Technology package

An example of a preliminary technology package form and other tools are provided here and in the appendices. 

The technology package for the toll should be at least partially established prior to starting the active search for a toller. This will assist you in defining the level and areas of expertise needed for the project. Some companies that frequently let toll contracts have internal service groups that assist in the toller selection process. An example of an internal questionnaire used at such a company is shown in Example 2-1. It is an excellent way to identify the expertise required for a specific tolling project. 

Example 2-1 is just a start for preparing the final technology package to be included with the contract but it provides enough information for a client to identify the special needs required of the candidate tollers. It may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of your situation. 

Tolling Contract Services Group—Initial Technology Package... 

Attached is our businesses Technolog Package Request. This information will be helpful m allowing us to meet your needs and expectations by selecting an appropriate toller. Our department developed this list to identify issues to consider m the tolled manufacturing of your product. Any information that you are able to provide will help us considerably and expedite our evaluation process. We look forward to working with you on this opportunity. 

A company selecting a toller will be well served if they ensure candidates received a clear set of proposal requirements. When qualified finalists are given a project scope based upon an accurate technology package, they can produce a bid that is easily evaluated. 

While a complete technology package is essential, the transfer of technology can be enhanced by ... 

Adequate time and resources spent preparing the technology package help ensure an efficient and comprehensive transfer of information and knowledge, and therefore, play an important part in carrying out a safe project. 

Process specifications will typically be set forth in the process technology package. However, a process hazard analysis (PHA) in preparation for startup may reveal additional useful measurements or sample points. These may be analyses or measurements for the startup period or for the life of the toll. 

The individuals and firm most familiar with the technology should review the intermediate and final procedures to assure both safety and commercial interests are satisfied. In many batch operations the procedure(s) can be a substantial portion of the process technology package. The procedures represent both a major safety system as well as a propriety technology. The pre-startup review should assure both PHA related and other changes proposed to the procedures have been approved and implemented. 

Specific titles within each of the operating phases can be determined using a job task analysis in concert with the technology package and process safety information. Appendix D, ISD Model and Job Task Analysis Techniques, provides basic guidance in this useful method. 

The technology package for the toll should have established minimum standards for the raw materials that are used in the process. In some tolling arrangements, the company letting the toll supplies some or all of the materials. Others may detail the suppliers the toller must use. 

These startup precautions should determine if a startup advisor or team from the client should be present for the initial startup and shake down operations. This is especially helpful if part of the toll involves technology or chemicals new to the toller s staff. Having someone nearby who may have prepared the technology package and run a pilot of the toll process can be very useful to the startup crew. 

The first process review should be conducted shortly after startup to verify that the tolling operations are within the scope of the final technology package. The post-startup process review can be... 

This post-startup review team should report the results of their review to the management of the business unit responsible for the final tolled product. If operating parameters or equipment configurations different from those approved in the technology package, management should promptly assess any risk associated from the variances and either ... 

Ensure the replacement person is given access to the historical records of the toll contract, technology package, MOC packages, and incident investigations. 

Like decontamination, directions for proper waste disposal should be indicated in the initial technology package. In some cases, the client company should be very involved in how certain wastes are handled and disposed of, and may even maintain control over this part of the toll. Both parties have vested interest in assuring waste disposal is properly completed and adequately documented prior to termination of contract. 

Most tolls involve the transfer of proprietary information from one party to the other, typically from the client company to the toller. Each party should have maintained a log of transferred documents or software code to make the return of proprietary documents a simple matter. An initial list of the documents should have been referenced in the contract or as part of the technology package. Keeping records of additional documents transferred during the course of the toll will help eliminate confusion at the end of the project. The toller may need to retain documents appropriate for their process safety system needs. 

Technology package Information typically provided to a toller by their client delineating specifications for the equipment, chemicals, processing and quality control for a toll. Process safety information is a subset of the technology package. 

Their proprietary technology package includes FLEX and MicroFLEX for library construction, and is based on high-throughput sequencing, tracking and analysis systems. 

Tecnicas Reunidas, S. A. Hydrometallurgy and Electrochemistry, Technological Package. R D Division, 1999. 

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