AI-Assisted Packaging Inspection

It was exciting to read about Amgen’s AI-Assisted packaging inspection.  According to the article “In an industry first, the biotech leader has equipped — and validated — an inspection system with artificial intelligence (AI) to boost particle detection 70%, cut false rejects 60%, and differentiate pesky bubbles from unacceptable contaminants in syringes.” (Bob Sperber, Packaging […]

Documenting and Executing a Successful Remote FAT

The Factory Acceptance Test (FATs) is one of the most critical activities when procuring automated packaging equipment and custom automated systems.  In 20-plus years of consulting, I have been a part of many.  In my last article, I outlined some of the considerations when faced with laying the groundwork for a Remote FAT.  This time, […]

Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Remote Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)

Recently a large international supplier of packaging equipment to the life science industry posted on LinkedIn touting their capability to perform a ‘Remote Factory Acceptance Test’ (FAT).  (Great timing on their part!)  Since then, I’ve had numerous conversations about the concept. Although ‘the New Normal’ is an over-worked phrase, it certainly applies here.  There is […]

Ensure Company Success with Good Vendor Relationships

Do you think of equipment vendors only as line items on the budget for your capital equipment projects?  Maybe you should think of them more as valuable resources with more to offer than just pieces of machinery.  Every relationship that you can draw on to make your projects successful is an asset that you bring […]

Pre-Owned Equipment Can Make Sense. Here’s What to Look (and Look Out) For.

The good news is that business is going well, and your winery or craft brewery is ready for an expansion or upgrades. The bad news is that capital equipment is expensive. Pre-owned machinery is one way to save money on that equipment. In our last post, we reviewed when to consider buying pre-owned equipment. Now […]

When to Consider Buying Pre-Owned Equipment

When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, the decision depends on a number of factors…and money isn’t always number one.  Determining whether a new or pre-owned equipment purchase makes sense depends on the situation. As an engineer or production manager, it is always fun to dream of all the possibilities that the […]

Hidden Costs in Budgeting for Your Capital Project

As mentioned in our previous post on budgeting for your Capital Project, it is often thought that “unforeseen” costs inevitably push projects over budget. However, the costs are typically less “unforeseen” and more “overlooked.” Examining a project budget and asking key questions early in the process can ensure a project stays on track. Many of these […]

Budgeting for Your Capital Project

Like crafting a signature red blend, creating a budget for a capital project can sometimes feel like a cross between guesswork, sorcery and luck. As any project management expert will explain, there is no black magic involved. Instead, budgeting for a capital project requires insight, forward thinking, and an attention to detail. Projects begin with […]

PAMC Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

PAMC is proud to announce our 20th year serving the Wine, Food and Beverage, and Life Sciences industries. Our Story Andy Malcolm always knew he wanted to own his own company.  He just didn’t know what type of business it would be.  After graduating from Cornell University with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering thanks to […]

Does the Winery Equipment You’re Investing In Really Fit Your Needs?

Outfitting your winery is an exciting task but browsing equipment specifications with similar descriptions and little guidance for what truly fits your needs can be daunting. For this reason, it is essential to spend time on two principal activities for a capital equipment project – framing the project and defining user requirements.