5 Things to Consider for Select Packaging Equipment.
For more information, please visit packaging machines liquid and powder suppliers.
You’ve crunched the numbers and weighed the pros and cons. You've considered all the alternative options. You know it is time to invest in Capital Equipment and take your business to the next level.
The next step is choosing the machine. K-Flex Packaging Systems is here to make choosing the right equipment as stress-free as possible!
Read below for the 5 key items to ensure a successful packaging machine purchase for your business!
How quickly and how much product you intend to put out each day, is going to affect what machine you should consider. If this is your first investment in packaging machinery, maybe you don’t need to spring for the big guns just yet. So don’t be intimidated and think that bigger is always better. Start where you can, and allow yourself time to grow.
Form-Fill-Seal is the fastest available packaging option. However, the flexibility of the Premade Pouch Machine is gaining appeal in the packaging community. Because both machines have their perks, your decision should be based on production speed required, labor and SKU variation.
The PSG LEE is a copackers dream as you can change from one SKU to the other in minutes via the touchscreen. On the other hand, If you plan on running a limited variety and need high volumes, the SN Horizontal Form-Fill-Seal is a better option for those needs.
The style of pouch also plays a crucial role here. Currently trending are shaped and fitment pouches. Considering your desired pouch style can help guide your equipment selection. For more on this, see number five.
When working in the manufacturing industry, we have to be hyper aware of waste management. We have entered an era where companies are trying to reduce waste where possible, for both financial and environmental reasons. Because your machine and package options will produce varying amounts of waste, consider your waste goals.
Form-Fill-Seal machine creates some waste during setup, alignment and changeover, as well as any excess film trimmed during production. In contrast, if you are interested in reducing waste and costs associated with it, the Premade Pouch machine may be a better option for you. The PSG LEE has a built in feature to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. If the pouch doesn’t open, product will not drop and the seal bars will not seal that specific pouch so it can be reused.
PPi Technologies Group's SECAMP program is a 6 point strategy that relates to using less energy or clean energy, fewer packaging materials, and reduce costs in the manufacturing warehousing and distribution of Stand-Up Pouches.
As with any large purchase, you want to consider not only the initial cost of your packaging machine, but the cost of operation and maintenance. While some machines may have a bigger price tag up front, they may run smoother and have better efficiencies. Make sure to focus on your ROI. A more expensive machine, could increase your profitability dramatically.
There are a few more operating costs to consider when choosing your machine. Keep in mind the cost of any other materials needed to run your machine such as rollstock film or premade pouches. Also, consider the materials needed to produce your pouches and products, and the labor required to operate the line.
The type of machine you select will greatly impact the amount of training, education level, and employee hours needed to operate the machine. For example, a Form-Fill-Seal machine will require considerably more training than a Premade Pouch Machine.
On a Premade Pouch Machine, someone is needed to keep the infeed conveyor full of empty pouches. However, once the Form-Fill-Seal machine is configured, the operator is free to concentrate on other company tasks. Some options for minimizing downtime and maximizing production include automatic splicing for film and zippers and end-of-line case packing solutions. In order to set you and your team up for success, PPi Technologies Group offers several training options on the equipment you purchase.
The diversity of your company's products and goals can help determine which machine is best fit for your packaging operation. If you pack several different SKU’s per day, the premade pouch may work for you, as the Form-Fill-Seal machine takes more time for set up and changeover. On the other hand, if you focus on one product line per day, and need high output, the Form-Fill-Seal will better meet your needs. Make sure to discuss all your SKU's with us and provide the output you are looking for.
: Quiz Your Vendor
When talking to machine vendor's here are some questions you should ask. How many machines do they have in the field? Can you speak to current customers and go see their equipment? What does the vendor’s service and support look like after the sale? Do they have in-house engineering? How quickly can you get spare parts? What training programs do they have?
We hope the consideration of these 5 key points make your decision making process less stressful and more exciting. You are making a crucial decision to grow your business, and K-Flex Packaging Systems is here to support you along the way!
Please click here to send us a note or questions.
Choosing the right packaging equipment and supplier can make or break a project. There are so many different variables in your decision that choosing the ideal equipment and supportive packaging partner can be challenging. You not only need to think about your present needs, but future innovation to optimize your production.
Want more information on ice cream stick packing machine manufacturers? Feel free to contact us.
Where to begin? In this article, we examine seven essential questions you must ask any prospective supplier when evaluating your options to ensure superior system performance that for your unique production needs and maximize your return on investment (ROI).
There are dozens of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to choose from in the packaging space. Each one offers solutions that can package your products and provide high throughput to meet modern demand.
However, before committing to a long-term partnership, ask yourself:
“Do your prospective suppliers have a solid, installed base? Have them demonstrated the ability to consistently deliver successful results on your considered application or something similar? What does their after-sales support look like for you?
According to Gartner Research, 74% of customers expect more from brands — not just around product performance or durability, but in how brands treat their customers, employees and the environment. 81% of customers refuse to do business with or buy from a brand that they don’t trust.”
There are several different packaging methodologies, packaging platforms, and material options. It will always benefit you to discover whether or not your potential packaging machinery supplier can accommodate your current production process AND how they will scale it in the future.
If you’re developing a new product or overhauling your production line to meet modern demand, it is essential that you work with a team who can hit the ground running, offering you complete guidance, expertise, and understanding of your present and future needs without taking up time playing catch up and costing you more.
This streamlined partnership requires comprehensive communication between your operations, marketing, purchasing, engineering teams, and the prospective supplier. If they haven’t seen, or asked for, complete details of your facility and equipment, and drawn up complete plans on how their solutions fit your manufacturing floor, keep searching.
Your packaging machine partner must understand and address all limitations proactively at the earliest intervals so they can offer efficient, fully-developed equipment and service options.
Be as specific as possible when sharing your requirements so that suppliers can develop options for your project. Has your proposed packaging machinery supplier reviewed your Request for Quote (RFQ) with a fine-toothed comb, indicating clearly where they can meet your needs and where adjustments may need to be made? You are making a long-term investment of time, trust, and resources. Accuracy and completeness are imperative as the foundations of your new relationship.
With this information, the supplier will start to consider various options that will meet your requirements and make helpful suggestions on how to optimize your production line. Be sure they are asking essential questions from the onset, including:
Before acquiring a packaging machine, you should consider both its durability and longevity. Be sure your packaging machinery supplier provides you with an understanding of how the equipment is built and how it will operate under various conditions.
Advanced packaging equipment has several moving parts that operate independently or simultaneously at any given packaging interval. A robust design that will help minimize vibration – and the problematic and expensive downtime vibration can create from fatigue, stress fractures, bearing issues, and loose wiring – over time.
Additionally, you should always inquire about other essential equipment and manufacturer-related details, including:
Ideal packaging supply partners will offer these details readily.
Some production lines have dedicated equipment for each product SKU. Others include changeover for their equipment, accommodating various SKUs across production shifts in the same facility. Determine what your specific needs are for your unique production line and SKUs and ensure the prospective equipment matches and exceeds those needs.
Too often, producers invest in applications that lack the versatility to produce a broad range of SKUs on the same equipment. They lack the capabilities to change sizing, shape, or formatting (MAP, skin pack, vacuum) and so must submit to downtime – costing them up to an astonishing $26,000 per hour – or invest more time and resources trying to find and install separate packaging machinery to facilitate production.
Take the time upfront to determine whether the equipment manufacturer taken the time to design and develop methods to decrease the time needed to change over belts, films, trays, materials, infeeds, programming, buffers, etc. Simplicity of changeover will lead to higher uptime efficiency and shortened training time for operators. Optimized flexibility and versatility to allow new packaging format possibilities and new sources of revenue for your operations.
An equipment purchase is much more than an exchange of money for goods. It is declaring a commitment to a long-term collaboration between two organizations.
Packaging and automation equipment can continue to produce for upwards of 20 years, so you should select a supplier who strives every day to help improve your bottom line.
In determining the right fit for a long and lucrative partnership, have a list of quintessential questions you can ask your potential supplier to make your decision clearer in shortest amount of time. These questions should include:
Choosing the right packaging machinery and supplier will always be unique to your operations. Your equipment, and the OEM that provides it, will always depend on specific factors such as your product, facilities, desired throughput rate, available resources, scalability demands, and more.
The key to a successful choice is to stay inquisitive at every turn to determine what packaging machinery supplier can provide the best fit for you. Their ability to address your questions, satisfy your concerns, and offer lasting value in every interaction will be the key to optimizing your systems and bringing your business to new heights of success.
Contact Harpak-ULMA Packaging today with your equipment, installation, and service inquires. Together, we’ll help you discover what the ideal packaging machinery partner looks like and provide unparalleled packaging solutions to exceed your expectations.
Are you interested in learning more about biscuit packing machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!