Where the money goes.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Cost per kilogram or per item processed.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Water Power Detergent and chemicals Labour Equipment depreciation and maintenance Packaging Rent Losses and rework
WHY WATER AND POWER DOMINATE
Washing and drying consume both heavily.
WHAT DRYING COSTS
More than washing, in energy terms.
WHAT THAT IMPLIES
Anything reducing drying time reduces cost substantially.
WHAT REDUCES IT
Higher extraction speed before drying Correct load sizes Well-maintained machines Adequate ventilation
WHY EXTRACTION MATTERS MOST
Water removed mechanically costs far less than water removed by heat.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That machines extract properly.
WHAT LABOUR CONSUMES
Sorting Loading and unloading Finishing and pressing Folding and packing Handling and administration
WHY FINISHING DOMINATES LABOUR
It is manual and it cannot be avoided.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Items processed per person per day.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Break-even volume.
WHY UTILISATION MATTERS
Machines and premises cost the same whether they run or not.
WHAT TO TRACK
Volume by day Cost per item Rework and damage Turnaround time
WHAT TO REVIEW
Cost per item, when water, power or chemical prices move.
