The packaging process is costly and time consuming, but with new technology packaging is more efficient. Packaging automation not only saves you time, it also saves you money! All industries can benefit from implementing automation into their packaging process. There are many different types of packaging equipment to help your employees, so you can be more productive and lower labor costs or reduce material consumption.
Shortcuts:
What is Packaging Automation?
Packaging Automation is the process of packaging a product without or primarily without human labor. Automation can be as simple as one machine in the line. For example, a stretch wrapping system that wraps pallet loads at the end of the line or can be as complex as automating the entire line from bagging, packaging, void-filling and wrapping.
The use of packaging automation can provide you with more resources elsewhere, and it will make your packaging process more efficient by cutting out the inconsistencies of human labor.
The Benefits of Packaging Automation
Improved Quality Control
Automated quality assurance (QA) systems work without getting fatigued, meaning their ability to catch errors won’t wax or wane over the course of a shift. In addition to the other automated equipment in the packaging process, this can mean consistent packaging and longer productive labor hours.
Improved Production Speed
Utilizing automated packaging equipment will make things easier by multi-tasking and folding multiple steps of the process, an example of this being labeling and sealing being done in a single step. In doing so, it will free up more employees to complete other tasks.
Lower Labor Costs
By automating the packaging line as much as possible, companies ensure that workers are only being hired when they are needed and can reassign labor to other areas as needed.
Labor can be expensive and fluctuating, making it harder to calculate your budget for the packaging sector and cost of packaging per product. Automated packaging solutions are standardized, typically with a fixed price for the machinery as a set amount of packaging per product that makes calculating easier. By reducing labor requirements, you can find a use of employees where the business needs it more.
Reduce Physical Stress on Employees
In manufacturing and packaging it’s common for employees to perform repetitive tasks over a long shift. Some often develop musculoskeletal conditions due to the repetitive stresses of packaging. Worker safety is improved when using automated packaging. Adding automation to your packaging line reduces or removes human input to complete these tedious, repetitive tasks.
Consistent Product Protection
People get tired, this often results in a lack of focus and will lead to mistakes in your packaging process that can result in product damage or an unnecessary increase in packaging materials usage. An automated system will minimize waste and ensure a consistent amount of material is used to protect your product each time.
Cost Savings Over Time
Many organizations put off automation because of the initial investment of the machines. The truth is that automation can save you money over time. Not only does it save on labor costs as mentioned previously, but it also helps you save on the cost of consumables. Our packaging experts will work with you to understand your product and your challenges. Working together, we will determine the right packaging equipment to address your specific challenges. An estimated return on your investment can be calculated to understand efficiency gains and how it will benefit your company.
Get Started with Automation: FREE Packaging Automation Checklist
For every company that must package products and deliver them to consumers or distributors, there comes a time when the question of automating your packaging line comes up.
Manual packaging can be time consuming, expensive and cause extreme amounts of waste as well as costly labor expenses.
We created a checklist to help make the next step into automation simple. This checklist helps you identify where you should automate, what you should automate, and how to save money while increasing efficiencies in your process.
Packaging Automation Equipment
Automatic Bagging Systems
There is a wide variety of benefits from the use of auto-bagging systems depending on your packaging process. Labor savings can reach up to 80% or more. These systems also improve piece count accuracy while increasing speeds. Mark dates, codes, or addresses as you package products.
Automatic Form Fill & Seal Systems
Form, Fill & Seal Systems are high-speed machines that both fill and seal a flexible package in the form of a bag or pouch. A conveyor system moves product through the machine while mechanical arms trim and seal the shrink film.
Carton Sealing & Case Erecting Systems
Implementing carton sealing & case erecting systems can increase your carton sealing rate, reduce tape costs, and stop double-taping. These systems are easy to install and operate and they also fit into existing packaging lines to make room for other operations using optional casters. Other benefits include the enhancement of packaging presentation with a single strip of tape, and improved security and immediately identifiable tampering when using 1 strip of tape.
Coding, Printing & Labeling
PackEdge is aligned with the top marking systems manufactures to provide you with the best options for inkjet printing, labeling, and coding. Integrating an inkjet printing, coding, and labeling system is easy without the need of specialized server software or hardware while you maintain data security.
Packers, Palletizers & LGV
With a commitment to provide a competitive edge to our customers through problem solving, innovation and applying the best available technology. PackEdge’s end-of-line solutions from Robopac companies Top Tier and Ocme include some of the sophisticated packers, palletizers, and laser guided vehicles that give you the competitive edge.
Protective Packaging Systems
Whether your package is fragile, light, heavy or soft, we recommend and select the best materials to ensure a safe journey for your products. PackEdge is focused on matching the right protective packaging solution to your specific packaging needs.
Shrink Wrapping Systems
We understand that different packaging solutions are required for different companies. You expect innovation and realistic solutions from your partners. Protect your items securely, while increasing productivity. PackEdge’s shrink wrapping systems offer unparalleled protection with an affordable investment.
Strapping Systems
When choosing a strapping machine, there are several critical considerations: the package size, level of automation, production speed and what features you need. Our experienced team at PackEdge will work with you to understand your process and help you to identify the right strapping solution system.
Stretch Wrapping Systems
Ensure your pallet loads are wrapped consistently and securely with a stretch wrapping system from PackEdge. A stretch wrapping machine must be considered if you are wrapping more than 10-15 loads per day.
