Things to Consider Before Buying a Packaging Machine

Things to Consider Before Buying a Packaging Machine

Packaging Machines are machines used to package items or components. Paper machines can fill, seal, wrap, clean, and package items. Sorting, counting, and accumulating machines are also available.

Packaging Machines can be a profitable investment for many businesses in various ways. It improves the efficiency of operations and the consistency of packaging which saves valuable time for employees.

Packaging Machines are used in a wide range of industries. Some of these industries include:

  • Automotive
  • Chemical and Petrochemical
  • Cosmetics and Perfumery
  • Electronics and Semiconductors
  • Food and Food Service
  • Garment
  • Household Products
  • Medical Sector
  • Military
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Stationery
  • Tobacco

It is good to consider the business’s needs, consult with an expert, and choose a solution that best fits the processes of the business to ensure that businesses get the most out of their Packaging Machines.

The following are two factors to consider before incorporating Packaging Machines into the business operations.

1. Factors Influencing Buying Decision

It is good to take into consideration of factors such as product packaging, the quantity of the product to be produced, the size of the product, and characteristics of the product like whether it is fragile. With all this information, it can help in choosing the best Packaging Machine suited for the business’s needs.

It is good to keep long-term goals in mind when investing in a Packaging Machine that will grow with the business. For instance, the business may want to consider versatility when purchasing a Packaging Machine. This is as businesses can make a choice in whether they want to dedicate their Packaging Machine to a single product line or to a variety of products.

It is also good to know what can and cannot be accommodated in the facility. For instance, some Packaging Machines may be too large for the actual available floor space in the business. There is also a need to consider how employees move around and the optimal amount of space to have. For instance, considerations such as whether there is enough room for maintenance panels to open, whether there would be enough room for aisles next to the Packaging Machine, or whether it is possible to build a mezzanine to take advantage of the limited floor space above the machine.

2. Business Capabilities

It is important that the business not only meet but exceed customers’ production targets. The more the Packaging Machine can produce in a shorter period, the more contract opportunities will be offered, and the more customers the business will be able to take on. However, do note that it is also important not to forget about handling the growth as employees may become overburdened. This will lead to a decline in the business operations due to missed commitments as a result of the business’s inability to keep up.

Businesses may want to consider the following four points after purchasing a Packaging Machine at their workplace.

1. Need for Additional Assembly Or Installation

Some Packaging Machines may require additional assembly and installation to produce what the business requires. As such, it would be good for the business to understand how the Packaging Machine is set up and who or what is needed.

Some Packaging Machines will need to be integrated into the business’s packaging line to produce what the business requires. This should be considered when preparing to launch the business’s newly enhanced packaging line. Consider how much time it will take to work out any bugs before going into full production.

Consider when the business needs the Packaging Machines to be fully operational and how long the lead times are. For instance, it would be good to know what options are available to improve the Packaging Machine for its production time and whether or not the business can upgrade.

2. Customer Service And Support

When selecting the next Packaging machine to include in the business’s new packaging line, it is also important to understand the service and support that will be provided. One example would be whether the new Packaging Machine will require additional training for the business’s machine operators.

Consider hiring a certified technician to train employees on proper use and maintenance. A good supplier will have options for service in the area or will be able to help the business maintain and operate equipment properly.

Downtime costs money, so it is good to know to get help right away if something goes wrong. Proper preventative maintenance allows for planned downtime, which keeps businesses from being caught off guard by problems and allows the business to keep the operations running.

3. Safety Concerns

Keep safety in mind when designing the next Packaging Machine. The creation of Safe Zones in Packaging Machines helps so that when one part of the machine is in a safe state, the rest of the machine is on standby or continues normal operation. Safe zones will increase a business’s uptime while decreasing scrap or waste. It is good to incorporate safety features early in the design process rather than later. Consider implementing a lock-out/tag-out procedure to clarify when the machine is down and being serviced.

Businesses may also want to consider installing a see-through panel outside of the electrical cabinet with a Graceport connector so that employees can visually check that the inputs and outputs are working properly when making changes to the program. These machine modifications can be discussed and implemented before the delivery and installation of the new Packaging Machines.

4. Need for Multi-Ethernet And Integrated Hardware

Many Packaging Machines have an Ethernet connection that allows multiple people to monitor the machine’s operation. Furthermore, it has the ability to generate reports based on the specific metrics the business is targeting.

Integrating software and hardware is ideal for the smoothest system functionality and allows the business to access production and maintenance information. It is good to have one programme per project for each machine.

Even if the business does not allow outside support technicians to view machine functions due to firewall security concerns, integrated hardware will assist in accessing the reports the business requires. Integrated hardware enables predictive maintenance, informing when and on which parts are required.

Packaging Machines are responsible for packaging products, keeping customers satisfied, and generating new business. It is important to select a Packaging Machine that will work for current business goals and build out a packaging line that will support its future growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to consider various factors before purchasing a Packaging Machine. Some considerations include whether the machine meets the specific business requirements, is size-compatible, and meets operating speed requirements. Packaging Machines also help to streamline a business’s packaging operations, increase productivity, and lower overall costs by tailoring a packaging solution to specific requirements.