STAGE 4

SETTING UP THE PENTAMODE TEAM

If the customer's project management group is not already responsible for such functions, it is now time to form a group to co-ordinate mould design and the manufacturing process. Ideally this team should comprise representatives from the customer's management team together with any other disciplines responsible for eventual production; in the case of less complex projects, separate individuals may cover several of the disciplines of product design, moulding, mould design and mouldmaking. In either case, each person must have authority to commit their department or company to action. Representatives from material suppliers, moulding machine and ancillary equipment manufacturers should be co-opted into the team if appropriate.

Even though joining the team may impose additional burdens on key personnel, the commitment of time to plan early in the project is an essential investment to ensure the best chance of avoiding expensive mistakes later.

The customer must ensure that a team leader is chosen; this leader may evolve naturally or may be selected by members. Alternatively, appointing an independent consultant with practical experience as a leader / arbitrator may be appropriate.

"Time not made available at the beginning is time lost in the end"