score

Scale-Up Readiness Score

In pilot / scale-up trials with a manufacturer

Already in full production — but having issues

Where are you in the manufacturing journey?

Our contract manufacturer wrote their own from our formula

Rough method notes — enough to remake it in the lab

Does a master batch record exist — order of addition, temperatures, mixing speeds and times, pH-adjustment procedure with target range?

redflags

Yes — every batch is released against written specs

Partial — we check some things informally

Do you have finished-product specifications and QC release criteria — appearance, pH range, viscosity range with method, microbial limits?

Yes — long-term and accelerated, in the actual container

Tested, but in lab containers — not the final pack

Has the formula passed stability testing in its FINAL packaging?

Yes — compatibility checked in the final pack

Not yet — packaging still being selected

No — we assumed the packaging would be fine

We already had a packaging failure — leaks, discoloration, pump problems

Has packaging compatibility been checked — preservative or fragrance sorbing into plastic, corrosion, seal integrity, dispensing function?

Written contract with a formula-ownership / IP clause; they provide COAs for raw materials and finished product; we've seen the facility (or a real virtual tour)

We have a manufacturer but never verified their quality system or got COAs

What does your manufacturer diligence look like — contract, quality system, and verification?

Yes — full COGS modeled, and the MOQ fits our realistic sell-through

Rough idea of costs; MOQ feels high but manageable

We know the per-unit manufacturing price but haven't modeled full COGS

No real cost model — and the MOQ is far bigger than we can sell

Do you know your full unit economics — COGS including packaging, testing, labeling, freight, and warehousing — and can you realistically sell through the MOQ before the product expires?