Process Optimization in Sweets Are Your Scales Running at Peak?

 

 

 

A cough drop manufacturer wanted assurance that it was running optimized processes. A simple risk-based test provided guidance on how management could reduce maintenance cost and confirm that all of the company’s scales were fit-for-purpose with regards to accuracy.

 

 

Situation

 

 

As a producer of high volume products, the company continuously works on ways to further optimize processes and reduce costs. They wanted assurance their scales were fit for their intended use, would always run at peak performance and would ensure high quality standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit

 

 

The company opted for a GWP® Verification check for their existing scales and noted the following benefits:

• Reduced maintenance costs, based on optimized calibration services
• Improved productivity from scales running at peak performance
• Continuous product quality due to consistent processes

 

 

The Challenge

 

 

A producer of sweets wanted assurance that they were working with the right equipment that could maintain efficiency, optimize production and reduce waste. They asked themselves:

• How can we further optimize weighing processes and reduce waste?
• How do we know we are using the right scales for the processes that we are running?

• How can we continuously ensure high performance and consistent quality?

 

 

The Solution

 

 

The company performed a GWP® Verification on 12 scales to evaluate if every scale in production was the optimal solution for the specific process step in which it was being used. GWP® Verification is based on a comparison between the documented measurement uncertainty from calibration (under scale production conditions) and the required weighing process tolerances, the potential usage in harsh environments or the weighing process risk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Result

 

 

GWP® Verification showed all scales were well-placed and running optimally within their predefined process tolerance. The test also provided clarity how to routinely test the scales and which services would be required to maintain this level of performance. The outcome resulted in a defined program for routine testing with an optimized calibration service. As a consequence, the herbal cough drop producer could significantly reduce calibration costs and steadily ensure high process consistency.