A complete first brief does not need every engineering answer. It should make the production objective, known constraints, samples and open decisions visible so the supplier can ask better questions.
How to use the project brief
Complete the sections with production, engineering, quality, maintenance and safety stakeholders. Use actual recent production information where available and identify any value that is an estimate.
Attach product and packaging data, photographs, layouts and existing machine details. Do not send hazardous samples or confidential formulations without agreeing the correct process first.
- Print the blank template or save the page as a PDF.
- Complete the known facts and mark assumptions.
- Review the format matrix with operations and quality.
- Attach representative sample and site information.
- Use the brief to compare supplier questions and proposals.
Printable automatic packaging line brief
Use the ruled areas for notes. The browser print layout removes site navigation and presents the form sections for A4 printing.
A. Business and project
Primary problem or opportunity:
B. Products and filling duty
Tick relevant behaviour:
Product supply, temperature, cleaning and safety notes:
C. Containers, closures and labels
D. Required line sequence
Existing machinery to retain:
E. Output and operation
Current people and proposed operator tasks:
F. Site and utilities
Safety, washdown, ATEX, hygiene or site-standard notes:
G. Controls, quality and acceptance
Proposed acceptance formats and measurable pass criteria:
H. Documents and attachments
Additional notes:
What to send with the brief
The quality of the first technical review improves when the supplier can see the real materials and environment.
- Representative product information and safety data where relevant
- Empty containers from normal production supply
- Closures, pumps, triggers, labels, seals and cases
- Finished approved samples showing presentation requirements
- Measured room layout, photographs and delivery route
- Existing machine manuals, drawings and controls information
- Current output, stop and changeover data
Key takeaways
- A useful brief covers business objective, product, pack, output, sequence, site, controls and acceptance.
- Mark assumptions and unknowns rather than inventing exact values.
- Use a format matrix and representative samples to expose real handling differences.
- Bring operations, quality, engineering, maintenance and safety into the review.
- Use the same brief and acceptance assumptions when comparing proposals.