How to Increase Productivity With Your Packaging
You've done the work. You created a great product, marketed it to the right audience and now people have ordered it to be delivered to their doorstep. However, there's a bottleneck — your packaging process. Even though packaging is one of the last things you need to do to get your product across, it plays an important role in your company's sales and overall productivity.
An inefficient packaging process can cut into your bottom line and result in unsatisfied employees and customers. This could be due to subpar packaging materials, inconsistent packaging or an unsustainable work environment. Fortunately, the right packaging efficiency solutions can go a long way in improving your operations.
How to Improve Packaging Efficiency
Packaging efficiency is affected by your packaging design and materials, your staff's packaging skills, and your overall packaging process. Improving each aspect for a smooth and streamlined packaging approach can make a positive difference in your operations. Check out four ideas below for efficient packaging solutions:
1. Assess Your Current Packaging Solutions
The best way to improve any system is to learn from your current one. Understand the bottlenecks in your current process based on the data you can gather. Identify whether the stations are intuitive and convenient for your staff. Does everyone have everything they need to do the work? The facility's layout should accommodate the behavior of each worker in each packaging station.
A routine audit will also help you examine where to make adjustments. This is especially essential when you release new products with new packaging or enter seasons with more sales than usual. It can also help you identify equipment failures and make upgrades as necessary.
2. Use the Most Suitable Packaging Materials
You may need to reconsider the design of your packaging. Are the dimensions appropriate? Overly large packaging can cut into your budget and require more materials to protect products during transport. Using the proper materials for packaging your products can also help minimize returns due to damaged products upon delivery.
Additionally, consider whether the packaging is made of sustainable materials. Data shows that 37% of plastic waste in the United States is from packaging. Consider packaging materials that are biodegradable, recyclable or reusable, which can also help you gain the trust of your customers. Reusing packaging materials may help you reduce costs, too.
Here are some criteria to keep in mind when selecting materials:
Durability: Can the material hold its structure to protect the product inside the package?
Level of protection: How well can the material protect the product in the package? For instance, can it protect products from debris, dust or water damage? Do you need void fillers?
Safety: Is the product safe for your staff to apply or use?
Life cycle: Is the material an eco-friendly solution that can be repurposed?
3. Understand Your Staff's Strengths and Limitations
Your workers are your assets. Consider their strengths and weaknesses and where you can improve productivity and safety. For example, is your current packaging design too difficult for the team to handle, slowing down production? Are there packaging tools you can get to make their work easier?
Understanding how your staff is doing can help you make decisions for improvements. Observe your current processes, ask your staff questions through surveys and use technology to gain insights into efficiency metrics. As you take steps to improve your operations, informing your team of your goals and benchmarks can keep everyone on the same page.
4. Consider Automation Technology
Automation technology can significantly improve your packaging productivity due to its effects on cost, accuracy, production time and energy efficiency. For example, automation tools can help you apply labels onto packaging, stack and organize products, and securely close containers while your workers spend time on other tasks.
Even though this software and hardware may cost you upfront, you can end up saving more due to consistent and effective packaging, with no excess and less room for human error. Manual labor, such as picking and packing by workers, can also be tedious and slow, compared to having automated equipment.
Consider using machines like:
Automated fillers
Automated labelers
Automated palletizers
Sealing machines
Wrapping machines
Other Factors to Consider for Your Packaging Process
When taking steps to improve your packaging process, consider a few other factors:
Budget: Creating changes, whether selecting new materials or changing your facility's layout, will incur costs. Be sure the upgrades you make are within your budget.
Space requirements: Especially if you're adopting automation and technology, you need to consider the space available and how your employees will move about the area.
Legislation: There are industry standards for packaging. For instance, you may be required to comply with environmental protection standards. Ensure your business maintains compliance amid any changes you make.
Package weight and contents: The weight of your products determines the kind of material you need to use. Heavier products may need stronger packaging and adhesives. Larger, expensive packages may need wider tape for better security.
Shipping: Consider packaging depending on the delivery location. Packages must withstand external factors during transport, such as changes in temperature or moisture levels.
Scalability: As with any other business consideration, you'll need to think about how your new or adopted systems or technology can scale with your business.
Common Packaging Mistakes
Although the changes you need to make to improve your packaging process depend on your business, there are common mistakes you need to be mindful of, such as:
Choosing subpar packaging materials to save on cost.
Overlooking sustainable packaging options.
Using excessive packaging materials.
Disregarding packaging industry standards.
Using outdated equipment.
Working with a packaging expert can help you identify specific areas for improvement and avoid costly mistakes.
Compack USA Offers Efficient Packaging Solutions You Can Trust
Improving packaging efficiency takes time, effort and the right strategies. To get the most value out of your new approach, you want to partner with an expert packaging product provider.
Compack is a leading expert in packaging, offering a range of packaging materials, equipment and strapping supplies. We can help you increase your productivity while reducing packaging costs. Whether you're looking to implement a new packaging system or improve your existing process, our team is here to help you find the right solutions.
As a team of industry professionals with over 40 years of experience, we can work with your business and help you implement processes that address your specific situation. Browse our selection of products, and contact us today to get started!
