Copyright © 2002 Published: April 2002 8.5x11 Soft Cover 214 Pages Table of Contents

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Within Machine Protocols are those activities that concentrate on the machine and those elements that will impact on the ability of the machinery and systems to facilitate quick change and have flexibility. Inherent in this is the ability of machines and systems to quickly change out a given packaging machine or production line to adapt to the next required product scheduled, preferably without change parts. The main issues relate to clean up, decontamination, safety and ergonomics, concept, design and specifications, wear and maintenance, vendor support and continuous improvement.

Historically, most production lines have not been conceived, specified and designed for short runs and quick change and as a consequence most machine builders are slow to change their designs to facilitate a quick change process.

The correct application and use of machine protocols is before you buy the machine or get that new production line. The ideas and approaches found in machine protocols are very effective reminders and directions of what needs to be done and thought through before purchases are made. Nevertheless, machine protocols can be used effectively after the fact. After the machine has been purchased and installed or after the new production line has been purchased and installed, there is a need to have tools to help audit the line or to go back through the thinking and seeing if something has been missed which is causing some of the present problems and what economical alterations can be made to improve the production process after the fact and what are the learnings that can be applied to the future so as not to repeat past errors.