What follows is an Intermediate Vendor Evaluation Analysis methodology that is well-suited to critical packaging machines such as fillers, labelers, case packers, etc. Broadly, the process breaks down into four phases:
1. Canvass the field. Before you put together your Request for Quote (RFQ) document, take some time to broadly canvass the field of suppliers and look at options, getting a rough idea of prices and capabilities. A simple checklist of requirements will suffice at this stage. You’re just looking for a rough guide—don’t hold them to it without furnishing a formal RFQ.
