Anticipate future needs

Businesses should look at solutions, not just for the short term, but looking ahead and investigating wider market trends to ensure a solution is not only fit for purpose immediately, but scalable to ensure it works hard for the business well into the future.

It is at this time of year, when many business are putting the finishing touches to future capex budgets that consideration of the return on that spend needs to be made. By putting in the legwork to anticipate future needs, you can examine not only what equipment will deliver in terms of output and service to existing clients, but also what new market opportunities it will open up.

With a surge in the construction, nuclear and automotive markets, there has been knock-on growth across a number of associated markets in the past two years. For example, in February 2017, the government released a white paper stating the need to build 250,000 additional homes each year which is set to bolster growth in the construction market. This represents an opportunity but businesses must ensure that they are ready. For example, the number of bags needed per annum will not only impact on the method of bagging but potentially the number of machines required.

Once calculated, and the method of bagging whether manual, semi-automated or fully automated bagging is decided, this calculation can then be up-scaled to reflect planned future scenarios based on commercial growth objectives. This will ensure that systems can cope easily with sudden and planned fluctuations in demand.

Not having the right tools for the job required can have a significant impact. Organisations must specify based on the number of product lines they run, coupled with how often they change these lines, or whether they need these product lines to run concurrently.

Table top packing machines are portable, and one step up from hand bagging, bringing speed and consistency to hand load applications. Solutions such as the Automated Packaging Systems’ Autobag PS125 can operate at speeds of up to 25 bags per minute and is a straightforward table top design that has a plug-and-play configuration. This level of solution is ideal for low to mid-volume packaging operations.

Even if an immediate requirement has not been identified, it’s vital to review the potential future requirement should the business or industry grow substantially or develop its technology. For example, a packaging machine like the Autobag AB 180 OneStep can pack up to 30 bags per minute whilst incorporating printing of high-resolution text, graphics and barcodes. This solution is ideal for short production runs and build-on-demand operations. 

If printing is a key requirement, companies must specify a machine with an integrated printer. The OneStep versions can print and index in a single-step, virtually eliminating bag waste, product queuing and the need for separate labelling equipment. This machine enables an SME to flex its bagging capabilities to include possible requests from customers who want a more complete solution. With the option to simply bag, or to bag, label and fully package its products, a business may be able to offer this as a unique selling point, helping to secure new business based on its packing capabilities on a client’s behalf.

Businesses who prepare for surges in their market and get their business model right have the chance to thrive; but must ensure that their stock management and ability to meet customer demand is guaranteed whilst ensuring that they still deliver the service levels expected from an SME.

Having a packaging solution that is modular or can be up-scaled helps ensure the flexibility required.