And how do you ensure that your set of requirements is complete?
In a previous blog, I explained the importance of a set of requirements when developing customised packaging. In this blog, I’ll tell you about the consequences of having your packaging developed on the basis of an incomplete list of requirements. And what you can do to prevent this.
If you don’t pay enough attention to the composition of your requirements package, the preconditions and starting points may not be right. As a result, the final packaging will not be satisfactory. And if your packaging is not optimal, this can lead to damage. Damage to your product or in the form of unnecessarily high transport and storage costs. But damage to your image is also a serious risk if you repeatedly fail to deliver your product to the customer undamaged.
I will explain three important risks in more detail below:
1. More costs
Non-compliant packaging can cause higher costs in many ways. Here are a few examples:
- The packaging does not provide sufficient protection, which means that your products are frequently damaged in transit. The product has to be returned and redelivered, which incurs additional costs (e.g. transport, administration, handling).
- The packaging takes up unnecessary space during transport and storage, either because the size is outside the norm, the shape is different or too much ‘air is transported’.
- Packaging that is not optimal can seriously shorten the life of your equipment or tools.
It is important to consider all the links in your supply chain and how productivity is affected by packaging.
Harold Pijs | Customer Service Manager at Faes
2. Damage to image and loss of turnover
You might not think of it right away, but delivering packaging that is not optimal can put a big dent in your company’s image. Think about this:
- Frustrations caused by products that always arrive faulty (read more about Defects On Arrival here);
- Packaging that is not representative;
- Packaging that is inconvenient or contains a lot of air;
- Packaging that has a shorter lifespan than its contents (e.g. tools);
- Packaging that is not sustainable (companies are becoming increasingly aware of this).
3. Lower productivity
Your project can be seriously delayed if the packaging proves inadequate. If you decide to use the packaging anyway, it will affect your company’s productivity. Packaging that does not meet all logistical requirements or that delays operations is inefficient. For example, because packing and unpacking takes up unnecessary time. So it’s important to consider all the links in your supply chain in your requirements package and how productivity is affected by the packaging.
How come your set of requirements is incomplete?
There are several causes, including time pressure, insufficient preparation, interim changes, inadequate information and lack of knowledge. What often lies behind this is that the importance of a set of requirements is considerably underestimated beforehand.
Lack of time
The product is almost ready, the deadline is approaching. Now all that’s left is the packaging! There is no time for details and stopping the project before the packaging is not an option. Time pressure leads to concessions and a less successful end result.
Changes in product development
It happens regularly that things change during the product development process. Unfortunately, it also happens regularly that these changes are not included in the requirements package. This can have major consequences. It is, of course, important that the packaging meets the correct specifications.
Insufficient details
In general terms, the set of requirements states what the packaging must meet, but the descriptions are insufficiently concrete or detailed. For example, a maximum weight is stated, but it is unclear whether this is including or excluding the product. Inadequate information or information that can be interpreted in several ways can lead to wrong choices being made when developing the packaging.
Insufficient understanding of the requirements and wishes of all users
It is not always feasible to involve all the users of the packaging when drawing up the set of requirements. Or to fully visualise the route the packaging will take in the supply chain. Then it is not sufficiently clear which risks the packaging will encounter along the way.
Too little knowledge of packaging
Knowledge of packaging materials is indispensable for translating the set of requirements into the right packaging solution. All too often, choices made turn out not to be feasible in practice. For example, because of the properties of the chosen material. The packaging turns out to protect the product less well than hoped for. Only then it becomes clear that packaging is a speciality.
In this blog, we share 6 tips with you to ensure that your requirements for the development of your customised packaging are complete.
How do you avoid an incomplete set of requirements?
- Start on time and give the set of requirements the attention it deserves. Make sure that you have the space to collect input from the users. If you start on time, you can also make adjustments if the product specifications change in the meantime.
- Keep an eye on the details. Keep asking questions until you have a clear understanding of all the points of interest.
- Of course, it also helps to have a specialist who knows the business. My colleagues and I will be happy to help you draw up a thorough set of requirements so that you actually get a packaging solution that fully meets your demands and wishes.
Getting started with your list of requirements? Here’s how to do it!
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