Packaging Audit vs. Consultation

Packaging audits are provided by suppliers in their SELLING strategy to capture new sales.  These FREE audits mandate that all item usage and pricing details be handed over (on a silver platter) for the supplier to beat.  If pricing can’t be beat, nothing is gained for anyone.  On the other hand, there’s no item selling agenda with an independent packaging consultation.

SUPPLIER PROVIDED AUDIT

• strictly accounting research driven
• analysis is based on historical data
• customer does the work for supplier
• supplier-biased benefit recommendations
  

INDEPENDENT CONSULTATION

• strictly process improvement driven
• analysis is based on critical thinking
• consultant does the work for customer
• unbiased customer benefit recommendations

SUMMARY
A packaging audit uses accounting history to compare yesterday with today.  A packaging consultation focuses on how ‘today’ can be better improved upon tomorrow.  An audit targets ‘pricing’ only.  A consultation measures ‘cost-of-use’.  New efficiency and productivity improvements often result from a consultation, but cost-improvement ideas beyond price are rarely (if ever) realized from an audit.