage, personalized gifts and countless other things are being made on lasers. As a small business you need to diversify your product mix, and a laser has made that much easier for you. But at what point does it make sense for you to invest in another laser and will you regret not getting one?
Production schedules are a very important thing for any business owner to be aware of. Managing those schedules can be difficult even in the best of circumstances. But when demand begins to grow and your laser is running 8 plus hours a day, 6 days a week, you will have no room for growth, your production has reached its maximum capacity and there is no ability to take advantage of any short-term opportunities. At this point it’s too late. Even if you do decide to get another laser it takes time to determine what laser is appropriate, finance it and have the unit delivered and installed. Time where opportunity is wasted. Instead, monitor your laser use and as schedules get tight bring that second laser in. Give yourself time to do your research and get the right laser you, instead of panicking and getting whatever is available or quick.
Demand is not the only reason another laser may be necessary. Your chosen product mix may also drive the need for more equipment. When changing from one item to another there is a certain amount of time that must be allocated to setup, cleanup and breakdown. During this process your laser is not running, and if it is not running you are not making money. Also, different products may require different filtration requirements. Consolidating product types either by filtration requirements or by engraving methods can help reduce downtime and increase productivity.
Although these situations are important to continually evaluate, there is one situation that a business owner should seriously consider when thinking about another laser. That is when, not if, the laser goes down. Just as certain as death and taxes, your laser going down is a certainty. It’s just when that will happen that is a mystery. But it will happen eventually, and repair services are not going to be available right away. It might take a few days, a week or more before a technician can get to your office. A second laser will give you that much-needed redundancy. Giving you the ability to shift jobs around to keep work flowing while you wait for a technician to arrive. The only other option is to tell customers that you are not able to meet their deadline. This is not an option you want to take.
Regardless of where you are, relating to how much you use your laser, having options is always a good thing to have. Seriously consider what advantages a second laser can do for you. If you decide to move forward with a second laser reach out to Trotec (www.troteclaser.com). They can help with all your laser needs.
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