In the procurement process of HEPA/ULPA filters, “Standard or Custom?” is a core strategic question. It’s far more than just comparing unit prices; it involves a comprehensive consideration of supply chain stability, TCO, and the company’s core interests. As a procurement manager, how do you find the optimal balance between cost, efficiency, and risk?
I. Standard Products: The First Choice for Efficiency and Economy
1. Core Advantages
- Optimal Cost:Large-scale production brings significant price advantages and lower initial procurement costs.
- Fast Delivery:Standard models are usually in stock, greatly shortening delivery times and reducing the risk of production downtime.
- Stable Quality: Long-term market validation ensures consistent performance and low quality risk.
Easy Replacement: High versatility allows for a wide range of replacement sources, eliminating reliance on a single supplier.
2. Applicable Scenarios
- Conventional cleanrooms, office ventilation systems, and general biosafety cabinets.
- Non-critical process areas where general efficiency levels are required.
- Emergency repairs and spare parts procurement.
3. Procurement Decision Factors
- Can standard sizes and efficiency levels (e.g., 610x610x150mm, H13) meet application requirements?
- Will long lead times pose potential risks to production operations?
- Does the versatility of standard products provide flexibility for future supplier switching?
II. Customized Solutions: Born for Special Needs
1. Core Value
- Precise Matching: Solves installation challenges related to non-standard sizes and special interfaces (e.g., liquid tank seals).
- Addressing Challenges: Provides specialized filter media and structural solutions for special operating conditions such as high humidity, acid and alkali corrosion, and high-temperature environments.
- Performance Optimization: Achieves lower resistance or longer lifespan through optimized design (e.g., increasing pleats, changing separators), thereby reducing total cost of ownership.
- System Integration: Can be seamlessly integrated as part of a larger system.
2. Applicable Scenarios
- Retrofitting of outdated equipment, replacement of imported equipment.
- Process environments with strict AMC control or chemical corrosion resistance requirements, Specialized industries, such as the nuclear industry and high-end medical devices.
3. Procurement Decision Factors
- Can customized products meet key installation or performance requirements?
- Can the performance improvement or energy consumption reduction brought by the customized solution cover the increased initial cost within 1-2 years?
- Does the supplier have reliable customized R&D capabilities and a quality assurance system?
III. How to Measure Standard and Customized Products
Wise procurement decisions should be based on total cost of ownership, not just the unit price.
| Cost Composition | Standard Products | Customized Products |
| Initial Procurement Cost | Low | High |
| Installation/Retrofit Cost | May incur additional costs due to mismatch | Seamless integration, optimal cost |
| Operating Energy Cost | Fixed | Can be reduced through optimized design |
| Replacement Frequency/Lifespan | Fixed | May be extended through long-term design |
| Downtime Risk Cost | Low (Easy to obtain) | High upfront (Reliant on a single supplier) |
Case Study: An electronics factory in Munich procured FFU filters for cleanroom retrofitting. Standard filters are inexpensive, but slight size discrepancies require modifications to the mounting bracket, incurring additional labor and material costs. Furthermore, imperfect installation can increase energy consumption. Custom filters, while 15% more expensive, offer immediate use upon installation, and their low-resistance design is expected to recoup the cost difference within two years through electricity savings.
IV. Professional Advice for Procurement
- 1. In-depth Needs Analysis: Communicate closely with the technical department to clarify the “must-meet” and “compromise-worthy” technical parameters.
- 2. Seek Professional Partners: Choose suppliers like Trenntech that offer both standard products and strong custom development capabilities. They can provide neutral diagnostics and optimal solution recommendations.
- 3. Conduct TCO Simulation: Establish a total cost of ownership model to quantify energy consumption, lifespan, and maintenance costs, providing data support for decision-making.
- 4. Balance Supply Chain Risks: For custom filters with critical process points, consider developing alternative suppliers or signing long-term supply agreements to ensure supply chain security.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer in HEPA/ULPA procurement. Standardized products ensure efficient operations, while customized solutions are the key to solving problems and creating value. Excellent procurement lies in accurately identifying needs and selecting partners and solutions that best align with the company’s long-term interests. Trenntech is committed to becoming such an excellent supplier.