Author: Seth Bailey

1. Eliminate Downtime

As the saying goes, “Time is money.” The last thing your team needs is to pause their work due to machine failure. When you have spare parts on hand in your plant, any downtime caused by faulty equipment is practically eliminated. Why? Because you can instantly replace any pieces you need and get back to work. This creates an efficient, productive work environment for your employees and helps you ensure satisfaction for your customers.

The biggest struggle in spare part management is creating an inventory. Span Tech’s spare parts department can help you compile a list of recommended spare parts to put together for your actual conveyors.

2. Increase Effectiveness

No business is immune from bumps in the road. When push comes to shove, your team can either be proactive or reactive. A strictly reactive manufacturing plant must take the time and effort to deal with any issue that arises. This can cause you to waste a lot of energy on problem solving rather than thinking about the bigger picture for your business. Most manufacturers are historically known for being reactive to events like equipment failure.

On the other hand, a proactive manufacturing plant has solutions to those problems before they even occur. One of the best ways to foresee and diminish obstacles your plant may have is by keeping replacement parts on hand.

In order to successfully create a functional spare part inventory, you need a more predictive approach to machine maintenance and failure. To do this, it’s important to note a collection of past purchase orders and overnight shipments. What parts were used? What’s your current inventory of those parts? Span Tech keeps this information on hand and can analyze the data, giving you the ability to see which items should be on hand at all times.

GMP Meaning

If you’re in the pharmaceutical industry, odds are you’ve heard the acronym “GMP” before. But do you know what it means? GMP stands for good manufacturing practices. It’s a term used interchangeably with CGMP, which means current good manufacturing practices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses these practices to regulate and ensure pharmaceutical quality, as well as quality in other industries like cosmetics and food production.

Why is GMP Important in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

From monitoring proper design to controlling facility processes, good manufacturing practices are an essential part of the pharmaceutical industry. CGMP regulations require medicine manufacturers to adequately control their operations. By following these regulations, pharmaceutical companies ensure the drug products’ identity, strength, quality and purity.

When your pharmaceutical company follows these practices, you can avoid many of the most common causes of quality failure like drug contamination, deviations or mix-ups. Consumers typically can’t detect that a drug is safe or if it will work, so it’s crucial to manufacturing pharmaceutical products under the conditions and practices mandated by CGMP. Continue reading to discover some of the best manufacturing practices to follow to assure the safety and efficacy of your pharmaceutical products.

Proper Research & Development

In the pharmaceutical industry, extensive research and development are incredibly important. Good manufacturing practices mandate that scientists conduct thorough studies to determine which drugs to develop. Thousands of tests must take place in labs to conclude if the drugs will work.

All drugs must undergo a clinical trial. Results from trials and testing are used for further development. This helps ensure top pharmaceutical quality.

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Control

Quality assurance and control play a major role in good manufacturing practices. They ensure that the necessary and relevant tests are carried out and pharmaceutical products aren’t released until deemed satisfactory. Pharmaceutical quality and assurance can be achieved through tactics such as:

• Conducting monitored testing and sampling
• Setting strict rules and specifications for all employees to follow
• Keeping tools and ingredients as organized as possible
• Documenting and recording procedures

Detailed Analysis of Manufacturing Processes

For ultimate quality and reliability, the manufacturing process for pharmaceutical products must be consistent and repeatable. Even the slightest change in a drug’s composition can have life-threatening effects on users.

To help avoid risk, your organization must analyze its manufacturing process and define strict, cohesive methods to follow. In doing this, you’ll ensure that every product is made in accordance within predefined specifications and that each batch is consistent and safe to administer.

If any changes occur when creating the product, it should be analyzed closely and checked for pharmaceutical quality. Any products losing quality as a result of these alterations are classified as contaminated and should be discarded.

Complete Inventory Visibility

The way your team stores and transports products to different channels is important. Complete downstream inventory visibility will help you implement good manufacturing practices like:

• Saving time when compiling shipments
• Monitoring inventory levels
• Prioritizing safety measures
• Continuously improving the supply chain

Premium Equipment

Success in the pharmaceutical industry is impossible without proper manufacturing tools and equipment. Along with selecting the right warehouse, you need machinery designed for effective cleaning and the prevention of cross-contamination. Having the proper equipment will also help you safely transport items like vials, bottles, bags, tubes, small cartons and more. In compliance with CGMP, each piece of machinery must be validated and calibrated and have procedures, schedules and records.

Mechanical Testing

Conveyors are mechanical assemblies, so it’s not surprising that most of the testing we perform is mechanical in nature. We need to understand the limits of what our products can actually do. We perform these tests to answer questions like:

• How strong will it be?
• How long will it last?
• What, when, and how is it likely to break?

To get these answers, we use a variety of tools and setups. We have a tensile testing machine to determine the strength of our chain links. This will not only tell us how much a chain-link can pull (ultimate strength test), but we can also use this device to predict how long the link will last under fatigue conditions. This machine will literally push/pull on a link for millions of cycles until it breaks. The data derived from these tests allow us to understand how to design better conveyor solutions for our clients.

Not only can we perform strength and fatigue testing on a single element (chain link), we can also do large-scale testing of entire conveyor setups. We have an extremely powerful Gearmotor/torque transducer setup which allows us to measure the amount of pull a conveyor is capable of with extreme loads. We’ve also done several tests using this equipment to determine how conveyors will wear out and eventually be destroyed under adverse conditions.

Tribology (Friction and Abrasion) Testing

We’re often asked: “What’s the steepest angle of incline/decline that your conveyors can do?” The answer is not as straightforward as most might think. The amount of angle for an inclining or declining conveyor depends on many factors, but the most important one is the amount of friction between the customer’s product and our conveyor chain. Even though there are scientific sources that tell us the coefficient of friction for many different materials, we go the extra step and do our own testing using a wide variety of materials to guarantee that we can do the angles that we state.

The materials that we use for our high-friction chain links are quite soft and compliant, and thus – very “grippy.” We can incline and decline some products as much as 25 degrees. However, like the tires on your car, the tradeoff for high-friction results in lowered wear capabilities. That’s why we have also done extensive testing to determine a scale for the durability of the various materials that we use for our chain links.

Thermal, Chemical, and Other Testing

Our conveyors are used in a wide variety of applications. From freezers to bread proofers, we’re dedicated to offering products that can work in a large range of environmental conditions. Additionally, since many of our components rub against one another, heat buildup is also a factor that plays into this.

We test all of our products under various operating conditions to make sure that we understand the limits of what is possible with the materials we use. We use a variety of measuring devices such as thermocouples and infrared cameras and detectors to measure the temperature of our conveyor parts under various operating conditions. We have also been known to do less-scientific tests just to see what happens when we venture outside the normal operating range of these materials (yes, that means we light these things on fire.)

We consider chemical compatibility, as well, since our conveyors are put into a wide range of industries – many with very caustic cleaning agents. In cases where we don’t have established scientific information on chemical compatibility with our materials, we often perform our own in-house tests to make sure that the materials we use will hold up in the environments our customers require.

But we’re not limited to the types of testing already covered. We also have the capability to do sound level testing, plus a wide variety of product tests that we set up and perform exclusively for some of our potential projects. For example, many customers want assurance that a particular solution will work with their specific product. We very frequently configure conveyors, transfers, pushers and all sorts of other devices at our disposal to show a customer that a proposed solution will work – by actually doing it with their actual product.

Quality: A Shared Responsibility

It’s safe to say that Span Tech isn’t like other companies on the market, and that’s the way we like it. Since our humble beginnings in 1988, quality has always been of the utmost importance in everything we do. Over the years, we’ve learned something crucial: Quality is more about people than it is about things.

This powerful lesson inspired us to thoroughly examine Span Tech’s process. In doing this, we reviewed the way our team collaborates and studied the domino effect each role has on the next. This led us to reevaluate the way we work and how our quality is monitored. We analyzed everything from our account managers communicating with customers to the packing and invoicing of our final products. Our in-depth assessment led us to create Span Tech’s quality approach.

Quality Policy

Span Tech’s quality policy holds all of our employees accountable for the value of their work. Rather than having one quality department keeping tabs on our progress, we assign the responsibility to each and every staff member on our team. Our quality policy states:

“It is the policy of Span Tech to fully understand the requirements of our customers, both internal and external, and to provide defect-free products and services on time.

Quality, continual improvement and customer satisfaction are the personal responsibilities of each and every team member.”

This approach improves the way we work together and the overall satisfaction of our customers. To give you a better understanding of how it works and why it’s effective, we’ve broken down our quality policy’s key points.

Span Tech’s 6 Quality Principles

Our quality policy mandates each of our employees to take ownership and responsibility of their work and to understand the requirements of each task involved in their job. In order to produce quality work and serve our customers with the highest quality products, we abide by the following principles:

1. Personnel

We’re committed to having the right people in the right positions. We ensure this through seeking out employees with prior training, experience and the necessary qualifications. We assess each individual’s skills and talents and place them in roles where they can best utilize those attributes.

2. Relationships

Span Tech expects defect-free products from our suppliers. If we receive items from our suppliers that do not meet our requirements, we provide feedback on corrective action.

3. Technology

As the leading innovator of conveyor solutions, Span Tech utilizes state of the art technology to engineer and manufacture our products.

4. Documentation

Our team ensures documented work instructions and procedures are clearly defined. Whether it’s explaining a job role or an engineering project, the documentation must be accurate, coherent and consistent with Span Tech’s methodology.

5. Verification

We’re committed to ensuring the products we make perform the way they should. As a result, we use appropriate measuring tools to verify dimensions and functional testing. Every Span Tech product must meet our standards, and quality helps us ensure that it does.

6. Dedication

The heart and soul of Span Tech lies within our employees. Their unwavering commitment to doing things the right way and performing their very best ensures the final touch of quality in all of our products.

Quality in Action

It’s one thing to define a policy. But how does Span Tech’s quality initiative impact our day-to-day business? We take a look at how this policy directly affects our team and the measures we’re taking to strive for excellence.

Practicing Prevention

Our team recognizes quality doesn’t simply occur on a whim. We take deliberate actions to avoid defects in our work. To do this, we start with defining our customers’ requirements. We then ensure our procedures for each project are accurate, correct, easy-to-understand and always followed. We also verify that we’re using the proper equipment and everything is functioning properly. By working proactively, we eliminate many risks from the get-go.

Making Certain

We’re big fans of fully understanding everything within our work environment. Our employees are empowered to constantly seek clarity and challenge any situation. Whether it’s an oversight, a task with unclear requirements or a general lack of understanding, our team is authorized and encouraged to dig deeper. With certainty comes quality. And, we believe, with quality comes success.

An Introduction to Good Manufacturing Practices in the Food Industry

In the world of manufacturing food, following hygiene and quality protocol is vital to having market success and maintaining consumer safety. Any breach of food safety sanitation requirements can cause serious problems. Companies may face:

That’s where Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) come into play. The use of GMP in the food industry is the best way for a manufacturing plant to prevent these protocol violations from happening and maintain a successful business.

What is Food Safety?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the food safety movement is a shift in focus from responding to foodborne illnesses to instead preventing them — to be proactive rather than reactive.

The Food Safety Modernization Act was inspired by changes in the global food system and foodborne illness research. It focuses on battling public health problems and threats to the economic well-being of the food system. Food safety is seen as an efficient way to decrease the risk of contamination and abide by the highest food standards available.

What’s the best way to conduct food safety in manufacturing? Our experts have put together a list of good manufacturing practices in the food industry, along with how to apply them in your facility.

Manufacturing Trends 2020: What the Future Holds for the Industry

Technology in the 21st century has certainly left its mark and influenced the world of manufacturing. In these changing times, the industry has called for products made at an even better, faster pace. All the while, customers want less waste and lower cost. The following manufacturing trends provide exciting solutions to all of this and more.

1. Industrial Wearables

According to MarketWatch, this manufacturing trend is on the rise and will be worth a whopping $2.6 billion by 2023. We take a closer look at its role in the industry in this section.

Smartglasses, biometric sensors — industrial wearables are accessories your employees can wear in various roles from field service to assembly. Manufacturing trends like this allow for many benefits, such as:

New manufacturing technology like this will provide your employees with essential tools and valuable information they need to get their jobs done. These tools can aid in higher productivity and working at a faster pace with less mistakes.

2. 3D Printing & Scanning

The future of 3D printing is bright. And you can bet it will play an even stronger role in 2020’s manufacturing trends. Learn more in this section.

In 2020, 3D printing will continue to allow manufacturing companies to create faster, cheaper prototypes. Why? Manufacturers can use it as a highly cost-effective method of testing and troubleshooting products. This new manufacturing technology helps companies make their prototypes in a faster, cheaper manner, and it has already been embraced by the automotive and aerospace manufacturing industries. Get ready to see even more sectors in the industry adopting this manufacturing industry trend.

But the world of 3D technology isn’t limited to printing. You can also expect to see 3D scanning. Manufacturing industry trends like this will open up endless opportunities like:

3. Artificial Intelligence & Task Automation

Machine learning plays a big role in current and future manufacturing advancements. This manufacturing trend will continue to provide warehouses with speed, scale and convenience.

Programming and autonomous bots are going to play an even bigger role in controlling and monitoring warehouse machines. Years ago, the idea of bots moving materials throughout the production chain may have sounded like science fiction. In this new era, it’s reality.

With the establishment of manufacturing trends like this, your company can see a significant decrease in the time needed to get crucial tasks completed. Rather than needing entire groups to manage designated tasks, AI can help you reduce the number of people while speeding up the process.

4. The Internet of Things

According to Forbes, “the Internet of Things” is the idea of connecting any device to the internet with the switch of button. In this section, we take a look at what makes this one of the latest new trends in manufacturing.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is quite a revolutionary concept. The manufacturing industry will certainly experience its impact in the present and future. This manufacturing industry trend offers a window of opportunity for connecting operations in and out of the warehouse. Expect to see the transformation of processes, as well as the evolution of materials and the production chain.

Gartner predicts that 20.4 billion devices will use IoT by 2020, and that number is only looking to grow. With highly anticipated fifth-generation technology (5G) also arriving in 2020, IoT will have a more stable connection. This will allow for an ecosystem of smart manufacturing and increasingly digital-first manufacturing trends. a more stable connection. This will allow for an ecosystem of smart manufacturing and increasingly digital-first manufacturing trends.

5. Predictive Maintenance Technology

Find out how your business can benefit from this manufacturing trend in 2020 and long after that.

Thanks to this new manufacturing technology, we’ll see a more advanced and effective mode of monitoring valuable equipment. Manufacturers can have a better understanding of how various systems are processing the work, and they can also see predictions on when equipment may fail. Predictive maintenance technology uses performance metrics to provide alerts on the best times to carry out maintenance. Ultimately, this manufacturing trend is a great way to: