What problem can you see?
Choose the visible production symptom and then select the product, pack or operation where it occurs.
Inconsistent Results
Variation usually begins with changing product or packaging conditions, unstable presentation, unsuitable settings or wear in the process.
Open problem route →
Slow Output
Increase sustained good output by identifying the actual constraint, separating machine cycle time from handling time and removing the first recurring cause of waiting.
Open problem route →
Jams And Stoppages
Find the first point where control is lost. A downstream alarm is often only the final symptom of poor feeding, transfer, detection or format control.
Open problem route →
Waste And Giveaway
Measure product loss, rejected packaging, rework and start-up waste separately, then remove the largest repeatable cause.
Open problem route →
Cleaning And Hygiene
Cleaning must suit the product, materials, contamination risk and machine design. Use an approved method that reaches product-contact and trap points safely.
Open problem route →
Changeover Time
Separate internal tasks that require a stopped machine from external preparation, standardise settings and prove the first good pack after changeover.
Open problem route →
Compatibility
Compatibility must be proven across product contact, storage, temperature, pressure, sealing, labelling, handling and the normal range of supplier variation.
Open problem route →
Machine Selection
Choose the operating principle from the product, pack and measurable result before comparing models, headline speeds or prices.
Open problem route →
Automation
Automate when the current constraint, labour requirement, quality risk or capacity need can be measured and the automated process can be supported reliably.
Open problem route →
Inspection And Verification
Inspect the characteristics that define a good pack, use measurable limits and ensure failed packs are identified, rejected and recorded.
Open problem route →
Safe Production
Assess the actual installation, product and task. Safeguards, isolation, chemical or hygiene controls and operator procedures must work together.
Open problem route →
Maintenance And Reliability
Record the initiating fault, not only the final alarm, and convert recurring failures into controlled inspection, replacement and setup standards.
Open problem route →
Line Integration
Agree product flow, heights, rates, buffers, controls, rejects, guarding and recovery as one system rather than connecting machines mechanically at the end.
Open problem route →
Scaling Production
Scale the dominant constraint first and retain enough flexibility for normal product, pack and demand variation.
Open problem route →
Finished-Pack Quality
Define the finished result, measure the defect pattern and control the process condition that creates it instead of relying on final inspection alone.
Open problem route →
Feeding And Presentation
Stable production needs controlled orientation, spacing, buffering and handover to the next machine at a rate above normal demand.
Open problem route →
Environment And Utilities
Record the condition at the machine. Temperature, humidity, air quality, pressure, voltage and extraction can change product behaviour and equipment repeatability.
Open problem route →
Machine Specification
A useful specification defines the product, pack, range, sustained output, measurable acceptance, utilities, site constraints and evidence required before delivery.
Open problem route →Useful questions before you compare machinery
Use the questions below to prepare the information needed for a useful recommendation.