Episode Description

On this “Short & Sweet” of Baker’s Insight, we discuss the ordering process for drums. Join us as our host Daniel DaRocha, President of Erika Record Baking Equipment discusses some of the most frequently asked questions clients ask when ordering drums, dies, and templates for our cookie machines and depositors.

When Can You Order Drums, Dies, and Templates?

Quick Answer: Anytime!

Drums and accessories can be ordered both during the initial equipment purchase or post purchase by existing machine owners. For existing machine owners, our team may want to verify the model and serial number of your machine. This helps us ensure you are purchasing the right solution for your current equipment.

What Is the Ordering Process?

When ordering drums (dies & templates), there are generally two categories available for purchase stock or custom solutions. Stock solutions are typically general accessories that may be readily available within our current inventory here in New Jersey. For example, basic round shaped drums. Whereas custom drums (dies & templates) require custom fabrication via our manufacturing partners. Stock items tend to be more readily available than custom items.

The process for ordering both stock and custom drums is generally the same. Our process is designed to ensure you have the right fit for your production.

1. Measuring Your Product
This involves measuring the pre-baked shape, sizing, and thickness of your product. This may vary depending on the manufacturer and/or accessory being purchased. For example, if using a cookie cutter in your current production, you would then trace that cookie cutter on a piece of paper and provide measurements accordingly. If making a scooped product, our team will advise you to form your product into a variety of different round-shaped pucks with varying thicknesses and diameters (making careful note of each puck’s dimensions). You would then compare the bake of those pucks to your scooped product. Our team can provide additional guidance during your consultation.

2. Drawings
Once we have received your measurements, we will then work with the manufacturer to produce drawings that will serve as the blueprint for your drum, dies, or templates. Basic shapes such as circles, triangles, and squares may be eligible to forgo the drawing phase. We may also have some of these basic shapes in-stock available for immediate purchase.

In contrast, all custom solutions require an approved drawing. This drawing process will also allow the manufacturer to confirm that your requested design can be made within the specifications of the accessory you are purchasing. Common considerations include depth and width constraints. Our team can provide additional information during the consultation process.

3. Approvals & Payments
Once we receive the drawing from the manufacturer, we will then be in contact for approval and payment. It is critical that we receive both your approval and payment in order to move onto the manufacturing process.

4. Manufacturing
Once we receive approval of the drawing and payment, the manufacturing process can begin. This is also where our team begins to calculate lead time.

How Long Does It Take?

Quick Answer: 4 – 12 weeks. Longer wait times typically occur during the second half of the year leading into the holidays.

Pre-Manufacturing Process
The time required leading into manufacturing process can vary in accordance with your response times (throughout each phase of the ordering process); and the complexity of the drums, dies, or templates you are looking to produce. Because of the variables leading up-to the manufacturing process, our team calculates lead time from the moment your order enters the manufacturing process (step 4).

Manufacturing Process
The lead time can be anywhere between 4 – 12 weeks. Wait times generally increase leading towards the end of the year with the holiday rush. This usually begins in August as European manufacturers close or limit production in observance of a summer holiday/vacation schedule. The longest wait times generally occur during the fourth quarter, as manufacturers (similar to bakers), are faced with increased demand from across the globe.

When Should I Order?

Quick Answer: Placing your order should be based on when you want to begin production, and backdated in accordance with any advised lead time(s).

In terms of figuring out when it would be best to order your accessory, according to Daniel DaRocha and Erika Record’s best practices, “you should consider the date you want to begin legitimate production of that product. You will then want to work your way backwards from the advised lead time with an additional week or two reserved for fine-tuning and implementation.” This includes implementing any procedural changes on your production line and other process adjustments.

We’re Here to Help!

We are bread and cookie production experts! Our dedicated sales team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our solutions. If you are considering a cookie machine/depositor or an additional drum (die or template), please feel free to contact us or call us at 973-614-8500.