Why finding the right project manager is crucial for success in the food processing industry
Adam Hazeldine, Projects Manager at Yamato Scale Dataweigh UK, explains the importance of project management for food manufacturers.
Q: Describe what project management involves in the food processing industry.
A: It could involve the management of anything from the installation of a new production line to expanding an existing production line or replacing an obsolete piece of equipment. It’s about gaining a deep understanding of what’s needed for a food manufacturer to achieve their goals, whether they need weighing, inspection or ancillary equipment. The starting point is to know the project objectives so that you can write up a detailed project proposal.
Q: Why is a project manager needed?
A: Food processing is demanding and complicated – and highly regulated – so it’s vital that food manufacturers seek out the right advice for their production lines. Existing and potential new customers want manufacturers to be fast, efficient, productive and agile. Consumer demand can change very suddenly. Manufacturers must show that their lines are hygienic, safe and able to pass regulatory scrutiny. To satisfy all these demands when installing equipment, it’s crucial to engage a project manager capable of recommending impeccable equipment suppliers and managing the project from inception to completion. Ideally, they need a project manager who can be a single point of contact from start to finish. This will simplify the process and free up management time for the day to day running of their business.
Q: What is the process for appointing an external project management team?
A: First-rate project managers are not easy to find, so carry out as much research as you can before approaching a shortlist of potential partners. Manufacturers should seek out multiple quotes if using external project managers. They should be prepared to challenge quotations and, if necessary, push for changes and negotiate. If the project manager is not prepared to put in the time to provide a detailed, bespoke quote, you can be pretty sure they’re not right for you. Once you’re comfortable with the quotation, you need to assess whether the contractor is capable of actually delivering the project.
Q: What are the qualities of a good project manager?
A: If you’re looking to appoint an external project management team, you must ensure that they have a track record of working hand in hand with a range of suppliers. They need to be able to negotiate equipment prices on your behalf, so you must feel you’re able to trust them. Ask for case studies and testimonials. Check that they have good relationships with suppliers – but that they don’t have allegiances with any particular suppliers. They also need to be flexible and adaptable. While most production line installations take around six months, it can take up to two years to get everything right. So they must be able to demonstrate endurance and an ability to be very flexible and adaptable as a lot can change along the way.
Q: Do I need a specialist food manufacturing product manager?
A: Given the complexities of food manufacturing and the unique challenges food processing companies face, taking on an industry specialist is a must. You need a project manager who has deep knowledge of the different type of equipment that’s available and how to match the right machinery with the client’s needs. They need to get the specifications spot on. There are very limited margins for error in food manufacturing – product safety is of paramount importance to avoid product recalls and potentially causing people actual harm. Also, supermarkets and other food product sellers have exacting requirements, so you need to be sure you have the right equipment installed in your production lines so that you are able to deliver to these high standards. Only food manufacturing specialists will be able to understand food processing equipment compatibility and how the various parts interlink so that they can then design the system. You also need a project manager who understands the importance of real-time data which enables manufacturers to react quickly to any equipment faults or to reject products that are contaminated. This will help you achieve maximum efficiency and uptime.
Q: Do project managers also oversee production line installation?
A: An experienced food production project manager will take care of every aspect of equipment installation. They will organise a dry run of the production line with no products. Then when they know all the equipment is working, that it is expertly connected, and all the electricals and signalling are functioning properly they will ramp up the speed, introduce the products and get you up to your 100 per cent target. This may take a week, or as long as three months if a lot of product ranges need to be tested. The ramp-up is the commissioning period and once that’s done a Site Assessment Test (SAT) must be carried out to ensure equipment functionality. A good project manager will also recommend that a PUWER assessment is carried out to ensure the equipment is suitable and safe for its intended purpose.
Q: Do project managers also train people to use the new equipment?
A: Training is usually an added extra and not all project management firms are able to offer it. However, it is a crucial element of production line installation, as you need to be certain that those working on the production line know how to use it. This will not only increase your productivity; it will also help you set up and maintain a safe working environment.
The training programme must include information on how to operate all the machines on the production line, as well as the processes you want your staff to follow.
Q: Do project managers offer ongoing support?
A: Ongoing support is not a given. At Yamato, we offer a comprehensive project management service, including ongoing support and training, which can be purchased throughout your journey. Additionally, we have a ready supply of genuine spare parts, so if you encounter a problem, we can be on-site to fix it quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and producing significant cost savings.
For further information about Yamato’s project management services, contact Adam Hazeldine below.