Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

Tips for working with consultants

Jan Gates, principal sterile barrier (packaging) engineer, Abbott Vascular, offered the following recommendations when considering hiring a consultant, or working with consultants. Her comments are also applicable for those outside the pharmaceutical space seeking or using consultants.

Pw 7128 3 Nl Pi Jb Consultants
Her comments come from the January 28 MD&M (Medical Design & Manufacturing) West Conference in Anaheim, CA, and were reported on in the April 11, 2008 newsletter issue of Healthcare Packaging.

β€’ Hire a consultant when temporary assistance is requiredβ€”new business deadlines, short-term business problems, independent advice needed, searching for cost savings, etc.
β€’ The package is often one of the last things that a company introducing a product thinks about. Also, many packaging engineers obtained their positions by accident and do not know how a packaging system actually fits into the companyβ€”a consultant can help.
β€’ Do not hire a consultant if your needs are unclear or if your needs are long term. You may want to consider employing an expert on a retainer.
β€’ Do not expect a consultant to fix a nonviable project.
β€’ Do not use a consultant as a referee, or to monitor employees.
β€’ Determine the consultant's scope of work: Where will they work? On what specific project? When can they start and finish? What resources do they need? What results do they need to deliver to you? Be as specific as possible.
β€’Write work exclusions into the consultant's contract to help prevent other company departments from taking a consultant away while he or she is working on your project. Write your contract as specific as possible.
β€’ Pay your bills on timeβ€”consultants will sometimes put a "pay by x date to receive a percentage discount."
β€’ Keep consultants on track so they are doing what you need done, in the time frame you have both agreed upon.
β€’ Know that most consultants will not take a job for work they are weak inβ€”they will often point you to someone else. However, be prepared to release the consultant if they are not doing the work as expected; a release clause should also be written into the contract.
β€’ Expect to pay a consultant from $120 to $250 per hour plus expenses.
β€’ If you require global consultants, go to Europe or China or that specific country for specialists in those countries, or hire consultants that have experience in the other countries.
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Exclusive access: Packaging World editor-curated reports revealing PACK EXPO's most groundbreaking technologies across food, healthcare, and machinery sectors. Each report features truly innovative solutions selected from hundreds of exhibitors by our expert team. Transform your operations with just one click.
Access Now
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report
Explore our editor-curated report featuring cutting-edge coding, labeling, and RFID innovations from PACK EXPO 2024. Discover high-speed digital printing, sustainable label materials, automated labeling systems, and advanced traceability solutions that are transforming packaging operations across industries.
Access Report
Coding, Marking, and Labeling Innovations Report