What is motion waste?
Simply put, motion waste is any movement that doesn't add value to a task — this might include fetching parts, searching for supplies, or carrying loads further than necessary. [1] And it’s a bigger issue than you might give it credit for. According to our research, almost half of all machine operators report being interrupted over 20 times per shift to retrieve or dispose of cleaning products.*
Addressing issues like motion waste is a core principle of building a continuous improvement culture in your business — one that focuses on how small, practical changes can enable your employees to work more efficiently and focus on tasks that truly add value.
Above all, knowledge is power when it comes to motion waste. Understanding what it is and how tackling it can benefit your business is the first step. To help you get started, check out our guide on the basics of motion waste.
Why does dispenser placement matter in reducing motion waste?
This is best explained with an example. Consider how installing a wiper dispenser near machinery means your workers don’t need to take unnecessary journeys to clean up leaks and spills. In other words, optimized dispenser positioning can prevent your staff from walking long distances to get supplies and thus, extra movement. [2] This not only helps you to eliminate motion waste but may also reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
How to reduce motion waste with strategic dispenser placement
Now that you understand the importance of dispenser placement, let’s explore some location optimization tips to reduce motion waste and boost your workflows:
1. Keep cleaning cloths close at hand
In a
manufacturing environment, grease, grime, and other stubborn types of dirt are part of the job. Lots of dirt requires lots of cleaning, but that shouldn't mean your workers need to move back and forth constantly to fetch supplies.
That's where
Tork Performance® Dispensers come in, helping you tackle waste in more ways than one. Our units offer flexible mounting options, so you can install them exactly where your employees need them, making it easier for them to complete important tasks.
Placing these dispensers close to equipment not only reduces motion waste but also helps with preventative maintenance. When employees can grab wipers easily, they’re more likely to clean machines as part of their daily routine instead of as a special, scheduled task. This makes machines easier to inspect, helps your workers spot defects early, and keeps minor issues from turning into costly downtime.
Better still, Tork Performance® one-at-a-time dispensers ensure consistent product delivery and minimize overconsumption.
2. Have natural workflow routes in mind
Shop floors are rarely static, with many operators taking on multiple tasks in different locations during their shift. So, when planning dispenser placement, it’s important to consider not only the workstations, but also the routes your teams take to and from them.
If your facility has designated safety paths for workers to use, you already know the way they take. By installing dispensers along these routes, your employees can quickly grab a
cleaning cloth on their way to another workstation without having to take a wasteful detour.
But when positioning is not so clear-cut, the good news is you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. With
Tork Workflow™, you can have one of our experts review your current processes to identify where dispensers will have the greatest impact. This ensures cleaning products are always within easy reach, supporting a more
efficient workstream in your facility.
3. Prioritize accessibility
It's not just walking that contributes to motion waste — every extra bend, twist, and lean is not only unnecessary movement, but also carries an increased risk of fatigue or injury for your employees. [3]
To help prevent this, make sure dispensers are installed at a reachable height and in accessible locations. Ergonomic placement helps your workers maintain proper posture and avoid strain while grabbing supplies, keeping cleaning routines quick and safe. [4]
The key takeaway is that motion waste gradually erodes valuable time and energy in your facility. What may seem like a minor inconvenience for your employees in the moment becomes a repeated disruption that slows momentum and pulls them away from their core tasks. When left unchecked, excess movement creates friction in daily operations, ultimately reducing efficiency, limiting output, and placing unnecessary strain on your workers. By recognising and addressing motion waste, you can help your business reclaim lost time and create a more productive workplace.
Adopting a strategic approach to cleaning supply dispenser placement is one way to tackle motion waste. A thoughtful redistribution of these units throughout your facility, taking into account employee routes, task frequency, and high traffic points, can make a world of difference. When dispensers are positioned exactly where they’re needed, unnecessary movement is reduced, work flows more naturally, and your teams can perform at their full potential.
Knowing how much unnecessary movement takes place in your facility is a crucial step to minimizing it. Try out
Tork Motion Waste Calculator to find out how your business is being impacted in just a few short steps!
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