Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover format changeovers?
Practical guidance for format changeovers: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
Read the answer →Production guide
Efficiency, safety and project planning
Measure and improve production performance, safety, validation, maintenance, sustainability and investment decisions. Find the product, pack or process closest to your application and then choose the fault you can see.
20topic guides
360question-and-answer pages
18problem routes per topic
10specialist solution routes
Choose what is closest to your application
Planning and improvement topics
Improvement starts with a clear definition, measured baseline and an agreed result that can be tested after the change.
18 answers
Line speed
The sustained rate of good packs produced under normal operating conditions.
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18 answers
Format changeovers
The complete time and work required to move between products or pack sizes.
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18 answers
Planned maintenance
Scheduled inspection, lubrication and replacement used to prevent avoidable failures.
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18 answers
Production downtime
Scheduled time lost to faults, waiting, clearing, changeover or unavailable resources.
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18 answers
Product giveaway
Extra product placed into packs above the required target.
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18 answers
Packaging waste
Film, labels, caps, containers, cartons and cases not converted into good saleable packs.
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18 answers
Operator workload
The time, movement, judgement and physical handling required from production staff.
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18 answers
Overall equipment effectiveness
A combined view of availability, performance and quality.
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18 answers
Machine safety
Control of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, thermal and process hazards.
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18 answers
Hygienic design
Equipment features that support effective cleaning and contamination control.
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18 answers
Production traceability
Linking products and packs to batch, material, time and process records.
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18 answers
Process validation
Documented evidence that the process produces the required result consistently.
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18 answers
Atex and hazardous areas
Classification and equipment requirements where explosive atmospheres may occur.
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18 answers
Sustainable packaging changes
Material or format changes intended to reduce environmental impact.
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18 answers
Second-hand machinery
Used packaging equipment assessed for fit, condition, safety and support.
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18 answers
Critical spare parts
Components whose failure would stop or seriously reduce production.
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18 answers
Utility planning
Power, compressed air, extraction, water, drainage and heat rejection needed by machinery.
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18 answers
Factory acceptance testing
Pre-delivery testing against agreed functions and performance.
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18 answers
Site acceptance testing
Post-installation testing under the customer’s normal site conditions.
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18 answers
Return on automation investment
Comparison of installed cost with labour, capacity, waste, quality and risk benefits.
Open guide →Common starting points
Search all 360 answers →Popular planning and improvement questions
Planning and improvement
Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover line speed?
Practical guidance for line speed: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
Read the answer →
Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover packaging waste?
Practical guidance for packaging waste: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
Read the answer →
Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover planned maintenance?
Practical guidance for planned maintenance: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
Read the answer →
Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover product giveaway?
Practical guidance for product giveaway: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
Read the answer →
Planning and improvementWhat acceptance test should cover production downtime?
Practical guidance for production downtime: improve appearance, seal, closure, code, dose and transport performance.
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Planning and improvementWhat commonly causes poor format changeovers?
Practical guidance for format changeovers: trace the first loss of control instead of repeatedly clearing the final jam.
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Planning and improvementWhat commonly causes poor line speed?
Practical guidance for line speed: trace the first loss of control instead of repeatedly clearing the final jam.
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Planning and improvementWhat commonly causes poor packaging waste?
Practical guidance for packaging waste: trace the first loss of control instead of repeatedly clearing the final jam.
Read the answer →Common search questions
Questions customers also ask
Open a question for a concise answer, then use the detailed guide above for the full production checks.
What should I know about line speed?
The sustained rate of good packs produced under normal operating conditions.
What should I know about format changeovers?
The complete time and work required to move between products or pack sizes.
What should I know about planned maintenance?
Scheduled inspection, lubrication and replacement used to prevent avoidable failures.
What should I know about production downtime?
Scheduled time lost to faults, waiting, clearing, changeover or unavailable resources.
What should I know about product giveaway?
Extra product placed into packs above the required target.
How should I use the Efficiency, safety and project planning page?
Measure and improve production performance, safety, validation, maintenance, sustainability and investment decisions.