Which stages of the packaging process can be automated?
Many packaging processes consist of repetitive steps that can be fully or partially automated. Different solutions may be suitable depending on the product and dispatch requirements.
Typical automation steps include:
- Automatically erecting and sealing cartons
- Padding and filling packages
- Supplying packing stations with packaging materials
- Strapping or palletising goods
- Integrating packaging machines into existing packing processes
The most suitable solution depends on the existing process, the products and the packing volumes.
Automated packing processes work faster and deliver consistent results. But speed isn’t everything – the decision to purchase packaging machines should take many factors into account. We’re happy to share our experience and explain the pros and cons to you. Right down to the last decimal place.
Speeding up packaging processes
Packaging machines can be integrated in packaging lines and significantly accelerate your packaging process: during the time it takes for a filled carton to be automatically closed, the next one can be filled.
Inner packaging in particular offers a lot of potential for process optimisation through automation: while the manual forming of filling paper can take minutes, the FillPak Trident paper padding machine, for example, processes 2.3 metres of paper per second.
Semi-automatic or fully automatic tools also speed up the work: with adhesive tape dispensers, packing tape does not have to be cut manually; with tensioning devices, strapping tape does not have to be painstakingly manually tensioned.
What are the benefits of automated packaging processes?
Machines are not good at independently adapting to different situations. However, machines are very good at delivering the same high-quality result, even on the hundredth of repetition. This consistency rings a number of advantages for your packaging process:
- Process reliability
Even at the end of the shift, the machine still operates as reliably as it did early in the morning. - Consistent quality
Achieving consistent results with the same settings is essential in order to get the best out of optimisation. - Operator independence
While knowledge and experience make a significant difference in manual packaging, this is only marginal when operating packaging machines.
Automating physically demanding tasks
Repetitive and physically demanding movements can take their toll on staff in the long term. A machine doesn’t mind this, and in some cases it can’t do anything else anyway. So why not let the machine do the hard work, whilst people operate and monitor it?
If you are already seeing high levels of sick leave or wish to prevent this through improved ergonomics , we would be happy to advise you on machines that make life easier for your staff.
When is it worth automating a packaging process?
Close eye on costs
While it may be obvious that automation will bring many benefits, it may not be immediately clear how these benefits compare to the initial costs involved. This can be calculated. We work with you to analyse your packaging processes and the costs hidden within them, and can tell you exactly:
- whether it is worth purchasing one or more machines at all or whether changing the packaging product is the solution,
- which automated solution with which range of functions is suitable for you,
- how long one or several machines need to be in operation to recover their acquisition costs,
- whether buying or renting – if necessary with consumables included – is the right form of acquisition.
Not every packaging process needs to be fully automated. Often, individual machines or a change in packaging material are sufficient to make processes more efficient. That is why we always consider the entire process and only recommend solutions that make economic sense.
