Many factories buy machines that look right on paper but fail on the floor. This leads to wasted time, money, and unstable production. In this article, we’ll explore common mistakes when purchasing food processing machines and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 : Not Doing Research
Purchasing machinery without adequate research is a common error. Many buyers rush the process and later regret their choices. Proper research ensures you choose the right machine for your production needs and budget.
Common Mistakes:
- Not knowing all available options
- Having no clear idea of the price range
- Ignoring energy use and long-term costs
- Overlooking local vs. imported options
- Failing to research supplier reputation
- Missing available policy subsidies or incentives
What Happens:
- Wrong machine type selected
- Suppliers may fail to deliver reliable service
- High electricity bills and operating costs
- Missed better options
Things to Do：
- List all available equipment options
- Research typical price ranges
- Compare materials, features, automation, and energy use
- Check supplier reputation
- Review energy use and running costs
- Consider local vs. imported options
- Check local policies, subsidies, or incentive programs
Research saves money, improves efficiency, and helps you choose the right machines.
Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Price Instead of Long-Term ROI
While staying within budget is essential, focusing solely on the upfront cost can lead to costly consequences. The true cost of a machine includes not only the purchase price but also long-term operational expenses. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the long-term return on investment (ROI).
Common Mistakes:
- Only focusing on the initial price on quotation.
- Overlooking machine efficiency
- Ignoring after-sales service
- Not accounting for maintenance and repaire costs
What Happens:
- High energy costs
- Frequent breakdowns
- Unexpected maintenance expenses
- Missed opportunities for automation
Things to Do:
Evaluating the total cost of ownership (TCO) not just the machine prices on the quotation.
Including:
- Initial purchase price
- Energy consumption
- Maintenance costs
- Spare parts and repairs cost
- Labor costs for operation
- Downtime and productivity loss
- Warranty and after-sales support
- Training and installation costs
- Upgrade and scalability options
- Expected lifespan and depreciation
- Environmental impact or compliance costs
Considering the total cost of ownership and long-term ROI ensures you’re making a wise investment that will serve your business for years to come.
Mistake #3: Not Clearly Defining Production Requirements Before Purchasing
This leads to choosing the wrong machine that doesn’t fit your needs. Knowing your production goals ensures you make a more informed decision, saving money and avoiding costly mistakes.
Common Mistakes:
- Not knowing the exact volume of production needed.
- Ignoring specific product types or processing requirements.
- Failing to consider product consistency and quality needs.
- Not considering performance under actual operating conditions
What Happens:
- Machines don’t meet production needs
- Production delays or bottlenecks
- Poor product quality
- Increased operational costs
- Frequent breakdowns due to machine overload
Things to Do:
- Clearly define your production volume and product types.
- Match the machine’s capacity to actual needs
- Evaluate real-world performance and efficiency, not just rated data
- Work with suppliers who understand your specific requirements
Defining production requirements before purchasing machinery helps you avoid costly mistakes. Take the time to assess these requirements for a smarter investment.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Space & Layout
Ignoring space and layout can lead to a poor setup. Not planning for where the machines will go or how they will fit can result in a crowded or inefficient workspace.
Common Mistakes:
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Not measuring available space before purchasing.
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Not considering workflow and movement around machines.
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Ignoring maintenance access and ventilation.
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Ignoring the need for future expansion or machine relocation.
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Not planning for proper storage of raw materials and finished goods.
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Overcrowding the production area.
What Happens:
- Reduced workspace efficiency
- Increased downtime for maintenance
- Safety hazards
- Difficulty scaling production
Things to Do:
- Measure the available space before purchasing machines.
- Plan for proper machine clearance, ventilation, and maintenance access
- Plan the workflow to minimize movement and improve efficiency.
- Plan space for storage of raw materials and finished goods.
- Consider future expansion when designing the layout.
Careful planning of machine placement and workflow ensures efficient use of space, smooth production processes, and easier maintenance.
Mistake #5.Ignoring Energy Compatibility (Electrical, Gas, etc.)
It’s easy to overlook the energy requirements. If the equipment’s energy demands don’t match your facility's supply, it can cause delays, safety issues, and unnecessary costs.
Common Mistakes：
- Not checking the facility's electrical capacity
- Overlooking gas or other energy sources
- Ignoring voltage and current requirements
- Assuming existing systems can handle the new machinery
What Happens：
- Power shortages and downtime
- Equipment damage or malfunction
- Increased installation or modification costs
- Safety risks from incompatible energy sources
Things to Do：
- Assess your facility’s power supply and energy requirements
- Confirm the machine’s energy needs match your capacity
- Consult experts to ensure compatibility.
Before purchasing equipment, confirm the facility's energy compatibility to avoid delays, extra costs, and installation issues.
Mistake #6: Overestimating or Underestimating Required Performance
Purchasing machinery with incorrect performance expectations—whether too powerful or too weak—can lead to inefficiency and wasted costs.
Common Mistakes:
- Overestimating required speed or output.
- Underestimating durability under continuous use
- Ignoring precision and product quality needs
- Relying on specs without considering real-world operation
What Happens:
- Machines that are too powerful or too weak
- Underused or overworked equipment
- Increased downtime
- Poor product quality
Things to Do:
- Clearly define your production volume and required output.
- Match speed, durability, and precision to actual needs
- Work with suppliers to choose equipment based on your real requirements
- Ensure a balance between performance and cost.
Both overestimating and underestimating performance can lead to wasted costs. It’s important to accurately assess your true production needs before making a decision.
Mistake #7: Not Involving Production and Technical Teams In the Decision Process
Failing to involve your production and technical teams when selecting food machinery can lead to poor decisions. These teams understand the day-to-day operations and technical requirements of the equipment. Without their input, the wrong machine may be chosen, leading to inefficiencies and added costs.
Common Mistakes:
- Not consulting with production or technical staff
- Ignoring technical compatibility with existing systems
- Relying only on sales representatives' recommendations
What Happens:
- Poor machine performance due to lack of technical alignment
- Increased maintenance costs
- Incompatibility with existing systems
- Lower operational efficiency
- Employee dissatisfaction due to usability issues
Things to Do:
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Include production and technical teams in the selection process.
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Gather feedback from operators who will use the machine
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Ensure compatibility with existing equipment
Involving key teams in the decision-making process is essential for selecting the right equipment.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
These factors are crucial for ensuring the machine’s longevity and smooth operation. Failing to consider them can lead to high maintenance costs and decreased production efficiency in the long run.
Common Mistakes:
- Overlooking cleaning and maintenance requirements
- Assuming all machines have the same maintenance requirements.
- Ignoring hygiene standards and compliance
What Happens:
- Increased downtime for repairs
- Higher maintenance costs
- Poor product quality due to inadequate cleaning
- Safety risks from unsanitary conditions
Things to Do:
- Review cleaning and maintenance procedures
- Choose machines that are easy to maintain and clean
- Ensure the machine meets food safety standards
Machines that are easy to clean and maintain can significantly reduce cleaning time and maintenance costs. This helps improve overall efficiency and ensures long-term savings for your business.
Mistake #9: Not Considering After-Sales Support
After-sales support are often underestimated but are crucial for keeping the equipment running smoothly.
Common Mistakes:
- Not checking spare parts availability
- Ignoring warranty terms
- Assuming that spare parts will be easy to source
What Happens:
- Increased downtime due to unavailable parts
- Higher repair costs if parts are hard to find.
- Delayed repairs
- Poor long-term machine performance
Things to Do:
- Confirm spare parts availability and lead times
- Ensure warranty terms cover your needs
- Ask about response times for repairs and emergencies.
Proper after-sales support and easy access to spare parts are crucial for maintaining smooth operations.
Mistake #10: Treating the Machine As a Standalone Unit
It's easy to focus only on the specific machine you're purchasing without considering how it will affect the entire production line. A machine is part of a larger system, and overlooking its impact can lead to inefficiencies and disruptions in the overall production process.
Common Mistakes:
- Ignoring how the new machine fits into the production line.
- Focusing only on the machine’s performance without considering its role in the larger system.
- Overlooking the need for software or automation compatibility.
What Happens:
- Bottlenecks and delays due to poor integration with other machines.
- Reduced production efficiency if machines don’t complement each other.
- Increased labor costs from inefficient workflows.
- Difficulty maintaining or servicing machines
Things to Do:
- Consider the machine’s role within the entire production system
- Ensure compatibility with other machines and software
- Plan for system improvements, including automation.
When purchasing machinery, proper integration with existing equipment ensures smoother operations and improved efficiency.
Mistake #11: Focusing Only on Current Needs and Ignoring Future Expansion
Choosing equipment that only meets current demands can lead to unnecessary upgrades and disruptions in the future. Plan ahead for potential growth and changes in production.
Common Mistakes:
- Selecting machinery that only fits current production capacity
- Ignoring future growth potential or scalability
- Overlooking possible changes in product lines or processes
What Happens:
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Outgrown machinery that can’t handle increased production.
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Need for early replacement or upgrades, resulting in extra costs.
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Difficulty adapting to changing production needs
Things to Do:
- Choose machines with scalability or upgrade options
- Consider future growth and changes in production methods
- Consult with suppliers about equipment flexibility and future needs.
When selecting machinery, always think about the future. Choosing equipment with room for growth saves you from unnecessary costs and disruptions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food machinery is key to efficient production. Avoid rushing the decision-making process. Research thoroughly, plan for future needs, and focus on quality and reliability to reduce costs and ensure long-term performance.
At Mecceed, we help our clients find the right food processing equipment tailored to their needs. If you need assistance, feel free to email us at [email protected] to connect with an expert.
