Four ways packaging automation can improve your business processes

With the pace of technological advancement faster now than at any other time in history, there has never been a better time for businesses to turn to technology and innovation as a means to do just this. One often overlooked area that can be improved in this way is the packaging process. 

If you run a retail business or have worked for one for a number of years, you’ll know just how time-consuming, error-prone, and costly traditional manual packaging methods can be. This is where automated packaging processes can help. In this guide, we explore the benefits of automating your packaging processes and outline how a few simple changes can positively transform your business and boost your bottom line. 

Can packaging be automated?

Yes! Packaging automation is achieved when packaging-related tasks that traditionally require manual completion by humans are replaced by automated processes. This can involve everything from automated product picking and sorting to labelling, boxing and addressing. With advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning over the past few decades, packaging automation has become very sophisticated and is now able to adapt for use in a wide range of industries. 

However, how do you go about putting an automated packaging process into action?
 

How to automate packaging

As with any major change to business processes, implementing automated packaging requires a lot of thought. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to automation. This means thinking about your business’s specific needs, as well as the financial outlay required, is essential before putting an automated process in place. To help you with this, below we take a look at an automation implementation journey, broken down into four simple steps.

1. Assess your specific packaging needs
Before any changes are made, you need to first conduct a full assessment of your business’s current packaging requirements. Although this might sound obvious, if it’s been a while since your last packaging audit, you might be surprised by what you find. To do this properly, simply identify all of the unique products you sell, along with the different types and volumes of packaging needed to ship these products. Once you have this information, talk to staff about the current challenges your business faces when it comes to its packaging process. By keeping the responses in mind, you can start to create your bespoke implementation plan for automated packaging based on priority needs and challenges. 

2. Buy the right automation machinery for your business

Once your current packaging needs have been established, it’s time to purchase the specific solutions that align with these needs. For example, if you have identified that the product picking process is currently too slow, investing in robotic pick-and-place machines could be an option. Alternatively, if your actual packing process is proving inefficient, maybe you will want to prioritise investing in automated packaging machines, such as an automated bagging system. Remember, however, if you’re focusing on one specific area of your process, make sure you invest in technology that integrates with your existing processes. Automation is meant to simplify your processes, not complicate them.

3.  Make use of new software solutions
As well as machinery, your packaging process can also benefit from new software solutions. For example, to work in tandem with your new robotic pick-and-place machines, you may also want to think about new inventory management software. When implemented correctly, software like this can further improve the efficiency of your packaging operations.

4. Train your staff
Many business owners think automation means less training is needed for staff. This is not the case. Although it’s true that automation can reduce the need for manual labour, you’ll still need human staff to operate and maintain your new machinery and software, and these employees will need to be properly trained. Offering comprehensive training from the start will help your business become more efficient in the long run. 
 

How can packaging automation help your business?

Okay, so now we understand the steps involved in implementing automated packaging processes, it’s time to think about the benefits technology can bring to your business operations. To give you further food for thought, below we take a look at the four key advantages of packaging automation.
 

1. Less wastage

Automated packaging systems are designed to operate as efficiently as possible. This means, unlike human packers, they are not fallible to things like overpacking or using excessive materials. Automation not only reduces material wastage costs but also improves time efficiency. This is to say, as machinery doesn't need to take regular breaks and is not limited by shift patterns or legal working hours, it can work for long periods of time without a downturn in efficiency.

 2. More sustainable

An extension of the point above, by cutting down on material wastage, automation can make your business more sustainable. Indeed, in a world where sustainability is becoming ever more important, packaging automation plays a crucial role in promoting your business’s green credentials. Building on this, your business could even use the funds saved in reduced wastage to invest in other green strategies. For example, maybe your business could invest in solar panels or wind turbines that contribute to its energy needs. In theory, at least, this would see your new automated operation not only making your business greener but also saving you even more money in the process. 

3. Improved health and safety

As is the case with all manual tasks, human-focused packaging processes pose a range of health and safety risks. This includes everything from repetitive strain and heavy lifting injuries to accidents involving heavy machinery. By automating all or the majority of your packaging process, you can create a safer working environment for your employees. This not only better protects the welfare of your staff but also reduces any business downtime that comes with serious injuries or accidents.

4. Reduced storage costs

Finally, automation can result in more compact and size-efficient packaging. This not only cuts shipping costs, it can also reduce the amount of space you need when it comes to storage and transportation. Naturally, the fewer packaging materials you need to store and the smaller your packages, the less you have to spend on storage and logistics.

How can Antalis help?

As well as being a world-leading paper and packaging supplier, here at Antalis, we’re also packaging systems experts. If you are looking for ways to streamline your packaging processes through automation, we have the machinery and expertise needed to help you make the best choices for your business.

To find out more about the packaging machinery and solutions available at Antalis, simply explore our website or contact us directly to speak to our experts.