All production lines are different, and so standard, ‘out of the box’ technologies are unlikely to fulfil the needs of all manufacturers. From a manufacturing side, any new installation is bound to come with challenges, and these can only be overcome by forming a close relationship with a supplier, from an initial sales meeting, through to final installation and beyond with service and support, training, maintenance, and consumables provision.
Therefore, to plan for success, it’s important to find the right supplier, who will not only provide the technology you need but also the project management required to make the most from your new purchase.
Tips for choosing the right partner
- Document everything: Ensure that both you and your prospective supplier document all aspects of the project. This helps establish clear standards and can prevent issues in the future.
- Make your expectations clear: Clearly communicate your needs and expectations to the supplier from the outset. Set out the desired outcomes, provide detailed information, and establish realistic timeframes.
- Collaboration: Look for suppliers willing to collaborate with you to find innovative solutions. Direct engagement with customers often leads to rewarding projects.
- Ask for everything you need: Don’t hesitate to request all the necessary information and challenge any incorrect details. A misunderstanding at the project’s outset can lead to complications during installation.
Find or request the following information:
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Basic information:
- Company size
- Technology offerings and capabilities
- Office and distributor locations
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Previous work:
- Check if the supplier has completed similar projects in the past. Request case studies or success stories. Seek feedback from other sites within your company that may have worked with this supplier previously.
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Cross-border policies:
- In a globalized world, cooperation between offices and departments in different countries is common but can present challenges. Inquire about cross-border policies, and if elements need to be sourced from different countries, seek clarification on how this will be managed.
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Compliance and safety:
- Ensure that all parties agree on compliance and safety aspects for the technology, both during installation and throughout its operational lifetime, before a proposal is submitted.
Request samples:
Samples are essential to determine the right technology for your specific product. In areas like coding and marking, various options may be suitable for marking a substrate, but testing is needed to identify the optimal solution. Product samples help ensure that the chosen technology aligns with your production parameters.
Request and facilitate site surveys:
A comprehensive understanding of your production line and existing machinery is crucial when selecting new technology. Reliable suppliers will want to collect photos, videos, line layout drawings, and information on current machine performance and service availability. Make sure to request a site survey and grant prospective suppliers access to the necessary areas.
Request an expert with industry-specific experience:
Many manufacturers have unique technological and process requirements specific to their industry, such as tobacco, beverage, or pharmaceuticals. Suppliers with employees who are industry experts are better equipped to handle complex projects within those sectors.
Ask about installation support:
The installation of a new machine can be a delicate process that requires expertise from both the supplier and your team. A reputable supplier should be willing to provide a designated engineer to assist on-site staff with installations and offer technical documentation as needed. For complex installations, consider requesting a site acceptance test (SAT) to ensure that everything aligns with the agreed-upon specifications.
Inquire about post-installation support:
The level of post-installation support is a critical factor in choosing a new supplier. This support may include training, spare parts availability, service contracts, and upgrade options, all of which are vital for the operation and maintenance of the new solution. Be sure to ask about the extent of post-installation support provided by the supplier.
After collecting the necessary information and conducting the steps outlined above, your prospective partner should create a comprehensive proposal. This proposal should be presented for your consideration and discussion. When reviewing the proposal, you can:
Compare it with your initial notes and requirements to ensure that it aligns with your expectations.
Check that the proposal covers all the agreed-upon deliverables and addresses the specific needs and goals you’ve discussed.
This review and discussion phase is crucial to confirm that the proposal accurately reflects your requirements and sets the foundation for a successful partnership with your chosen supplier.
Specialised solutions
Good project management is essential to ensure, not just that new technologies are appropriate for the desired customer outcome, but also that project deliverables are met within budget and in the timescales agreed. If you would like to find out more about Codico’s project management services, and specialised solutions for your industry, please get in touch. Our team of experts would be very happy to hear from you and discuss how we can help you to optimise your production capabilities.
Conclusion
Effective project management is crucial to ensure that new technologies align with the desired customer outcomes and that project deliverables are achieved within the allocated budget and agreed-upon timelines. If you are interested in learning more about Codico’s project management services and specialized solutions tailored to your industry, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is eager to connect with you, discuss your specific needs, and explore how we can assist you in optimizing your production capabilities.
