If you have researched the most efficient production methods, then you already know that integrating artificial intelligence and automation is revolutionising every industry. Ensuring adequate sourcing, processing and storage are not optional in the food industry.
For business owners in the food industry, choosing the proper case packer manufacturer is just as crucial as the machinery that will play a primary role in their assembly lines. The proper manufacturer will work with you to transition easier and exacerbate the benefits of automation for your brand.
There are many variables to consider before you sign on that dotted line.
Your investment will not be limited to the price of the machinery. Factor in the cost of training your staff, installation, changes in packaging material, and part replacement costs. Doing your homework beforehand minimises surprise expenses and ensures you are in the loop from the get-go.
Knowing exactly what to ask can place you at a better price negotiation advantage. Even If the case packer manufacturer stays firm on the base price, there are many other expenses you can ask them to include in the package. For example, an extended warranty or service visits should you need them. Ask, and you shall receive, they say!
Knowing exactly what to ask can stack the deck in your favour.
Here are some questions to ask your case packer manufacturer to help you make well-informed decisions:
Positive reviews and excellent rating can be of help. But it’s essential to check the type of product and scale of operations in the case packer manufacturer has most of their experience. Some deal better with mega industries. While you might aspire to reach that level one day, deciding based on your current production volume is crucial.
Make sure the machinery you invest in boosts good scalability capacity.
Similarly, if your operations are on a larger scale, make sure your case packer manufacturer can keep up with demand.
Product type also impacts packaging. Ask what prior experience they have in designing and installing case packers for your specific products.
Any piece of equipment will be a viable investment opportunity for you only if it is a good match with your current operations. Ask case packer manufacturers what advantages their machinery can leverage for you specifically. Also, ensure its adaptation in your factory won’t disrupt existing machinery and staff.
Physically fitting well into your assembly line is another important matter.
The space available in your factory is essential in the exact make and model the case packer manufacturer recommends. Always have your measurements available while screening potential suppliers.
Case packers are not something that you can purchase off-the-rack with a fixed price tag. Often, there’s more to the price than what is shown up-front. Some expenses that are often not covered in the base price are:
Ask your case packer manufacturer for a written breakdown of the cost. That will enable you to identify what you’re paying for and what is charged separately.
There is nothing worse than getting a shiny new gadget for your factory, only to learn that the energy bill it generates is higher than the cost of manual labour you were previously paying. Or the shrink wrap the machine uses to seal trays of chicken thighs costs a pretty penny.
To avoid getting roped into footing surprise bills, ask your case packer manufacturer for these estimates:
Perhaps the most important question to ask, and for a good reason. A company is only as good as the quality of support it lends to its customers. Researching prospective case packer manufacturers can save you a lot of hassle and money caused by stalled operations when something inevitably breaks down or fails to perform.
Another essential subject to discuss is how robust is their virtual assistance. As we recently experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, physical accessibility isn’t always possible. Remote access can help your assembly line get up and running quicker and potentially conserve resources.
Ask about the schedule of part replacement, re-calibration, and servicing of your machinery. Make a note of where you can purchase spare parts for your new case packer, so you have that information already sorted for when it's needed.
Capable Service technicians can be hard to locate. Ask your case packer manufacturer for recommendations for third-party technicians as well. That can come in handy if they are unavailable to service your equipment for any reason.
BluePrint Automation is an industry front-runner in the packaging business. Call us today to ensure that you get the best return on your investment and make the changeover as seamless as possible. We would be happy to recommend machinery most suited for your needs.
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