Improve Machine & Line Efficiency | Septimatech

5 Strategies to Selecting the Right Changeover Parts Supplier

Properly maintaining high value machinery, increasing OEE performance, and reducing changeover downtime are just a few advantages to effective changeover management. A thoughtful approach to sourcing and managing change parts can help you drive efficiency, uncover cost savings, and improve production and line flexibility.  Many of Septimatech’s customers have shared their insights into what they look for from us when sourcing changeover solutions.

Here are 5 key things to consider as you source and manage your change parts:

I. Quality—Materials, Precision Craftsmanship and Lean Principles

Quality is the most critical factor in sourcing change parts. High quality, precision-crafted parts made right the first time that provide consistent, repeatable performance are top priorities.

Time is money. When selecting change part solutions consider changeover set up time, uptime performance and lean practices. Change parts that ensure repeatable and reliable changeovers through lean principles eliminate operator guesswork and set up variability. They install easier, sustain repeatable set up, and reduce the necessity to make continual fine-tuning adjustments. Parts that provide accurate, consistent and repeatable container control provide greater SKU output and performance to optimum levels.

Parts that use quality materials perform better, last longer, reduce product spillage and help reduce the possibility of product or machine damage. Improvements in durability, performance and noise reduction are frequently a result of matching the right material with the desired outcome. Material differences and related outcomes are some of the key reasons packaged goods manufacturers turn to Septimatech versus OEMs for replacement components.

II. Fast, Responsive Delivery

Packaging is a time sensitive world. A part supplier who understands your SKU demands and performance expectations can help you improve uptime and changeover time while reducing operator variation. Solutions that are manufactured and delivered right the first time will help keep you on track for production timelines.

Consider smart storage systems or ergonomic carts to keep adequate inventory of change parts.  Properly stored for ease of identification, every part has a location to reduce loss or damage and parts that are readily available enhance efficient, safe, and quick changeovers.

III. Experience and Expertise

Experience with a variety of packaging equipment and applications, expertise in lean manufacturing, and helping you reduce risk are important attributes to achieving peak performance. Your change part manufacturers should have a track record of success in similar or identical applications. One of the most valued contributions we provide our customers is experience in improving performance for a wide range of packaging machinery and line designs.

Well-designed, ergonomic parts are simpler and faster to change, store and manage. Ergonomic change parts that are color coded and tool-less provide faster changeover times, and reduce installation errors. The synchronization between changeover parts and equipment needs to take into consideration optimal human and machine interaction.  This is a significant factor to increase production, increase safety and overall efficiency. Parts that are easy to install reduce injury risk and improve changeover efficiency.  Changeovers need to be reliable and repeatable to reduce the amount of operator interaction. Septimatech changeover solutions apply feedback from our customers that will reduce risk of potential health and safety issues.

IV. Ergonomics, Service and Installation

Experience with a variety of packaging equipment and applications, expertise in lean manufacturing, and helping you reduce risk are important attributes to achieving peak performance. Your change part manufacturers should have a track record of success in similar or identical applications. One of the most valued contributions we provide our customers is experience in improving performance for a wide range of packaging machinery and line designs.

Well-designed, ergonomic parts are simpler and faster to change, store and manage. Ergonomic change parts that are color coded and tool-less provide faster changeover times, and reduce installation errors. The synchronization between changeover parts and equipment needs to take into consideration optimal human and machine interaction.  This is a significant factor to increase production, increase safety and overall efficiency. Parts that are easy to install reduce injury risk and improve changeover efficiency.  Changeovers need to be reliable and repeatable to reduce the amount of operator interaction. Septimatech changeover solutions apply feedback from our customers that will reduce risk of potential health and safety issues.

V. Machine Flexibility and Solutions

Whether you are introducing new containers or experiencing higher SKU demands, at some point you will need to modify or upgrade your packaging equipment. Do your homework on machinery and change parts applications, costs, quality and alternatives.  Revitalizing packaging equipment through new parts and components that improve performance or extend flexibility to handle future bottle geometry and SKU demand is a cost-effective alternative to complete system replacement.

Septimatech has a track record for getting the most from your packaging equipment for optimal machine flexibility.  When you are considering buying a new machine, Septimatech can add value in your ROI analysis by helping you investigate the possibility of replacing parts and components instead. Our knowledge and experience with multiple machine platforms and models, container control, and risk management is applied to existing equipment — without comprising performance.


Septimatech is a leading worldwide provider of packaging machine and line productivity solutions, including Rapid Change Guide Rail Systems, Change Parts, Feed Screw Drive Systems, and more. Contact us today!