That’s evident in a number of the survey responses that run from the humorously amusing to the deadpan or enigmatic. I hope that you also find these selections of interest.
What advice do you have on how best to work with other departments within your company on packaging-related issues?
• I have delegated all my baby-sitting responsibilities to my CEO [name withheld for obvious reasons.]
• I am a new bird, I do not have any experience.
What is one important lesson that you have learned to develop a successful project?
• Don’t push me. I’m still working step by step.
• Make sure that the package labeling is compliant for the country in which the product will be sold.
• Design is key for customer eyeballs.
• Work hard, play harder!
What is one lesson you’ve learned about packaging materials?
• Just-in-time inventory isn’t.
What is one important lesson you have learned about packaging machinery?
• Doesn’t work very well with my product.
• Invest in a good maintenance department.
• Keep your fingers out of it.
• It’s only as good as the operators!
• It breaks.
• Keep your tie tucked into your shirt.
• Check to make sure it’s working properly as soon as you get it.
• It needs TLC.
• It may or may not be on your side. It can sometimes cause you to miss your launch deadline.
• Never trust throughput numbers stated in specs...a common corollary is: Never base your vehicle purchase on EPA mileage figures.
• There’s no such thing as an inexpensive solution. You will pay upfront, or pay later, possibly with your career.
• Read the fine print.
• Nothing is as it seems.
• At some point machinery will breakdown, most likely when it is most needed for a rush job for your most important customer.
• It can’t be trusted. At least the machinery I am using. However, there is a very important human component to my opinion.
For our other, more serious reports on projects, materials, interdepartmental success, and machinery, see the Lessons Learned hot links page at packworld.com/webonly-26379
