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IntertechPira

Pira Testing

Transit Testing

Test Development and Standards

Pira offers a unique and proven approach to delivering against client objectives through bespoke test method development and through applying distribution test standards.

Our consultants and laboratory technologists understand and apply the range of internationally recognised distribution test standards, including:

• ISTA
• ASTM (including D4169)
• ISO, CEN and BSI
• DEF STAN and Mil Std
• UN for dangerous goods.

Bespoke test method development

For many clients validation and troubleshooting requires a highly tailored laboratory assessment method taking account of product, pack and supply chain specifics. For more than 30 years Pira has been developing bespoke test methods for global brand owners.

Commonly the bespoke method development process includes:

• Site visits throughout the chain (point of manufacture, packing lines, palletisation, warehousing, handling, distribution centres, retailer DCs back of store, front of store, point of sale)
• Hazard observation and identification
• Remote field data acquisition
• Supply chain process mapping
• Rationalisation of process to produce core test method.

Retail supply chain test method development – mixed loads (roll cages)

Prior to 2005 Pira undertook a multitude of test development projects on a single-client basis. During 2005 Pira set up and undertook a ground breaking test method development project specifically for the multiple retail grocery supply chain for a multi-client consortium (of leading brand owners and packaging suppliers).

A key feature of this project was to investigate and document the loading conditions of mixed arrangements of goods (roll cages, mixed pallets) not addressed in any previous supply test methods. This part of grocery distribution was shown to be the single most critical part of the supply chain in terms of damage in Pira’s 2004 strategic futures member project titled Damage in the Supply Chain.