6 Reasons Why It’s Time To Automate Your Packaging Line

Want to improve operations in your manufacturing business? If your business is struggling to keep up with demand or has concerns with worker safety, high labor costs or excessive waste, you may want to consider automating your packaging line.

Are you experiencing any of these costly operational challenges?

Inconsistent packaging
Inadequate production throughput
High error rates
Employee injury
Excessive labor costs
Limited labor pool
Limited warehouse space

Today’s technology is making it easier (and more cost-effective than ever) to invest in automation for your packaging needs. Whether you are a small to mid-size manufacturer or a larger global brand, an automated solution can improve your packaging operations and your bottom line.

Automated packaging solutions can be customized to your unique situation and are ideal for manufacturers in the following industries:

Learn more about Packaging Integration and Custom Solutions.

What is Packaging Automation?

Packaging automation is an efficient way to streamline your packaging processes and reduce human intervention in your operations. Automated packaging solutions can address primary packaging needs as well as end-of-the-line packaging activities — helping you achieve better load containment, improved productivity and safety on your lines.

Automated palletizing, stretch wrappers, bundlers and strapping equipment are just a few solutions you can use to improve your production and shipping operations. Primary packaging functions like bagging and shrink-wrapping items can be automated for faster and more reliable handling. Or automate your end-of-the-line functions like palletizing, stretch wrapping and strapping to increase packaging speed and improve safety. There are also solutions to address your upstream packaging needs such as case forming, filling and sealing.

Are you ready to invest in solutions that can drive your business into the future? Many production lines require specially designed solutions to accommodate products, materials, capacities and more. We can customize your packaging systems to offer greater efficiency, faster production and better results on your production line.

 

6 Advantages of Implementing Packaging Line Automation Equipment

By introducing automation to your packaging line, you can increase the speed at which items are packaged, achieve shorter runs and minimize changeover time. An additional benefit of implementing packaging automation is the collection of important data that can be used to measure line efficiency and maximize uptime. Curious about other ways automated packaging systems can improve your business?

1. Increase production and efficiency
With demand at an all-time high, your business can’t afford operational setbacks. Packaging line automation systems keep production running at peak capacity, saving time otherwise spent on manual tasks such as loading and unloading containers or bagging items. Some automated systems can perform multiple steps of the packaging process simultaneously — like sealing and labeling, saving you time and labor hours.

2. Reduce bottlenecks and waste
Avoid operational failure due to production constraints and chokepoints. Automation can optimize machine speed, improve quality and reduce the number of change-outs for more continuous production cycles. The technology used in packaging automation can detect errors and mistakes more reliably, equating to more consistent packaging and less material waste.

3. Increase in worker safety and ergonomics
Automating your packaging operations can reduce employee risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders from performing routine and repetitive tasks. Not only will workers experience fewer injuries and days away from work, but your packaging operations will become more consistent over time.

4. Reduce labor costs
High demand coupled with a diminishing labor market has created challenges for manufacturers unable to fill key roles. Automated systems can run with fewer operators than manual packaging operations, reducing the need to find skilled workers to fill those roles. Additionally, packaging line automation systems can be installed to ensure workers are placed in the most profit-generating positions rather than repetitive tasks that could be filled by machines.

5. Lower total cost of packaging
In addition to lowering labor costs, automating your packaging operations can result in a reduction of overhead expenses as well. As tasks are automated, there is a decreased risk of costly errors and excess waste.

6. Attain better data
Automated packaging equipment can routinely track information like production cycles, date codes, preventative maintenance schedules and more. With improved access to information, you can make data-driven decisions regarding your production lines and processes.

   

Tech Adoption Factoid: The use of machine automation in manufacturing processes is likely to grow 100 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to a collaborative survey performed by Automation World and Industry Suppliers Research. They also predict that robots will increasingly be used for tasks like:

LINC Systems offers full-line integration services. This means we can provide you with the equipment line layout, machines and controls your equipment needs to communicate and operate as a complete system. We also offer full-service and parts supply for all your packaging needs.

 

LINC Systems is proud to carry a variety of industrial packaging solutions from top-rated brands like Autobag, Brenton Engineering, Foxjet, Orion, Signode and Wulftec. To learn more about how LINC Systems can improve your packaging applications and save you money, contact us today by calling 800-513-9918 or visit LINCsystems.com.