How to Automate Packaging & Increase Shipping Efficiency in Your Facility

Many facilities are facing labor shortages and cost increases. Automating your packaging can reduce your labor costs and material waste.
Several different types of packaging automation equipment exist. These machines can perform virtually every necessary function in packaging from assembling boxes to labeling each shipment.
For those who assemble boxes on site, you may want to start with a case erector. These machines automatically form and fold boxes from flat cardboard. Some case erectors can also seal the boxes or assist with packing the boxes.
There are also case sealers that are separate from a case erector. These machines can seal the top and bottom of the boxes. Some can even fold flaps on the boxes to eliminate the need for an operator.
You can choose a sealer that you manually set a package size or one that allows for automatic adjustments to accommodate multiple package sizes.
Case erectors and sealers can help reduce labor costs by reducing the time tasks take and the number of people needed to complete them.
Before you make the final seal on the box, you may need to use void fill in the package. Void fill protects items in the package from colliding with each other. A void filler system can fill the packages for you.
Some systems insert flexible materials, such as paper, for void filler. Others inflate plastic to create cushioning.
These machines can help prevent material waste as they will not overstuff packages with the filler material.
Once your package is filled and sealed, you’re ready to ship. Depending on what you’re shipping, you may need to wrap or strap your shipment together.
There are different types of stretch wrappers. Stationary systems may use turntables or rotary arms. Some stretch wrappers are mobile, allowing you to wrap pallets anywhere in your facility.
Strapping machines are also available in different options, depending on your needs.
Loads that may settle, expand, or contract during shipment are better off using plastic strapping, sometimes called poly-banding. Plastic strapping is also better if your load may be sensitive to damage.
Steel strapping is better suited for loads that may have sharp edges or corners. It’s also better for shipping longer distances.
These machines increase the efficiency of wrapping or binding shipments. This can help reduce labor costs by reducing the time and the number of people needed to wrap or bind shipments.
Many shipments will require a label before they can be sent off. Automatic labelers are suited to a variety of different packages. While some are suited for single packages, others can handle labeling pallets or even barrels.
These machines can help reduce the amount of labor needed to label shipments.
Understanding the different machines available is the first step in automating your packaging. Once you know what machines are available, you can determine which are necessary for you.
For example, if you ship barrels, you probably don’t need a case erector. However, a stretch wrapper or an automatic labeler could benefit your operation.
Every packager has different needs, and it’s important to understand exactly what you need before implementing an automated packaging program. Connect with one of our Imperial Dade experts for a free evaluation to begin your automated packaging journey.
Our team will help you evaluate your needs, and develop a plan tailored to your needs. We can also help implement the plan, including training for your team. We also work with you to monitor the progress of implementation to ensure you are getting the desired results.