Automated Packaging Benefits
The invention of automated packaging equipment revolutionized packaging. Industries like e-commerce, distribution and manufacturing use automated packaging lines and enjoy benefits ranging from productivity to cost savings and scalability. Automated machinery is worth the investment for large-scale packaging requirements.
This article outlines the benefits of automated packaging lines over manual processes. We’ll also explain common types of automated machinery. With this information, you can decide if automated packaging equipment is right for your business.
What Is an Automated Packaging Line?
An automated packaging line can complete packaging processes with little to no manual labor. These lines use computers, programming, robotics and other technology to place products in boxes, wrap them in plastic, add labels and put them on pallets. An automated packaging line can complete nearly every part of the packaging process.
Before the introduction of automated machinery, workers packaged goods by hand. Even more complex packaging required repetitive, strenuous and tiring manual work. Automated packaging lines need fewer workers and make packaging quick and seamless.
Advantages of Automated Packaging Lines
Automated machinery offers businesses a chance to save money and time — your packaging process will never be the same. Learn more about the many benefits of automated packing lines.
1. Efficiency
The most significant benefit of automated packaging is efficiency. Compared to human workers, these machines can complete tasks much faster. The time savings alone can reduce packaging timelines by days, helping you improve output and meet tight deadlines.
Additionally, automated machinery only uses the required amount of energy and material. This precision and resourcefulness will further improve efficiency. While workers may make mistakes, machines have a low margin of error and create little waste.
2. Cost Savings
Automated packaging lines provide significant cost savings. The biggest cause of these savings is the reduction in manual labor. Automated machines require less manual intervention, allowing businesses to reduce their labor costs. Businesses can then direct human capital to other tasks that need a human touch.
Businesses also save money through automated packing by reducing material costs. The machines make fewer errors and use an optimal amount of material, so there is little waste. With less material and labor costs, your business can increase its profit margin.
3. Sustainability
Automated packaging machines can help businesses increase their sustainability efforts, primarily by reducing waste. Machines use the exact amount of required material for each product and make fewer mistakes. This results in lower material usage and less waste, which is better for the environment. Most modern machines also offer energy savings, helping to lower energy consumption.
4. Consistency
The primary reason most businesses turn to automation is to improve production quality. There is little room for human error with automation. Machines deliver the same results each time, resulting in a consistent output. Some advanced machines can even detect errors, further improving quality.
If there are strict regulations for packaging in your industry, an automated machine will help you remain compliant. Packaging consistency will also improve your reputation with customers and clients.
5. Productivity
Automated packaging lines also enhance productivity. Machines don’t need to rest or take breaks, so they can continue through the night and on weekends with little supervision. This constant uptime will increase output and productivity. If your business ever faces a labor shortage, the packaging process can mostly continue unaffected. Thanks to automation, your business can limit delays and downtime.
6. Safety
Workers within most manufacturing industries are at risk of injury. Repetitive tasks — like wrapping and sealing — can cause muscle and joint strain, with the potential for serious injury increased when heavy goods are involved. These injuries require medical attention and time off to heal. While operating machinery, workers could also accidently harm themselves. Businesses can rely on insurance for these cases, but more claims may raise insurance rates. Using automated machinery may improve staff safety and reduce workplace injury claims. Plus, workers will be happier performing fewer monotonous tasks.
7. Scalability
You can grow your business effectively by investing in automated packaging lines. Thanks to their speed, these machines can achieve more than workers in the same time frame. With quicker packaging processes, you can get your products to market in less time. Machines will also increase production, letting you take on more orders and larger quantities. What’s more, the cost savings they provide will improve profitability. If you’re looking to scale your business, automated machinery is a successful method.
Types of Automated Packaging Machinery
Various equipment is available for businesses looking to automate their packaging processes. Choosing suitable machines is essential for efficiency and getting the highest return on investment. The following are some examples of core machines used for automated packaging:
- Stretch wrappers: Automatic stretch wrappers secure products to a pallet using plastic film. They wrap pallets quickly and ensure optimal wrap tension. The different types of stretch wrappers are turntable, straddle, and orbital wrappers.
- Shrink sealers: Automatic shrink sealers encase products in shrink film and use heat to seal them on all sides. Depending on your output and product dimensions, choose between L-bar, side or lap sealers.
- Case erectors and sealers: Automatic case erectors and sealers make folding boxes a breeze. They can unfold, form and tape cardboard boxes quickly. These machines vary in the box size and speed they can accommodate.
- Laser coders and inkjet printers: Some products need unique codes for identification, traceability and compliance. Automatic coders and printers can add these codes and other labels to products using either lasers or ink.
- Bagging equipment: Automatic bagging machines can efficiently bag and seal products inside packaging.
Automate Packaging Processes With Viking Plastic Packaging, Inc.
Automated packing lines will transform your business. Experience the benefits for yourself by partnering with Viking Plastic Packaging, Inc. We are a premier full-service distributor of packaging products, including a range of automated packaging equipment. We also offer the materials, parts and services you may need to integrate packaging lines into your business operations.
Our goal is to help you find the best solutions for your packaging needs. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our packaging experts will work with you to choose the right machines, materials and workflow. We can also help with installation, training, troubleshooting and repairs as part of our turnkey offerings. With us, you can maximize efficiency at the lowest possible cost.
Get started today by scheduling a demo with our team. We’ll show you exactly how our equipment can help you succeed. If you have any questions, contact us online or call 651-452-7272.
