MHD MATERIALS HANDLING
PACKAGING AUTOMATION: WHEN TO MAKE THE SWITCH As many businesses adjust to an increase in online sales from the e-commerce boom – labour, speed and productivity issues are forcing the hand of many into automation of their packaging process. Sean Ledbury, Managing Director of Packsize Australia explains how to determine the level of automation versus integration.
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cross all industries, companies are recognising that it is now necessary to adopt new packaging optimisation tools, and materials and handling technologies that will boost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Sean Ledbury, Managing Director of Packsize Australia says the On Demand Packaging™ machines are equipped for use across a wide variety of industries and can be integrated into an existing production line or stand alone, depending on the unique packaging requirements. Once you make the switch to automated packaging, he says, the difference will be noticed instantaneously.
INDICATIONS FOR STARTING AUTOMATION INCREASED DEMAND If companies are expecting growth in the markets they serve, or anticipate adding products in the coming year, then automation is a smart investment, says Sean. A pre-configured packaging system designed for your unique environment can maximise your entire workflow and potentially increase output by 20-30 per cent.
SHIPPING MULTIPLE PRODUCTS If you are shipping several different types of orders in varying shapes and sizes, this can take up large amounts of time on the warehouse floor. Automation drastically cuts down labour spent on packaging products and
Accessing Packsize integrated technologies leads to overall productivity enhancements. time-costly change overs. By designing right-sized boxes in any shape or size, an integrated packaging system reduces the number of packing stations, resulting in increased line efficiency and overall productivity.
LABOUR ISSUES The labour force is often the first area to show signs of strain in a fastpaced warehouse environment. If your packaging team is not able to keep up, you are experiencing increases in work-related injuries, a high labour turnover rate, or find your labour force doubling in size during peak seasons, it’s time to review options in automation. Packaging automation can handle everyday demands and seasonal surges, while significantly
reducing labour costs. Within months of implementing On Demand Packaging systems, Packsize customers reported significant savings in labour costs, and a 20-30 per cent reduction in employee training. A leading retailer and Packsize customer reduced its workforce by 11 full-time employees during the holiday season after streamlining its packaging operations through automation.
EIGHT FEATURES OF A TOTAL PACKING SOLUTION To design a custom packaging solution, it’s important to determine your packaging needs and enlist an automated packaging professional to help develop a streamlined process that meets your unique operational MHD DECEMBER 2021 | 19
