When packaging equipment quotes arrive, the cheapest proposal is often the easiest number to compare—and one of the least complete.
A better vendor comparison scores the factors that determine whether the project actually succeeds.
12 criteria worth scoring
- Application fit
- Required speed at your actual product and package
- Changeover complexity
- Controls and line integration
- Safety and compliance
- Factory acceptance test approach
- Site startup support
- Training and documentation
- Spare parts availability
- Service response
- Lead time and project execution
- Total installed cost
Use weights, not just rankings
Not every criterion matters equally. A plant running 24/7 may weight service and parts support heavily. A new line with a fixed launch date may put more weight on lead time and project management. A regulated application may place compliance and documentation near the top.
Assign a weight to each category, score each supplier against the same definition, and require notes for any score that is unusually high or low.
Normalize the scope before scoring
Make sure the quotes include the same equipment boundaries, options, utilities, training, installation and acceptance requirements. A lower quote may simply exclude more.
PlantFloor Tools includes a weighted vendor scorecard and ROI calculator designed for this exact step.