Prepare for Procurement

Potential users of form-fill-seal (FFS) machinery may experience a bit of “sticker shock,” but if they have a long-term strategy and look at overall benefits, the capital expense may be worth the investment.
 

 

So reports Eric Pearson, manager, packaging engineering, Boston Scientific, who will be sharing his career experiences in the FFS procurement lifecycle at the upcoming packaging session at MD&M East 2009 in New York City June 9. Pearson has been involved in many FFS machine procurements and installations.
 

 

“It would certainly be cheaper to buy heat sealers, but if you have high volumes, want to automate your lines, and look at labor costs, it may make sense,” says Pearson. “Your financial model has to support it.”
 

 

Revalidation efforts, which include redesigning packaging and perhaps even requalifying materials, could scare off some potential FFS users. “Any time you make a change, there is a big validation aspect. But it is not insurmountable,” he says. “You have to see the long-term benefits and develop a strategy.”
 

 

That strategy entails putting together a qualified team, which may even require hiring a few consultants. Your FFS equipment supplier and material suppliers could offer some help, too. “However, it is your responsibility,” he advises.
 

 

Critical to successful installation is detailed preparation and heavy documentation. “The more work you do in the front end, meaning the more detailed you are, later events like your factory acceptance test (FAT) and site acceptance test (SAT) will go more smoothly,” Pearson says. “If you leave things to the imagination, the process will be difficult at the tail end.”
 

 

For instance, “You need to consider all your options in your RFQ, which could even get as specific as requests for software validation and for any components needed to comply with ISO 11607,” Pearson says.
 

 

Scheduling can throw things off, too. “You’ve got to account for logistics and build in enough slack in your schedule for steps such as shipping your packaging materials to your FAT or for integrating other machines on your FFS line,” Pearson says. He will cover the addition of printers to FFS machines during his MD&M East presentation.
 

 

Pearson doesn’t expect to shock anyone with his advice. He’ll be sharing lessons learned over the years and sprinkling in a few personal experiences to help your next FFS purchase go smoothly.
 

 

FFS machinery is a major investment for your company, so before you visit some of the FFS suppliers at the upcoming event, attend Pearson’s session. You may have a longer to-do list, but it may shorten your fix-it list after installation.

Daphne Allen, Editor
daphne.allen@cancom.com