Prepare an external-search plan for the problem of permanently applying serial numbers to plastic products. External search is the one that involves investigating certain sources of information that are related to the problem that is being handled. These sources would include: lead users, literature, patents, bench marking and experts. In the case of the problem of applying serial numbers permanently to plastics, we search the following sources:

QUESTION

Prepare an external-search plan for the problem of permanently applying serial numbers
to plastic products.
External search is the one that involves investigating certain sources of information that are
related to the problem that is being handled. These sources would include: lead users, literature,
patents, bench marking and experts. In the case of the problem of applying serial numbers
permanently to plastics, we search the following sources:
1 Lead users: This includes how manufacturers of products use plastic packaging, where
some tracking is usually required, like in the electronics, defense or aerospace industries.
2 Experts: This includes material scientists with specialization in plastics such as
engineering professors, manufacturing engineers, vendors of plastic materials such as GE
Plastics, and manufacturers of labeling equipment.
3 Patents: There are many existing patents in this area. Relevant concepts can be
identified through a patent database search.

4 Literature: There are numerous journals and trade publications to be considered,
including: Journal of Manufacturing Systems, Manufacturing Review, Plastics News,
Design News, etc.
5 Benchmarking: To find related products to benchmark, the areas in which to search
should be defined quite broadly. Benchmarking should include an analysis of the
following related products: page numbering machinery, laser scribing, and labeling
equipment. The team should also investigate how several manufacturers affix serial
numbers to many types of products, such as computers and computer equipment,
calculators, radios, watches, automobiles, machines, etc. The search should not be
limited to plastic products.

ANSWER

Permanently Applying Serial Numbers to Plastic Products: External Search Plan

Introduction

Permanently applying serial numbers to plastic products is a critical requirement in industries where tracking and traceability are essential, such as electronics, defense, and aerospace. To develop an effective solution, an external search plan can be employed to gather valuable insights from various sources. This plan includes exploring lead users, consulting experts in plastics and manufacturing, analyzing relevant patents, reviewing literature from specialized journals and trade publications, and conducting benchmarking studies.

Lead Users

Lead users are industry pioneers or early adopters who can provide valuable insights based on their experience with similar tracking requirements in plastic packaging. The following steps can be taken to engage lead users:

 Identify manufacturers in industries such as electronics, defense, and aerospace that extensively utilize plastic packaging.

Conduct interviews or surveys to understand their current practices and challenges in applying permanent serial numbers to plastic products.

Gather information on any innovative approaches or solutions implemented by lead users.

Experts

Experts with specialized knowledge in plastics and manufacturing processes can provide valuable guidance and recommendations. The following experts can be consulted:

 Material scientists specializing in plastics, such as engineering professors or researchers from academic institutions.

Manufacturing engineers with expertise in plastic processing and labeling equipment.

Vendors of plastic materials, including reputable companies like GE Plastics, who can provide insights into the compatibility of different materials with serial number application techniques (404 Not Found, n.d.).

 Manufacturers of labeling equipment who can offer information on the latest technologies and solutions available in the market.

Patents

Patent databases can be searched to identify existing patents related to permanently applying serial numbers to plastic products. This search can provide insights into novel techniques, technologies, or materials that have been patented. The following steps can be followed:

Utilize patent search engines or databases such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), or Google Patents.

 Use relevant keywords such as “plastic serial number application,” “plastic product tracking,” or “permanent marking on plastic” to narrow down the search.

Analyze the identified patents to understand the concepts, methodologies, and potential solutions that have been patented.

Literature

Academic journals and trade publications can provide valuable information on the latest research, case studies, and industry trends related to serial number application on plastic products. The following sources can be explored:

Journal of Manufacturing Systems: Focuses on manufacturing technologies and systems, including plastic processing and labeling.

 Manufacturing Review: Provides insights into innovative manufacturing processes and technologies, including plastic product tracking.

Plastics News: Covers news and trends in the plastics industry, including advancements in labeling and marking techniques.

Design News: Offers information on product design and engineering, including considerations for marking and tracking plastic products.

Benchmarking

Benchmarking involves studying related products and industries to identify best practices, technologies, or approaches that can be adapted for permanently applying serial numbers to plastic products. The following areas and products can be considered:

 Page numbering machinery: Analyze machinery used for numbering pages in books or documents, as these devices may have similarities in terms of precision and permanence (Moshood et al., 2022b).

 Laser scribing: Investigate laser scribing technologies used for marking various materials, including plastics, to understand their potential application for serial number application.

Labeling equipment: Examine labeling equipment used in diverse industries, such as electronics, automotive, and consumer goods, to identify efficient and effective methods for applying serial numbers.

 Manufacturers of various products: Study how manufacturers affix serial numbers to different products, such as computers, calculators, watches, and machines, to gain insights into potential techniques and solutions applicable to plastic products

Conclusion

An external search plan that incorporates lead users, experts, patents, literature, and benchmarking is essential for gathering valuable insights and identifying innovative solutions for permanently applying serial numbers to plastic products. By leveraging the knowledge and experiences from various sources, the development of an efficient and effective serial number application process can be achieved, ensuring traceability and enhancing product management across industries.

References

404 Not Found. (n.d.). https://fdxlxa.estherprotection.es/wm/ykjxooni 

Moshood, T. D., Nawanir, G., Mahmud, F., Mohamad, F. B., Ahmad, M. S., & AbdulGhani, A. (2022b). Sustainability of biodegradable plastics: New problem or solution to solve the global plastic pollution? Sustainability of Biodegradable Plastics: New Problem or Solution to Solve the Global Plastic Pollution?, 5, 100273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crgsc.2022.100273