Date: 18-02-2022
No one can dismiss the fact that buying packaging machinery can be a huge investment for your business. But what makes it more important is that this investment should be worthwhile. And a lot of research is required to make this investment a good one!
Not only a packaging machine should be cost-effective, user-friendly, and strain-free, but it also makes operations a lot faster and scale-up the business to the next level.
To make this process easier for you, in this article, we will explore 7 steps on how to Choose the Right Packaging Machine.
1. Be Specific About Your Product Needs.
2. Facility Space.
3. Volume Of Production.
4. Speed Requirements Of The Machine.
5. Budget.
6. Machine Is User-Friendly.
7. Is Environment-Friendly.
Step 1: Be Specific About Your Product Needs
Every packaging machine has different characteristics in which it can function its best. These characteristics generally include the maximum product size a machine can seal, the type of packaging material you require, and the fill weight a machine can tolerate.
Determining these details allows you to select the most suitable equipment to optimize your business requirements and demands. For instance, knowing the size of the product enables you to select a machine and a proper bagging material. If you can determine the sizing details of your product, it will be better as the supplier can provide you with an ideal packaging machine that minimizes the material used and also makes sure that the product remains completely protected from damage.
Step 2: Determine Your Facility Space
The packaging machines come in a variety of sizes and are built to accommodate different spaces within warehouses or facilities. Some accommodate less floor space but need more vertical space, and vice versa.
Apart from that if you need further customizations, there will be changes in the already existing space that your equipment will acquire. Being clear on the area space allows you to plan for the most ideal machine and perfect location in your facility and allow you to be flexible for the additional extensions if needed.
Step 3: Determine Your Volume Of Production
Different machines package the items at different rates, meaning that machines can be more or less suitable to adapt to your customer requirements, which takes us to the next step.
Step 4: Be Specific About The Speed Requirements Of The Machine
While choosing the packaging machine for your business, start by asking yourself how many products you intend to publish or release each day and how fast you want to produce them during the day. This will help you determine which type of machine is best for you.
For example, if getting a product quickly to market is an important requirement of your business, then by investing in a semi-automatic or automatic packaging machine you will be making your production a lot easier.
Packaging machines also allow you to package more products per hour than man labor, and much more neatly and efficiently.
Step 5: Budget
Buying a new machine is a big investment for many businesses so you must determine your budget and figure out if it is affordable for you in the long run. The cost of the machine also includes the costs of operation and maintenance.
While some machines have a huge price tag because they have better speed, production, and other efficiencies. An expensive machine tends to increase a business's profitability drastically while taking a toll on your pocket. But expensive machines are durable, robust, and have a good run time. But yes, you may consider all your affordable options.
It is also advised to have an operational analysis of your existing machine on your current packaging line. This allows you to find ways to improve your current production process before upgrading to a new machine. This will also help to ensure that your money gets invested in the right machine for your business operations.
Step 6: Ensure The Machine Is User-Friendly
Packaging technology is constantly evolving, hence employee training on these new and advanced machines holds great importance for business success. All packaging machines require a certain amount of staff training. So keep in mind that the type of machine you require will be directly proportional to the amount of training, education, and time needed to operate the machine.
The machine should be staff-friendly for several reasons. The most important reason is the health and safety of workers. Effective training of employees will make sure to reduce the risk of any injuries, for maintenance to prevent malfunctions before they happen, or at least be able to recognize errors. Staff training also allows for routine checks.
Step 7: Make Sure Your Packaging Machine Is Environment-Friendly
With so much awareness around the environment, companies now are responsible to do everything they can to reduce their packaging waste. Before selecting a machine, it is important to research the impact it may have on the environment.
But how can you be sure if your pick is an environmentally-friendly selection or not?
- To reduce the amount of waste produced, ensure the packaging machine cuts the exact amount of packaging film required.
- Research if the machine is compatible with more environmental-friendly materials such as replacing foam with paper void fillings.
- The older machines tend to drain a lot on energy usage, so when upgrading to a new machine, it would be recommended to check this. Although, the newer the better.
- Measuring devices can be employed to see how much energy, water, and gas your machine would be using for being functional.
While considering the purchase of a new packaging machine, you will be needing a lot of time to do your homework and invest due effort into the process. This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the required and important information you are looking for and more.
At Smart Packaging Systems, we keep all the above factors in mind and offer you a large range of cost-effective packaging machines to help increase the productivity of your business. The packing quality is beyond the best and the machines are robust.
We have machines for pallet wrapping, strapping, shrink wrapping, taping, and many more. If you are unsure about Choosing the Right Packaging Machines for Your Business, contact us today to speak to one of our experts who will recommend you the best for your brand.