Transition Checklist
MOVING A PRODUCT LINE
- Designate a project team to have overall responsibility for assigning or completing this checklist. This team leader becomes the focal point to manage the process
- Gather and review all outside sourcing documents tied to the bill of materials and determine where transportation costs or other factors dictate a need for local suppliers
- If a supplier is the sole source of patent items, provide him with a “transfer of responsibilities” letter in advance
- Detail differences in factory capability and quickly review and modify previous “make versus buy” decisions. Keep an eye on costs
- Review all tooling, fixturing, and equipment for changes or conversions needed to accommodate the transfer. Production start-up is a tough time to find out about equipment differences
- If tooling is off-site, be sure to tag or identify it as an asset
- Scrutinize inventories, so that good parts are transferred and old revision parts are scrapped or moved (repair parts for older models should be purchased at high discount or consigned)
- Collect all manufacturing documentation and supplement it as needed where factory operations differ or routing detail is not complete
- Look for “it’s not on the drawing” issues. This step will reduce the learning curve and start-up confusion
- Consider videotaping tear down or training for reference/process machinery set-up
- Review expense item usage (consumables) operation-by-operation to avoid surprises and stockouts during production start-up
- Review each bill of material to be sure it reflects the current configuration. This is a critical step to avoid surprise part shortages
- Review ECO and revision items to prepare for earlier revision, repair/cal, etc.
- Carefully plan packaging, logistics, and shipping documentation needs for all materials, tooling, etc., that will move with the product transfer
- For the physical move, estimate volume, staging, truck requirements, manpower requirements and special handling needs (forklifts, etc.)
- If a physical move is being done, have the lay-out of the new facility done in advance
- Consider any environmental issues (i.e. regulated lab, coolers, etc.). Avoid damage, lost items and excessive freight costs with this step.