CPG companies looking to achieve a competitive advantage are increasingly implementing automated systems to improve their packaging operations. Large-scale producers have used this advanced machinery for a while to meet growing demand, but many smaller companies are now adding them, too.
Several factors are driving a push toward automation. They include ever-changing consumer demands, increasingly complex recipes, staffing challenges, and the availability of more budget-friendly options, like modular components.
Automation enables businesses to capitalize on innovation and efficiency while maintaining skill and quality. This post will serve as an introductory guide to automation and highlight some of its features, advantages, and even disadvantages. We are confident that you’ll see why the future of packaging starts with automation and how to take the next steps to find a suitable automatic case packer for your line.
Robotic packaging automation replicates human actions to remove humans from the process without reducing efficiency.
This does not negate the requirement for qualified personnel. Instead, it presents a chance to eliminate repetitive, unskilled work that many humans find uninteresting and unsatisfying despite being vital to achieving production goals.
In other words, robotic packaging automation allows you to utilize your workforce while maintaining or boosting production. That's a win-win for everyone.
Robotic packaging automation falls under secondary packaging. Secondary packaging is the second layer of packaging applied to your product after the primary packaging layer. It can involve handling products, picking and placing product, packing boxes or other secondary containers, and palletizing.
Machines for case packaging are extremely useful in the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing floor can operate much more efficiently thanks to this equipment, which also operates at exceptionally high speeds.
Because of the core role they perform, packaging robots are common in numerous sectors. Automation could be suitable for any manufacturer that produces and packages products before shipping or warehousing.
The most common industries benefiting from robotics include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, pet food, and co-packing.
As we’ve already hinted, robotic automatic case packing will help producers mitigate human challenges and facilitate growth as new opportunities arise. There are few packaging needs that automated procedures can't address, thanks to the sophisticated material handling abilities supplied by cutting-edge robotics technology.
Automated packaging solutions have brought numerous advantages over traditional approaches, including the following:
Accuracy and Quality
Automated robotic case packing improves end-of-line automation by giving uniform and accurate output. Through vision-guided robotics, sensors, weight scales, and other tools, producers can remove human error from the packaging process and enhance product quality.
Speed and Efficiency
Automation minimizes manual processes that slow down the production rate. As machines can run 24/7, there are fewer stoppages and downtime to disrupt operations, which should lead to more revenue. Line speed can be adjusted as needed to reflect demand.
Flexibility and Range
With modular components and flexible systems, robots are employed for packaging activities in various industries and are suitable for almost any product type. Producers are reducing their reliance on human workforces to handle changeovers as automated systems become more capable, and they become easier to operate and program new recipes. Depending on the layout, product, and budget, producers have more options to find the right machinery to support their specific needs.
Safety and Retention
Human operators continue to be a vital part of the packaging process in many sectors. However, the effort required is frequently both time-consuming and tedious. Psychological and physical employee fatigue can increase production errors, cause delays, and even hurt workers. This leads to high turnover rates and low morale. Automation can reduce manual processes that impact workers and enable managers to place employees in roles more suited to their skills and capabilities, creating a better work environment.
While there are numerous advantages to automatic case packing, there are a few common mistakes that should be avoided when dealing with automated machinery:
Choosing the Wrong System for Your Needs
Robot technology is impressive, and robots are now performing numerous functions humans used to accomplish. On the other hand, overestimating the robot's capabilities can result in increased maintenance costs and decreased production. Before selecting a provider and automating your line, you want to understand your short and long-term needs and partner with a supplier that will work with you to ensure you install a system that can handle your production.
There are numerous robotic systems available. The trick is to select the one that best meets your company's requirements.
User Adoption and Employee Training
Robotic technology can ideally suit a producer, but human implementation is crucial. The manufacturing potential is constrained in the absence of end users familiar with and appreciative of the technology. This is a significant investment. Get acquainted with your solution and work with your supplier to train your staff correctly. BluePrint Automation will work with you from inception through onsite installation and has an aftermarket team ready to train your staff so you get the most out of your system.
While robotics may not be appropriate in every circumstance, a business that relies on manual operations has far less potential if robotics isn’t even considered. When appropriately used, packaging robots may replace manual procedures with the speed, accuracy, and productivity that robotic automation is known for, all while providing a relatively quick return on investment (ROI).
Automated packaging systems can support almost any process requiring the movement or packing of items and have many applications for CPG companies. Ideally, you can automate your secondary packaging process from the “filler to the truck.” More companies are realizing this, and those that don’t will continue to fall behind.
Still, even though automation offers many advantages, your decision to invest in robotics for your facility must be a properly thought-out decision. Automatic case packing can increase productivity and improve profit margins when appropriately employed. If you're ready to begin automating your facility, contact us, and we will help you incorporate the right automatic case packing system to support your packaging needs now and in the future.
