When is it Time to Automate Your Packaging Operation? What Scenarios to Weigh and Questions to Ask
When packaging at large volumes, many businesses face the challenge of keeping up with demand, controlling waste and meeting safety and regulatory standards. These concerns can not only impact a business’s bottom line but also its reputation in the market.
A primary solution to these packaging process problems is automation. Automating your packaging process using equipment such as an automated weigher, bagger filler, conveyor and accumulation table can be a game-changer for businesses in several different industries.
In this article, we will take a closer look at a few scenarios that indicate it’s time for a business to begin automating its packaging process. We’ll also explore questions a business owner should ask themselves when determining how to automate their packaging operation. Let’s dive in!
Struggling to Meet Demand
One sure sign it’s time to automate your packaging process is when your business is struggling to meet demand. When demand exceeds the capacity of your packaging line, it can lead to delays, missed deadlines and dissatisfied customers. An automated filling machine can increase filling speed and accuracy, helping to ensure you meet your production targets and eliminate backlogs.
High Labor Costs
Labor costs are increasing by the day, and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their dependence on manual labor while still being productive. Automating your packaging process can reduce the number of employees needed while increasing efficiency. An automated weigher, bagger or filler will help in the reduction of labor costs, as they will eliminate the need for manual weighing and separation of product, which can often be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Quality & Safety Risks
In commercial packaging, quality and safety are two critical considerations. A mistake in the packaging process could lead to recalls, lawsuits, and a tarnished reputation; automated packaging equipment can help businesses avoid such risks. Integrating pack-off and exit conveyors with rotating, variable-speed accumulation tables can help you pack your products carefully, minimize breakages and avoid contamination.
In order to protect product from contamination by physical objects such as metal shards or glass shards, BPI’s X-Ray systems and metal detectors detect foreign objects before they are sealed away inside the product package. This helps ensure consumers receive high-quality product free of contaminants each time they purchase it.
Questions Business Owners Should Ask Themselves
With these scenarios in mind, there are several questions business owners should ask themselves when deciding how to automate their packaging operation.
What are my production goals?
Knowing your production targets helps to determine the type of equipment you need. For instance, if you aim to produce a significant volume of products, you may need a high-speed conveyor or a heavy-duty filler.
What are my space limitations?
The amount of space available will affect the type of automation equipment you can use. If you have limited space, you may need an equipment size that can fit into a small area while still providing high production output.
What are my budget constraints?
Your budget will determine the amount of money available to invest in automation equipment. By investing in an automated weigher, scale and filler, you can increase efficiency and reduce the chance for costly mistakes down the line.
What are my product needs?
Different products require different levels of automation. Consider the characteristics of your product and the packaging requirements when determining what equipment you need. If you’re unsure of your needs, BPI Equipment’s staff is at the ready to offer consultation and guide your business to the best appropriate fit.
How BPI Equipment Can Help
Depending on the industry, once a certain threshold of output is reached in packaging, automation is undoubtedly the way to go. It saves time, reduces costs and limits errors. To succeed in the market, businesses must be innovative and proactive in their approach to packaging. By asking yourself the right questions and investing in automation equipment such as automated weighers, scales, fillers, conveyors and accumulation tables, you can take your packaging process to the next level.
Are you considering integrating a new piece of automated equipment into your packaging process? Maybe you’re unsure of your exact needs but know a solution is required.
BPI Equipment staff are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take your first step toward improved operations!
