The 5 most common manufacturing mistakes and how to avoid them

Manufacturing is an important part of any business, but many things can go wrong when you're trying to create something new. This article will teach you how to avoid these pitfalls so you can focus on creating great products for your customers.

Not having a plan B.

If you are going to make a mistake, make sure you have a plan B ready to go. You should also have a backup plan.

Example of a plan B: Define ingredients that have the same function but can be interchanged. Define a list of desired preservatives. Have another manufacturing subcontractor on hand.

Use of poor quality materials.

Many people think that using cheap materials saves money, but this is not true. Cheap materials are often synonymous with poor quality products. They can even be dangerous. When choosing materials, think about what you need, where you'll be using them, and whether they can be replaced.

Not understanding the manufacturing process.

Very often, we know what we want as a result (cream, milk..) but not how to get it. It is however important to understand how the product is made in order to understand the different steps. The manufacturing time, the critical points to respect (temperatures, pH..). This also allows you to anticipate problems in the manufacturing process, such as a product that is out of phase or that has small granules.

Not following safety procedures.

If you have to work with flammable ingredients (alcohol..), you must follow safety procedures. You must wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. You must also be aware of hazards such as sparks and hot liquids.

Not knowing where to start.

There is no shortage of tutorials and online guides that will help you learn how to make your cosmetics. However, there are a few things you need to do before you start. First, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Be prepared to make several small batches in order to adjust the texture you want. Be aware of expensive ingredients.

If you are subcontracting to a manufacturer, don't hesitate to know exactly what process they are using and ask for test doses before making larger batches.

Don't forget to sign a contract with your manufacturer before starting any production, it is a legal obligation.