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STEP 3 - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT FEEDBACK
This is the time to begin thinking of the product and the package as a
product/package system.
Based upon the results of the fragility tests, it may be
desirable to strengthen or ruggedize the product rather than ship each one
inside an expensive package. Trade-offs between product cost, product
reliability, and packaging costs should be identified and ranked for
effectiveness. Often times it is possible to raise the fragility level of a
product with minor modifications or design changes. This may add a slight cost
to each product, but if the packaging requirements drop significantly the total
system price goes down.
The ability to get product modifications implemented can
vary widely depending upon the atmosphere within each company, and the position
of the individual trying to get it accomplished. For some companies, this type
of feedback to product designers is a formal step used in developing all new
products. This allows the product to become more reliable, of better quality,
and also keeps packaging costs to a minimum. In other situations, particularly
when packaging is being developed by an outside supplier, it can be almost
impossible to convince a company that making changes to the product is in their
own best interest. It is, however, still important to present these ideas and
take the role of educator where needed. If possible, try to identify the
trade-offs between minor product changes, reliability and repair costs, and
packaging expenses.
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