Preserve the production line before launch
Buying a production line in China is only half the battle. The real tests begin when the equipment has already arrived and is to be launched.
Mistakes at this stage can result in weeks of downtime, unnecessary costs and even damage to expensive cars. We’ll look at three typical situations that companies face and how to prevent them.
Mistake #1 - No foundation for equipment
How it happens:
Classic story: the equipment arrived, an engineer from China flew in for commissioning. But on inspection it turns out that under the machines or line need a foundation, and it is not.
- "Where's the foundation?" - The engineer asks.
- "You didn't say you needed him." - The customer answers.
- "You didn't ask." - The engineer answers.
As a result, installation is impossible, the equipment is idle, the engineer flies away, and the launch schedule is broken.
What to do:
- More. pre-contract request the manufacturer installation specifications.
- Find out if you need a foundation, what it should be. height, thickness, strength.
- Ask, What are the mortgage details should be provided.
- Include this item in the site preparation plan.
Mistake #2 – Communications are not broken
How it happens:
The equipment is already in place, but it is impossible to connect it - there is no water, air, electricity or even grounding.
This often happens if the communication is carried out by another contractor, and the overall control of the project is no one. As a result, the machines are in the package, and the timing of commissioning is postponed.
What to do:
- Ask the factory. full list of connection requirements:
- water (pressure, flow rate);
- pneumatics (pressure, diameter of hoses);
- voltage and frequency;
- grounding;
- Protection against power surges.
- On the basis of this data, make checklist.
- Assign. supervisor fulfill these requirements.
Mistake #3 - Difficulty unloading
How it happens:
Chinese factories often use unique loading methods, such as lifting heavy elements simultaneously with a crane beam and two loaders. When unloading in Russia, such equipment may not be.
As a result, the container is standing, the equipment is inside, and every day of downtime is an extra cost and risk of damage when trying to “reach out somehow”.
What to do:
- Ask the supplier. Video or at least a photo of the loading process.
- Determine what equipment and how many people will be needed to unload.
- Make arrangements with contractors in advance availability of the necessary equipment The day the container arrived.
Starting a production line is not only a technical but also an organizational process. Even the simplest mistakes at the preparatory stage can lead to serious consequences.
Short checklist for preparation:
- Obtain technical requirements for installation.
- Prepare foundations and mortgages.
- Provide all necessary communications.
- Organize unloading taking into account the characteristics of the packaging.
The sooner you start working through these issues, the faster and safer your line will work.
