91: Packaging, Handling, Transportation Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Was material improperly packaged? Was it damaged because of improper packaging? Was equipment exposed to adverse conditions because the packaging had been damaged? Was the material transported improperly? Was it damaged during shipping? Was the problem caused by inadequate material handling?
Note 1: If the damage to the item occurs after the item leaves your control, then code this issue under External Factors (#4). This is appropriate only if the company performing the shipping is not controlled by your organization.
Examples
Example 1
- An electronic system incurred water damage because it was not packaged in waterproof packaging as specified in the packaging requirements.
Example 2
- An electronic device used for chemical analysis provided incorrect analysis results. As a result, 10,000 gallons of product were later found to be unacceptable at a customer's site. Investigation revealed that the electronic device had been dropped off of a forklift at your facility. Because there was no obvious physical damage, the device was shipped anyway.
Example 3
- A water-based coating material was peeling off within several days of being applied to a customer's product. This shipment of the coating material had frozen during transport by truck from your plant to the customer's facility. Freezing changed the adhesiveness of the coating material.
Example 4
- Motorcycle windshields were packaged in cardboard boxes that were held shut with large metal staples. If the staples were not completely pulled out of the box, they would scratch the plastic windshield when it was removed from the package, making the windshield unusable. Your organization had to replace numerous windshields that were scratched by the staples.
Typical Recommendations
- Ensure that packaging specifications are documented, communicated, and clearly understood.
- Ensure that proper packaging methods are used for the final product.
- Provide directions for unpacking items so they are not damaged by the customer.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 89 | Packaging/Shipping LTA |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 108 | Packaging/Transport Issue |