Automation has systematically infiltrated all aspects of business, including the manufacturing and packaging sector. The reason automation is being so readily embraced by key players within the industry is that it reduces the need for human labor by performing a range of required tasks automatically. Automation is particularly useful in performing high-volume repetitive tasks for an extended period of time. When it comes to packaging, full and partial automation can benefit a company in many ways. From decreasing labor costs and improving efficiency to minimizing health and safety risks, let’s have a closer look at a few of the benefits of automated packaging.
Decrease Labor Costs
It should come as no surprise that replacing manual actions with automated machinery will reduce the need for human labor considerably. This will, in turn, decrease labor costs, saving the business a large amount of money every year. Even if only certain sections of the packaging process are automated, labor costs will decrease. A stretch wrapper that eliminates the need for wrapping pallets by hand is a good example of partial automation of the packaging process. There are, of course, several other ways to reduce your labor costs. This can include doing an in-depth study of all packaging operations and a time study to establish where automation and design changes can be utilized to reduce costs.
Improve efficiency and Increase Capacity
A lot of time can be wasted when a packaging line is dependent on human labor. A dual turntable will boost efficiency as a pallet is swiftly wrapped and ready to move while the next load is being wrapped. By adding a weigh scale to a stretch wrapper, the costs associated with employees handling loads excessively to move them from the wrapper to the weigh scale. Often, bottlenecks form at the end of the packaging line, usually around the pack-out stations where several workers are typically concentrated at a singular station. Automated packaging can help improve the overall throughput of your packaging line exponentially. Fully automated packaging lines can also help level the playing field as far as domestic production is concerned while improving employee morale substantially.
Safety Concerns are Minimized
While packaging operations may seem devoid of safety risks, it’s not. It can be very detrimental to wait until an accident happens or a chronic condition sets in before action is taken. Manually wrapping pallets can result in carpal tunnel syndrome, while frequent heavy lifting can result in painful muscle tears and sprains. In addition to this, outdated and poorly maintained machinery can malfunction and cause severe injuries to workers and substantial damage to the packaging facility. Full or semi-automation of the packaging line can help reduce the physical strain on workers and improve the overall health and safety rating of the business.
Automated packaging can be of great benefit to a company. Apart from saving money and boosting productivity, it can also decrease the risk of illness and injury in the workforce.
