Purchasing Best Practices for Purging Compounds

OK, all the testing has been done. Value has been created and documented. The processors have all been trained. Performance standards are being maintained. Now what?

Purging compounds are rarely treated like a raw material or production resin. In most cases, they are ordered on an “as needed” basis. In a good number of instances, more that one grade of purge is required in a plant environment. How are you supposed to keep track of your inventory to ensure you don’t run out?

There have been many cases where I would get a phone call from a plant asking me to overnight purge material to cover a transition or shutdown because there wasn’t any product left. In some cases, the cost of expediting the purge cost more that the purge itself.

Here are some helpful tips to prevent that from happening:

• Set Up a Blanket Order
  Issue one purchase order to cover multiple releases. The releases can be set up to be shipped and arrive on a specific date as required.
  An agreement between the plant and purge supplier to communicate either by phone call or email to check on stock on a specific date.
• Understand Usage Patterns
  For example, many plants use more purge at certain times of the year such as summer and holiday shutdowns.
• Have a Backup Supply
  In my experience, purge is normally kept on the floor near the equipment it will be used in or a central location. A reasonable amount of backup stock should be kept in the warehouse. When the purge has been exhausted on the floor, it’s time to reorder.

It’s taken time, energy, effort and financial resources to find the right purge material that satisfies your needs. Make sure the tool is there when you reach for it.

Ready to reduce your production downtime to protect your profits? Learn more about how purging compounds and process efficiency work in tandem.