Toller selection

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. 

In this phase of the toller selection process, we assume the long list became a short list and now one or more candidate tollers from the short list will be given an opportunity to prepare a commercial bid. This by no means indicates the short listed tollers are perfect. There may be deficiencies that need to be corrected in concert with the client. With proper effort, one will be successful and be engaged for the toll. Sometimes it is appropriate to decide on a backup toller, as complications can develop that prevent the primary candidate from executing the project as originally planned, due to an incident in their plant, departure of key personnel, or unexpected production demands on the toller. 

Some companies that let toll contracts do not visit a site until this last phase in the toller selection process and would need a signed agreement to make the visit and discuss proprietary aspects of the project. 

Technology transfer is a critical step in ensuring project success. The client must recognize that each toller is different in regard to how they progress from the laboratory to a test run to production. The toller selection step should have revealed that each candidate company possessed different levels of skill, experience and management culture. 

The lines of communication that were established in the toller selection phase can be formalized in the contract stage. The contract should spell out the persons to contact and under which circumstances they must be contacted. Detailed and continuing exchange of information is necessary in order to optimize the administration and performance of the tolling contract. The parties may want to come to agreement and include the following in the contract or supporting documentation to enhance communication ... 

The review and approval process for procedures for the toll needs to be clearly understood between the toller and their client. This can be addressed in the management of change system. A preliminary process or batch procedure may be written or proposed as part of the toller selection process or may be included in the initial... 

As discussed in Chapter 2, The Toller Selection Process, evaluating the site s safe work practice procedures should have been a part of the review during the toller selection process. Still, new materials may indicate a need to revise or develop special procedures to address unique chemical and physical hazards. New hazards such as vacuum, ciyogenics, ultra-high pressure, or new rotating equipment could be introduced. Medical monitoring requirements or special handling and spill response procedures for the toll s raw materials and products may indicate a need to write or revise safe work practices. 

Pre-contractual To establish conditions during qualification and contract development for the purposes discussed in Chapter 2, The Toller Selection Process. 

The importance of the capabilities and qualifications of technical and operations staff at the toller site was emphasized in Chapter 2, The Toller Selection Process. It may have been a key factor in the selection of a toller. The expertise of the client personnel is equally important during this phase of the tolling effort. 

If not evaluated completely during the toller selection phase, the following documents may become applicable during the toll. Consider reviewing those that are applicable (and raise the issue if one is applicable but not found). 

The client s personnel who had close involvement in the toll can best determine the toller s future status. A recommendation to use the toller again can be based upon the total experience including audit results and the toller s action item follow-up. A safe, responsive, conscientious toller that met the commercial requirements of the toll contract will most likely be given consideration on future tolls. As discussed in Chapter 2, The Toller Selection Process this recommendation can ease any future selection process for both parties when the toller in question is known to be technically capable. 

This assessment tool is referred to and explained in Chapter 2, The Toller Selection Process. It can be used to collect data about tollers before and during selection. As with all examples, this should be modified to address the user s specific needs. 

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