Efficient packaging plays an important role in any product-driven business, so much so that it has a direct impact on the ROI of a business. Whether a business is established or new, it is hard to find success without the use of friendly and reliable packaging.
With the advancement in technology, packaging has seen a transition to automation. While manual packaging continues to be in the reckoning, especially by small businesses, hurdles in the manual packaging process may include excessive labour and operation costs, less warehouse space, employee injuries, faulty packaging, etc, thereby increasing the overall production costs. With multiple costs accompanying manual packaging, there is an increased probability of businesses suffering losses.
Over the years, automated packaging machines have transitioned from single units step to multiple steps in the entire packaging process. As the name suggests, end-of-line packaging operates at the final steps of a packaging line, thereby drastically reducing costs, while providing consistent quality, efficiency as well as better aesthetics. Given the pros of end-of-line packaging, investing in automation for your packaging needs is a wise decision, since, as much as it helps a business, it also optimises customer satisfaction.
Which industries is packaging automation used in?
Automatic packaging is ideal for the manufacturing industry, and is used for a variety of other industries that include:
- Food and Beverages
- Aviation
- Agriculture and allied equipment
- Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Pharma Industry
- Automobile Industry
- Furniture
- Tyre Industry
How does automated packaging work?
Packaging a product with minimal or no human intervention is done through various packaging automation systems. Of course, different packaging systems may vary, for example, in the clothing industry, it could mean wrapping or binding large sheets. In the food industry, it may mean sealing food into different containers, bottles, etc.
While there are different types of end-of-line packaging systems available, these automation products are generally used for continuous packaging, which makes the use of safe and maintainable products with optimised capability, sacrosanct.
How can different processes be automated using in-end-line packaging solutions?
In-end-line packaging solutions usually consist of case packer and palletizing systems. Pallet wrapping machines or stretch wrapping machines wrap pallets automatically. This helps with increasing the packing speed and improving safety. They make transporting bulk items easy, and protect individual items from getting damaged during shipping.
There are also solutions to address upstream packaging needs, through case forming, filling and sealing, automatic carton sealing and case erector machines.
Below are the top 5 reasons for switching to in-end-line packaging automation:
- Consistency and Efficiency
Automated packaging enables a greater production rate than manual packaging. Advanced automated machinery can help with a consistent and efficient output.
2. Reduced Packaging Material Waste
With end-of-line, automated packaging, there is a decreased risk of costly errors and excess waste, as tasks are automated. In addition to lowering labour costs, automated packaging operations can result in the reduction of overhead expenses as well.
3. Lower Labour Costs and Reduced Injury Rate
A lot of effort has to be put in by the workers during packaging, including lifting and repetitive motions. Automation helps with reducing stress to a certain extent, lowering labour costs and allowing employees to concentrate on higher-level tasks, thereby reducing the economic impact of injury.
4. Sustainability
Since the last few years, the impact of climate change has been a major concern for all industries. Sustainability practices are the new norm and they can win customer goodwill. Eco-friendly packing materials and processes that can cut down on waste, thereby reducing carbon footprint, also save costs for the manufacturer.
5. Obtain better data
Automated packaging equipment can routinely track key information like production cycles and maintenance schedules, among other things. With the availability of paramount information, one can take important decisions regarding production lines and processes.
Conclusion
Whether a company is small or mid-sized, or a large global brand, the use of in-end-line packaging automation can substantially help in improving packaging operations.