For a dairy business to run seamlessly and profitably, it is imperative that you invest in the right dairy equipment. No matter if you are setting up a new business or trying to upgrade the previous one, the right dairy equipment can help in streamlining the operations, boost product quality, profitability, and much more. However, there are some business owners who are somehow unaware of the changing industrial standards or about the latest advancements in the dairy equipment, which leads them to make some major mistakes. This can further result in inefficiencies, operational issues, and much more. This blog will help you understand the top mistakes that most people make while buying dairy processing equipment. So keep reading.
Not being able to understand the production requirements.
This is the most common mistake that is made while buying the equipment. Not having a clear understanding of the needs of the production can be problematic. Also, there are situations where business owners overestimate the capacity requirements and sometimes underestimate the demands.
Why is it an issue?
- Oversized machinery can result in unnecessary capital expenditure as well as over-the-top operational costs.
- Whereas, undersized equipment can lead to bottlenecks, back-to-back upgrades, and certain replacements.
- No scalability planning can hinder future growth.
The solution
It is better to have a proper assessment, which will involve inputs, product variety, expected growth, and much more. Also, factors like seasonal variations or market demand should be taken seriously while deciding the equipment size and various other features.
Giving importance to cost over quality
Budget constraints can be real. They can easily mould the final decision of a buyer by choosing the cheap machinery. Now, no wonder the upfront savings can appeal to you, but in the long run, poor quality equipment will start revealing the hidden costs.
How is it risky?
Low-quality machinery can lead to frequent breakdowns. Plus, it can enhance your headache of fulfilling the high maintenance costs. Also, the low quality can be detrimental to your business while leading to hygiene problems. The last risky thing about it is that you get a limited lifespan for the equipment.
The solution
The best solution is to try to think about the long-term value of the machinery. Look for the equipment that is created with food-grade stainless steel, follows the hygiene standards, and gives you the best performance. Also, try to invest in machinery that is durable, reduces downtime, and offers consistent output.
Overseeing after-sales support and other services
You cannot deny the fact that even the best equipment is in need of periodic maintenance, replacement of certain parts, and other maintenance help. Buyers who do not ponder upon this factor regret it later. This is why after-sales service should be given importance by you when buying an equipment.
What are its consequences?
Overlooking this aspect can lead to production delays, which can be caused by the unavailability of various spare parts. The high repair costs can be faced by third-party technicians. It can even result in problems while maintaining the efficiency of the operations.
The solution
Before making any purchase, it is essential to look for a supplier that offers after-sales support, quick access to different spare parts, and offers maintenance services. Having the support of the responsive team can allow you to minimise the downtime and enhance the machinery’s lifespan.
Not pondering much about food safety as well as compliance needs.
The dairy industry is required to follow strict hygiene measures as well as safety procedures. Opting for equipment which does not meet the standards of the industry can put you in serious legal as well as operational problems.
Why is it important?
It is highly required as non-compliant machines can put you in legal trouble and even fail the inspections. Also, there are chances of product contamination, and complaints can come up from customers. You can even face the situation of losing market access and dairy business contracts.
The solution
It is better to look for machinery that follows the FSSAI, ISO, and various other food safety standards. Also, you can try to ponder upon features that offer CIP systems, proper sanitation, and much more so that the integrity of the product can be maintained.
Not giving importance to energy efficiency, as well as the cost of operation.
Buyers give importance to initial equipment costs but do not think about the ongoing operation costs like water usage, manpower needs, etc.
Which costs are hidden?
There are some hidden costs involved, like high energy bills from the old and improperly functioning machines. It can even lead to high labor costs because of no automation, high water usage, and many other problems.
The solution
It is essential to look for dairy machines that are known for offering energy efficiency. There are many machines that involve automation features that can be beneficial in avoiding labor dependency as well as managing energy usage. This way, business owners can save some amount of money and minimize the environmental footprint.
Conclusion
For your dairy business to flourish beautifully, it is essential to not make the above-mentioned dairy equipment buying mistakes. You need to know the difference between a smooth-running dairy business that offers you constant profits and a business filled with inefficiencies or unexpected expenses. This is why it is imperative to take an ample amount of time to understand your needs, targeted quality, compliance, and other business requirements. However, if you run a dairy processing plant and are looking for the right equipment, then NK Dairy Equipment is the right place for you. We will provide you with different dairy equipment to fulfill your needs.
