Tips for Evaluating Food Processing Equipment Manufactures
The search for food processing equipment manufacturers can be time-consuming and difficult if you don’t have a standardized process to follow. Since product testing can’t be done prior to purchase, decisions are typically made entirely on cost, credibility and design data.
If you want to avoid unexpected costs or retrofits, it’s important to take the time to provide vendors with a complete definition of your food processing equipment requirements. Below are a few tips to help you develop a list of detailed specifications you can use to submit a formal RFQ (request for quotation) to food processing equipment manufacturers. With these specifics in mind, you’ll be able to select a manufacturer who can supply equipment that meets your needs and provides trouble-free service now and in the future.
- Equipment Description: Describe the overall operation and function of the equipment or system.
- What type of product will be processed?
- What container or packaging is used?
- What should the system interface look like and what type of performance criteria is required?
- Materials: Specify the materials required in construction of the equipment.
- Location: Where will the system be installed? Define the project conditions by including details on available utilities and the environment in which the equipment will operate.
- Standards: List any standards that directly relate to the construction and components of the specified equipment. (i.e. USDA, OSHA, FDA or ASTM)
- Controls: What is the minimum level of control (manual vs. automatic) desired for the equipment? Is there a specific operating sequence and control panel layout required?
- Safety: Define the safety requirements for the equipment and product. This might include distinct environmental concerns or guards for the operator.
- Service and Maintenance: Include a detailed description of any ongoing maintenance requirements for the equipment.
- Preferred Manufacturers of Parts or Sub-assemblies: If your organization would like to minimize training requirements for maintenance techs and operators, you might request specific manufacturers for parts like motors, valves, pumps, controls or drives.
- Inspection and Testing: Specify when you would like to inspect the equipment. Include the timing of an acceptance test and the consequence of failed tests.
- Delivery and Installation: If timeliness is a factor, specify this along with the actual date of delivery and deadline you prefer. Also, include the type of packaging and protection you require for the equipment along with the delivery address. Get specifics from the manufacturer on whether installation is available along with any costs associated with the installation
This list will help you think through your requirements for the equipment, and you can then identify and build a list of experienced food processing equipment manufacturers and send your RFQ to each one. Whether your needs are to purchase, sell, determine equipment values or locate spare parts, we encourage you to contact our professionals at M&M Equipment Corp.