Prepare the site information
Share the proposed layout, access route, utilities and connections to other equipment. Identify constraints that may affect positioning, commissioning or maintenance access.
- Layout drawing with the machine position and clearances for operation and maintenance
- Door, corridor and lift dimensions on the route into the room
- Floor condition and any load limits
- Power supply at the machine position: voltage, phase and frequency
- Compressed air supply and, where needed, nitrogen or vacuum
- Upstream and downstream equipment that the machine connects to
Before the machine arrives
Most installation delays come from the site rather than the machine. Check these points before delivery.
- Unloading and lifting equipment, and people to operate it
- A dry, clean place to store crates if installation does not start immediately
- Utilities run to the machine position and ready to connect
- Product and packaging material for commissioning, in the quantity agreed
- The people who will be trained available during commissioning
How installation and commissioning usually proceed
The sequence depends on the equipment, but typically follows the same order.
- Unpack and check the delivery against the packing list
- Position and level the machine, and assemble units shipped separately, such as weighers, platforms or conveyors
- Connect power and compressed air and check safety devices
- Run without product, then with packaging material only
- Run with product and adjust to each approved format
- Record the settings and the results agreed as acceptance measurements
Define the training scope
Discuss setup, format changeovers, cleaning, routine checks and fault reporting for the proposed configuration. Identify who will operate and maintain the equipment.
- Operators: start-up and shut-down, screen settings, loading film or materials, format changes, cleaning and clearing common stops
- Maintenance staff: lubrication, wear part replacement, seal jaw and sensor adjustment, electrical safety
- Supervisors: format records, quality checks and how to report a fault
Keep a handover record
At the end of commissioning, record the settings for each format, the parts replaced or adjusted, the acceptance results and who was trained. This record makes later format changes, troubleshooting and support requests much easier.
If installation is supported remotely
Remote support works best with a person on site who has mechanical and electrical skills, standard tools, the manuals and drawings, and a phone or tablet that can show the machine on a video call. Agree the schedule and the connection method beforehand.
Confirm the service arrangement
Confirm whether support is remote or on site, the languages and documentation required, the schedule and any separate costs. These arrangements must be agreed for the particular project.