Budgeting for a detailed Factory Acceptance Test is an investment in your project’s success. If you’ve ever had trouble convincing whoever makes and approves the capital equipment budgets in your organization to invest in a thorough FAT, read on… Packaging World recently featured an article “Successful FATs Improve Equipment Start-Ups” by Jim Chrzan. While his […]
Considering a Capital Project? Put the ‘User’ in ‘User Requirements Specification’
April 12, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Ask yourself, why is it called a User Requirements Specification? The User Requirements Specification (or URS) is the foundation of any serious effort to buy or implement a machine, system, or upgrade. Somebody somewhere decided that there is a need in the organization to be met. More than likely, that decision was made while evaluating […]
Choosing Equipment Wisely For Your Winery: Learning to Ask Why
March 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment
The purpose of a User Requirements Specification is to clearly and specifically document the requirements for the machine, system, or upgrade that you plan to buy or implement for your winery. (For our purposes, let’s call it a machine.) The User Requirements Specification provides the project manager or engineer with her marching orders. ‘Go get […]
There’s More Than One Show In Vegas, But PAMC Will Be at PACK EXPO
September 21, 2017 By Leave a Comment
PAMC will once again be at PACK EXPO Sept. 25-27 in Las Vegas, and while we’ve been going for a few years now, there have been some shows in Vegas that have been around a lot longer. (Think Cats on Broadway.) Every year we put out Andy’s List, a fun list of facts about the […]
Chicago is about PACK EXPO but also about BREWS
October 19, 2016 By Leave a Comment
While we are here at PACK EXPO we are usually so busy at the show and getting together with colleagues and clients that there isn’t enough time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Chicago! But if you do find yourself out and about and the opportunity comes up to try a Chicago craft […]
Make the Job Worth it and They Will Come
March 30, 2016 By Leave a Comment
I don’t subscribe to many blogs. However, Keith Campbell’s is one of them. His ‘On the Edge Blog’ strikes a chord with me. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I am a strong believer in the power of American manufacturing, diminished as it is. Keith focuses much of his attention on the gap between the technical skills […]
Thinking of Automating Your Packaging? 6 Steps to Consider First
February 2, 2016 By Leave a Comment
In her article from End-of-line packaging blog, author Toni Nigrelli-LaFleur does a nice job of pointing out some of the factors to take into account when considering automation of end-of-line packaging processes (Evaluate Your Business Goals, Assess Current Packaging Environment, Evaluate Your Material and Labor Costs). This applies to wine, beer, and other beverage manufacturers, as well as to food companies. Take a look at the first three steps she outlines and then three other considerations that I might suggest.
Think about the packaging at Disneyland!
January 29, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Did you know the Disneyland Resort diverts more than half of its overall waste from landfills through recycling and repurposing? Here are some other facts about recycling at the Disneyland Resort that you may not know: Disneyland Resort recycles enough aluminum each year to make a soda can about 1,000 times taller than its Matterhorn, […]
Chicago is about PACK EXPO 2014, Food…and Sports!
October 14, 2014 By Leave a Comment
I’m heading to PACK EXPO 2014 soon and am excited to see new technologies and ideas, as well as spending 4 days enjoying great company and the Windy City’s famous restaurants! Whether you believe Chicago got its nickname from the breezes that swirl down the streets from Lake Michigan, or whether you believe it was […]
Article Review – Green is Good But Bottom Line Matters Most
September 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Just as I thought. ‘The real driver of behavior still remains cost, which will always trump environmental impact. This according to the report on a survey by AlixPartners, a global business advisory firm. Green is good. We all know it. The benefit at the retail end of the supply chain is a given. Being able […]
