In today's global marketplace, end-of-line automation can ensure the production of finished products for delivery to the distribution channel efficiently and cost-effectively.
Manufacturers are constantly looking for more progressive ways to make their end-of-line production more productive and time-saving.
That’s where automation comes in and makes the end-of-line process easier. Let’s see what exactly is end-of-line automation.
End-of-Line automation refers to automated technology that operates at the end of a production line to guarantee that the product is packed and prepared to deliver to the retailers, wholesalers, or market outlets.
Many businesses find it challenging to justify their end-of-line packaging automation at first. Still, after looking at how it will influence your production process, it becomes apparent that end-of-line automation is the ideal answer for any expanding company.
End-of-line automation smoothes the production process by making it more accurate and error-free. Here are some of the benefits of choosing end-of-line automation:
With the high use of the internet and e-shopping and the world becoming a global marketplace, there is high demand for products from all over the globe. The need for the products includes all types of commodities and luxury items as well.
For example, the global population will increase in multiple folds by 2030 and 2050. That means people will require more food. Production of food should be made efficient to meet the high demand.
To deliver the product efficiently and meet all standard requirements, end-of-line automation is required so that the global population does not face a shortage of food or any other necessary commodity.
Automating end-of-line production helps in streamlining the labor by allocating their staff to more focused and productive duties.
Hand packing at the end of the line with hardworking people who could be doing something more productive is a waste of excellent human resources and wastes money.
That may limit your capacity to compete with other manufacturers while increasing your total profit margin. Instead, you can use a case packaging machinery or palletizing system while putting your human resources to further good use.
Time is one of manufacturing's most valuable and sought-after resources: its allocation, proper use, and the enormous expenses associated with it if the incorrect processes are in place.
You may save time and money by automating case packaging and putting short labor hours to productive use in other areas of your business.
Manufacturers may significantly increase production speed and production efficiency by implementing the proper automation solution. For example, your products and goods can be packed more safely, accurately, and quickly than a human worker if you use automated machines.
Using automatic case packing, you can multifunction and combine several packing operations into a single phase. These methods free up not just one but multiple employees.
Consequently, these technologies both enhance speeds and enable packaging firms to move their personnel to jobs that require or benefit from human interaction.
Employees who have work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), also known as ergonomic injuries, are frequent in manufacturing and packing, where employees do repetitive activities over lengthy shifts.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these injuries are among the most prevalent in the industry, contributing to one-third of all occupational injuries.
Since repetitive processes benefit from uniformity and consistency, automatic case systems are already a good fit. It is feasible to enhance production while lowering the risk of harm by substituting humans for machines in stages of the process that require repetitive actions.
End-of-line automation usually consists of case packer and palletizing systems. This automation can be upgraded with crate stackers/destackers, crate erectors, and bale arm folders, depending on customers’ needs. But it can also be much more.
Let’s see how different processes can be automated and effectively performed using end-of-line automation.
Checking for foreign materials, such as metal, bone, glass, or any other contamination, is crucial for end-of-line operations. While this may be done manually, X-ray equipment is rapidly being utilized to identify abnormalities and automatically send afflicted items to discard bins.
Checking the packaging weight is also crucial for business efficiency, security, and compliance. With automated systems, it has become more accessible. When products of varied sizes and weights are carried over a single weigh-conveyor, modular grading systems may assure correct weighing.
The accuracy of labeling examination and pack verification is critical. High-speed vision inspection devices with pinpoint precision are now available.
Such methods ensure that the proper upper and bottom labels have been affixed and that each character of the date code is valid and readable. Label positioning, expiry dates, and batch numbers are also double-checked.
After the product has been examined, it must be collated and packaged into cases in most situations. Products can be piled, sorted, loaded, elevated, and sealed using entirely or semi-robotic case packaging systems.
Due to the vast range of various packs and containers used, flexibility is essential to this process.
In a nutshell, end-of-line automation may include packaging, labeling, loading and unloading products, case packing, and palletizing.
End-of-line automation can assist your business if you've had slow production rates that aren't keeping up with demand. Case packer or crate stackers may also help you avoid bottlenecks in your packing area, loss of productivity while the staff is away, and sloppy or improperly placed packages that impede your product's performance.
End-of-line automation enables you to achieve what many organizations want to achieve: boosting output while lowering expenses. It may appear to be an impossible feat, but with the appropriate automated equipment in the correct position, you may achieve this goal and drive your packing processes forward.
If you want to make your end-of-line production more efficient using robotic case packing or finding some other solutions for your packaging business, explore more by contacting our experts at BluePrint Automation.
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