Five Common Reasons for Packaging Machine R&D Failure

[ppzhan abstract] A packaging machine is a machine that packs products, playing a role in protection and aesthetic appeal. Packaging machines are mainly divided into 2 aspects: 1. Integrated production packaging in an assembly line. 2. Peripheral packaging equipment for products. However, there is a chance of failure during the development process. Some points for attention are listed below for reference:

1. Neither buyer nor seller understands the other. When project engineers of fast-moving consumer goods companies test the performance of a packaging machine, they may set the threshold level absurdly high, hoping in this way to prove that everything inside the machine is normal, or to obtain actual operating data under the assumption that the packaging machine does not meet the company's requirements. When the packaging machine manufacturer learns the performance figures expected by the fast-moving consumer goods company, it may feel that the pressure to reach such figures is very great, or it may in fact already know that this is impossible to achieve and that the figure is unreasonable. On one hand, the contract must be followed; on the other hand, once the packaging machine is put into use, the cost of recalling it from the fast-moving consumer goods company is enormous. Such are the rules of the game! Both sides need to be mentally prepared for the data not meeting expectations. It is best for both sides, before purchasing the product, to be open and honest, to discuss the actual performance requirements of the packaging machine, and to reach agreement on the expected results of the packaging machine.
2. Poor manufacturer/application combinations. Most mechanical equipment manufacturers are founded or managed by engineers, and most of these engineers have never encountered a problem they believe they cannot solve. Many manufacturers have a range of function combinations dedicated to packaging machines. Adding non-core applications, or simply adding functions, may satisfy the customer, that is, the fast-moving consumer goods company.
3. Incomplete description of packaging machine functions. Halfway through the development of a packaging machine project, it is discovered that the packaging machine must be able to seal triangular stand-up pouches or zippers or other accessories, which was not covered in the original plan. This shows that the original description of functions was not based on actual needs. This will lead to delayed delivery, increased costs, low morale among project staff and other unfavorable situations.
4. Do not change the time schedule just because there are changes. Changes are indeed possible, but if the fast-moving consumer goods company hopes that the machinery manufacturer will accept the changes without changing the delivery time, then the whole project will be in trouble. Manufacturers, eager to satisfy the customer, usually hastily incorporate these requirements into the entire packaging machine project. When a packaging machine development project that originally needed 8 weeks gradually enters its ninth week, the project manager will use your requirements to achieve the delay ("since it will be delayed by a week anyway, we will certainly add the changes you want"). In fact, such a change may unexpectedly and frustratingly extend the project to 12 weeks before it is completed.
5. Purchasing staff do not have extensive professional knowledge. A cross-functional procurement team is a common form of staffing for packaging machinery selection. Some members of the procurement team need to know something about purchasing packaging machinery, but they do not need to be experts. For example, members from non-technical fields such as finance or marketing may offer the team different ideas; they may be trained and, because they have no professional technical knowledge, cannot judge what solutions the manufacturer can provide apart from a favorable sales price. Therefore, it is very worthwhile to train members in professional knowledge in order to build a good purchasing team. The advantage of a cross-functional procurement team is that when members disagree, the team can seek common ground while reserving differences, communicate with those members who do not have professional knowledge and cannot make decisions on their own, and arrive at a result acceptable to everyone.

——This article is reprinted from China Packaging Network (pack.cn). Original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-361809.html