The reasons to invest in automated packaging machinery are plentiful. The right automated packaging equipment and system design can increase production, improve facility safety, reduce material waste, and save a great deal of money over time. One of the most important advantages automated packaging machinery offers, though, is consistency.
Why Consistency Is So Important
Consistent results should always be a priority for any production or packaging facility. You likely take focused steps to ensure all of your products have the same quality. Why not apply the same approach to your product packaging and any bulk packaging and pallet-building you do for storage, shipping, and distribution? Highly consistent packaging system results should take precedence.
You may manufacture some of the best products in the world. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean much if your packaging is compromised. Your products need to have the best protection that holds up throughout its packaged life span—from the initial packaging process until the package reaches your target consumers. The afterlife of your packaging materials must also be considered in terms of material waste and environmental impact.
Human Inconsistency
Automated packaging machinery provides a level of consistency you simply cannot achieve with a manual process. Human error is a real consideration; mistakes happen. Even the most consistent workers still have slight inconsistencies that could ultimately have a negative impact on your product packaging.
Let’s examine a few real-world examples. Think about relatively simple packaging tasks like forming and sealing boxes. The box is folded. Then tape, glue, and/or staples are used to seal it. A person completing these tasks does not fold and seal the box exactly the same way every time. Variations may be slight, but one tiny mistake could be costly. Tape applied to the bottom of a bulk case may be just a bit off, which weakens the structural integrity of the box. As the box moves down the line through shipping and distribution, product damage can occur, causing financial loss as a result.
Another common example is pallet wrapping. Hand-wrapping pallets can be a wasteful process. You may end up using more stretch wrap material than you actually need. And again, inconsistent quality could lead to load loss problems down the line. An automated pallet wrapping machine completes the same task in much less time, with the most efficient use of stretch wrap film. Less material is wasted, and wrapping results are consistent from pallet to pallet.
Consistency Through Equipment Automation
The same can be said for all other types of automated packaging equipment, including case formers, case sealers, strapping machines, stretch wrappers, and shrink wrappers. These machines reduce the risk of human error and minimize the damage that inconsistency can cause. Certain machines can completely automate the entire process and are well worth the initial investment, as they save significant money over time. More affordable semiautomatic machines still require some human operation but provide a much higher level of packaging consistency.
Beyond the machinery, there are many other ways you can improve your packaging consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness through strategic system design and automation technology. First Packaging Systems can optimize your packaging processes and achieve the best results for long-term success. Contact FPS today to learn more about our services or to schedule an initial packaging system review and consultation with our team.
