Each farm has its own characteristics. The production processes are similar, but the process of planting the same plants can be done in different ways. Single machines can be used for this purpose, or several machines put together, which we will already call a production line.
Of course, the complexity of the lines sometimes varies and depends on the final effect we want to achieve. Regardless, it’s worth thinking about and rethinking a few things to configure a line that meets all our expectations. Hence our question today – what to look for when designing a production line?
NEEDS ANALYSIS ? is usually the first point of our conversations. We are committed to the best possible knowledge and understanding of the activities performed on the line. By this we mean types of pots, species of plants to be planted, type of substrate and its packaging, substrate components (or lack thereof), planting, mulching, irrigation and dispatching plants to their destinations. We are also analyzing expectations in terms of the target number of people involved in production and plans to expand the line in the future. A good needs analysis is essential, and by taking a holistic view of the project, we avoid possible oversights.
PROJECT ?110%? ? after analyzing the needs, we prepare a project that includes all the options necessary to meet the customer’s needs, resulting from their analysis. The project is augmented with options that are not essential, but are intended to make the work go smoothly and comfortably. Why is this done? We do this in order to present the concept of a full line, equipped with the best solutions and making work as easy as possible, so that the Customer can make an informed decision. In our experience, it is better to remove certain elements than not to consider them, and after the purchase to wonder how to ? “plug” them into the existing system.
FINALIZATION OF THE PROJECT ? ORDER – We pay special attention to the preparation and signing of a sales contract by both parties, which summarizes the arrangements and ensures that none of them will change during the project, even if several months pass from order to delivery. The contract protects both the customer and the seller.
DELIVERY, INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND TRAINING ? Finally comes the awaited moment of delivery. For our part, although the unloading is on the side of the buyer, we always try to participate in the delivery and unloading, especially of large lines, so that we can check with the customer the completeness of the delivered machines and carry out a visual inspection while still on the trailer of the truck that brought the machines. We exclude possible damage to machines that may have occurred during transport (e.g. scuffs, dents, etc.) ? Failure to detect them before unloading practically excludes any possibility of claiming compensation from transport companies. It is worth keeping this in mind and ordering machines from suppliers for whom coming to unload is a popular practice. The next step is to install the machines and put them into operation. The proper and efficient execution of these activities is very important. Of course, the more extensive the line, the more time should be spent on installation. Due to situations that are difficult to foresee, it is important that the project is consulted with experienced people who will pay attention to the issues necessary for the proper course of the installation at many stages. One of the most important stages is also the training of employees ultimately to work on the line ? It will be up to him to ensure that the line works as intended, without unnecessary interruptions or faults.
EXPANSION ? Often a production line from a ?110%? project is split into stages or trimmed down to meet current needs. It is important that it is prepared in such a way that it is ready to plug in another unit or units in the future, even from other suppliers. The individual units should be prepared mechanically and electronically to accept further units.
SERVICE ? The availability of machine service is an obvious condition. The supplier must provide service at every stage: from installation until the machines are no longer in use, which usually lasts a dozen or more years. It is important that the supplier is able to provide full support to customers, especially during the production season, because this is when there is an increased number of defects and failures. A good supplier will offer a post-warranty service support package.
