Automating the Packaging Process to Save Time and Money

 Automating the Packaging Process to Save Time and Money

A guy and a dog will be the only workers at the future plant. A guy will be present to give the dog food. To prevent the man from reaching out and touching the tools, the dog will be there.According to Warren G. Bennis
Not quite, that is. Well, not just yet. With Just-In-Time (JIT) production, ever-tightening profit margins, and quality requirements like ISO-9002/QS-1000, automation is definitely the way to go for today's businesses. Actually, modern customers expect things delivered when they want them and at the price they are willing to pay, so businesses have little choice but to automate.

First, we will examine the primary motivations for manufacturers' decision to automate their packaging processes. Then, we will take a look at a few of the resources that make it possible for them.

One of the most critical factors influencing the success of a company in any sector is the quality and quantity of its talent pool. Thus, it is incumbent upon management to maximize the performance of their current staff. Businesses can free up workers' time and energy to focus on higher-value tasks like product design, customer service, or quality assurance thanks to automation. Also, employees may worry that computers will "replace" them, which is rarely the case. However, with automated processes, businesses may let employee turnover happen naturally without negatively impacting productivity.

Priorities in Throughput—As the old adage goes, "Machines do not take coffee breaks." This is especially true for plant managers. Automated systems consistently deliver the promised throughput within the allotted time frame, with the exception of periodic rebuilds or refurbishments or scheduled maintenance. And it is a huge deal for businesses trying to compete in today's market with its JIT inventories, stringent quality standards, and picky consumers.

Reliability—No business can afford to lose a skilled and enthusiastic employee. But every human worker, no matter how skilled, has a "bad day." Furthermore, "bad day" can simply mean "massive product recall." When automated systems are correctly configured and regularly maintained, they will always place the correct label on the correct box.

The cost of real estate is high. Growth and prosperity are not without their drawbacks. Indeed, it bodes well for increased earnings. On the other hand, it necessitates fresh investments in personnel, infrastructure, and tools. A 20% growth in business would necessitate a 20% increase in personnel, according to an old manufacturing rule of thumb. There are several instances when a rapidly expanding business realizes it can not house any more employees or machinery in its current location. A costly phone call to the real estate agent is something that automation can help you avoid.

The requirements are intricate. The good news is that you may find many of automated packaging options to suit your needs. Some of these are within the budget of even medium-sized businesses, and we believe they bring significant value.

The Combi Ergopack® is an automated case sealer/erector that produces a flat box, closes its bottom, and then presents it for loading. Three primary benefits are provided by this. To start, this low-level activity can be done by fewer persons. Secondly, it gets rid of a procedure that is not good for ergonomics. Thirdly, it avoids wasting both labor and plant capacity by presenting each box just moments before it is needed, instead of the other way around.

Automatic Stretch Wrappers—Stretch wrap's strength is not proportional to its volume, but rather to the extent to which it is stretched to maximize "material memory"—essentially, to within a few foot-pounds of its breaking strength. Every time you use a stretch wrapper, you will always get the exact amount and a consistent tension. Wulftec and similar automated stretch wrapping systems are typically cost-effective for any firm that wraps fifteen or more pallets daily.

Unitizing and Automatic Strapping—Automated strapping equipment is a lifesaver for many distribution and manufacturing organizations when it comes to UPS shipment. A basic concept allows these devices to pay for themselves. Shipping a single 20-pound item to the same location is far more cost-effective than shipping four 5-pound items. These machines can automatically collect and secure shipments of a similar kind destined for the same locations.

A Remark Regarding Leases— More and more businesses are seeing leasing as a way to keep up with the latest innovations while preserving capital. Simplified budgeting is made possible by avoiding intricate depreciation plans and opting instead for periodic payments ranging from six to seventy-two months. In addition to the purchase price, other expenses like freight, installation, training, and maintenance support can also be covered through payments. As technology progresses or business needs evolve, you may be able to upgrade your equipment during the leasing term in many contracts.

Quality, safety, ergonomics, and cost-benefit analysis are the four main factors to consider when deciding to automate a process. While large companies were formerly the exclusive domain of automation, smaller businesses are finding new technologies and designs appealing as well. Your bottom line might be riding on this, so you might want to give it a look.

Wow, that is cool!

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