10 ways to lower your operating costs with infrastructure investment

Are you looking for ways to decrease running costs? In this article, we highlight 10 ways to reduce your operating costs, with a particular focus on your infrastructure.  

1. Identify inefficiencies

By assessing your current workflows, you can identify any inefficiencies that may be contributing to your operating costs. While they may seem minor, these problems can quickly lead to lost productivity and material waste. When you note which aspects of your operations could be streamlined, you can make proactive changes and reduce expenses. 

For example, if you note that one machine requires far more maintenance and fuel than another, it may be worth replacing it with a more efficient model. 

2. Automate your processes

If you spend a lot of time on repetitive tasks, automated solutions can free up your time. Depending on your industry and operations, automation may include inventory management systems, robotic warehouse systems, or payroll platforms. These tools will reduce labour costs and minimise errors, allowing you to focus on the jobs you care about most.  

3. Energy optimisation and solar shed design

Energy consumption is one of the biggest expenses in many businesses so it’s worth looking for cost-effective solutions. One of the best options is using solar panels on your building to power your building and equipment. This will not only reduce your energy bills but also improve your business’s carbon footprint. 

If you want to install solar power, our team will engineer your building or shed for solar gain, accounting for the best roof pitch, orientation, and structural strength. The Australian government also offers rebates and loans to get you set up. 

4. Invest in a machinery shed 

A purpose-built shed or building is a game changer, providing a space to store your most valuable assets. You can store all your equipment safely and securely, protecting it from the weather and theft, greatly reducing wear and tear over time and lowering maintenance time and costs.

At ABC Sheds, we specialise in workshop sheds, machinery sheds, and commercial sheds. If you want to upgrade your infrastructure, use our Build Your Dream Shed tool to explore your options. 

5. Upgrade equipment

If your machinery or equipment runs sluggishly, it’s worth upgrading to a more efficient model. This way, you can streamline your workflows and, in most cases, the cost will be quickly recovered in energy savings. 

6. Improve energy efficiency 

To lower your expenses, we recommend optimising your industrial shed or building for energy efficiency. At ABC Sheds, we can design your shed with this in mind, incorporating whirly birds, a range of door options, and insulation. 

To reduce power usage even further, consider installing a polycarbonate sheet in your walls to maximise natural light. This is a lightweight and durable solution ideal for Australia’s harsh conditions. We can also incorporate windows into your shed design, increasing natural light and airflow.

7. Optimise business storage 

Storing products or crops in a purpose-built space minimises the risk of stock loss. With a storage shed, your stock is protected from weather damage and theft, maximising your revenue. You can also stockpile supplies, placing orders while the rates are more affordable and avoiding any higher rates when the market is unfavourable. 

With a large shed or building, you can also adapt your storage according to the season. This flexibility allows you to prepare your stock in advance. When you can’t complete other tasks due to the poor weather, simply use your time to service your machinery, organise your storage, and get your administrative tasks in order. 

8. Water management

Another overhead to assess is water usage, especially if you operate in a drought-prone area. Effective water management will reduce your environmental footprint but can also lead to significant savings. Key steps to take include conducting a water audit, installing water-saving solutions, and collecting rainwater. 

By installing rainwater tanks on your building, you could catch and store a significant portion of water to service your building. Even with a minimal rainfall of 500mm, a 15m x 32m hay shed could catch up to 240,000 litres of water annually!

9. Pest management

Inadequate pest control could lead to substantial stock losses and asset damage. Rodent and insect infestations are a constant threat in Australia so it may be worth using concrete bunker-style walls to keep mice out. This also means you can fumigate your building in case of an infestation. 

10. Preparing for the future 

If you’re investing in a shed or building to optimise your operations, it pays to be prepared for whatever the future might bring. Firstly, we always recommend building a shed that’s larger than you currently need so that you can easily expand or adjust your processes without rebuilding. 

We also recommend accommodating for any machinery you may want at a later date. For example, you may want to choose roller doors with higher clearance or incorporate structural supports for a gantry crane. For more examples and advice, reach out to our team or try our Shed Designer tool! 

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