Purchasing a new case packer can be tricky, especially with so many options on the market. For a first-time buyer, choosing from a vast number of machine types can be a challenge.
However, knowing the kind of case packing machine you need is essential. An excellent case packer is a long-term investment. It must be durable and flexible enough to keep up with the industry's fast-changing dynamics.
Here are some features to look out for when choosing a case packer.
To buy the best case packer, analyze your company’s production line and keep the following things in mind:
These decisions will help you buy a customized case packer machine.
For example, knowing your current costs and return on investment will help you look for case packers in a specific price range. Similarly, your range of products will also help your narrow down choices, as case packers are specific for different types of packaging.
Buying the fastest case packer may be your first inclination, but it’s not always appropriate. The case packer’s production speed needs to be tailored to your requirements.
Another significant factor in finding a suitable case packer is maintenance. If your manufacturing plant runs 24-hour shifts, you’ll need a durable case packer with constant technical support available.
When purchasing new equipment, think about your team's skill set.
Finding a machine that uses familiar technology is a great way to make the learning process less challenging. For example, switching from a horizontal load intermittent motion case packer to a bottom loader may not be the best decision.
It's also crucial to choose a machine that your employees are comfortable with in terms of maintenance.
If you’re shifting to automated case packing, you’ll be investing a significant amount of time in training your workforce. However, many modern case packers have user-friendly interfaces that’ll make your transition easier. Not to mention, automated case packers allow for better allocation of the workers and better working conditions.
That makes automated case packing a worthwhile investment for the long-term.
If your industry analysis suggests potential growth in demand, you may want to consider a scalable option that allows you to increase production. For example, demand for healthcare products is likely to increase due to the higher incidence of chronic diseases.
If you plan on expanding your product range, you’ll need a case packer that can accommodate variety. That means you’re looking for equipment with a speedy changeover to increase efficiency.
Make sure a case packer fulfills your production requirements.
If you have multiple SKUs, packaging might vary significantly. For example, in the bakery industry, a cake doesn’t get packaged the same way as bread.
Keep the following aspects in mind.
Changeovers can be a great place to start when it comes to increasing efficiency. That is why you’ll need to look for case packers that save packing patterns within their settings. That reduces the time it takes to recalibrate the equipment during a changeover.
Find a case packer with line tracking technology that monitors and selects random items from the infeed and accurately puts them into moving trays on the outfeed. That is essential because it’ll save you time, reduce expenditure, decrease your reliance on manual labor, and provide high-quality jobs for machine operators.
Another thing to keep in mind is the return on investment. Case packers with cutting-edge sensor systems can identify packaging flaws and reject defective items. If a product is flagged, it will be put in a separate stack and disposed of according to guidelines. This keeps you from exporting damaged stock, lowering supplier returns.
Look for advanced features like safety inspection systems. That will ensure your product’s compliance with industry standards. This is especially relevant to the food industry, which is subject to stringent hygiene and safety regulations. For example, the case packing machine will be able to identify improper sealing. That helps reduce the number of defective products reaching the shelves.
Different packing strategies may help in giving your clients a smooth experience.
For example, you may want to consider a case packer that allows you to arrange products, such as flour vertically, so they're shelf-ready upon arrival. Streamline the entire process with a quick changeover to horizontal stacking for products like bread.
The learning curve that robotic case packers entail is tricky. As a result, working with a supplier that can provide comprehensive training for your team members is crucial.
Keep maintenance as a significant factor in mind.
Plan frequent verification with trained staff to ensure your case packer gives you your money’s worth. Prevent unnecessary downtime as it hurts production and wastes money. Hiring a dedicated technical team will help. Consider remote networking, which will help you troubleshoot potential issues ahead of time.
Contact us today for a detailed analysis of your unique case packing requirements to make sure you don’t waste your hard-earned money!
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