So, I came across an article a few weeks ago about package-free grocery stores across the pond. I instantly thought of my company and its security in the future. The article was great and detailed the options they have available and how it's the way of the future. But is it?

New Packaging Equipment Compared to Old Equipment, is it time to give yours the boot? Packaging Equipment is ever-changing. With the thinner and more sustainable materials, the carbon footprint is becoming more and more a hot topic. Operations managers are looking to lower energy consumption and the equipment available today is light years better. We love packaging equipment for so many reasons, and each of us has a unique take on the topic. I went around our company and asked some of the sales team and senior management why they love newer equipment. With the history of some of our team here, we've seen the change in technology in the field. Here are SOME of the responses I got from my mini interviews:

Should You Refurbish Your Packaging Equipment or Bite the Bullet and Buy New? How often have you spent time and money on repairs to your packaging equipment this year? Is your equipment is a consistent burden on your mind? Is it creeping into your dreams at night? If you have been putting it off until it causes problems it may be time to take some action. Here are some things to consider: Packaging equipment designed 20 years ago is A LOT different than those available today. With the high speeds, automation, touchscreens, Servo design and more, there is a lot to be gained. Servicing this new equipment is a whole separate world in itself compared to the machines of yesterday (which are still today for many).Understanding the trade offs between keeping your old machine and buying new is important.

When you begin a job you know how much each piece “should” cost you, and what your margins “should” be. At the end of the run, after all the labor is spent, the materials have been used, and the time to affect it has passed, you take a look to make sure you quoted the job correctly. How many times are you surprised at the outcome? More often than not, what you actually spent is a lot higher than what estimated to spend. Why is that? Did you not manage your labor correctly? Did you quote the job wrong? Did your customer change the scope of the project during the run? All of these things happen all to often, and can impact margins in a negative way. We can provide you a fixed cost solution that will keep your margins in check, and your costs predictable. We have the staff and talent to manage large labor pools who have a variety of skills. We are able to move our resources from project to project to avoid down time while getting the best utilization of our crews. When you experience a spike in volume, you also experience a spike in labor. Once your head count rises so does your cost of labor, healthcare, and other company sponsored benefits. By providing you a fixed cost our partnership takes the headaches out of having peaks and valleys in your business. It will allow you to focus on growing your business and maintain your current customer base.

Do you find that you spend countless hours searching through your warehouse looking for an item you “think” is there? You receive in goods, put them on the floor, and then when it comes time to consume them, your inventory is nowhere to be found. We help customers identify possible product shortages, obsolete inventory, along with determining cost effective reorder points. We understand how important your time and money is. Why spend it looking for items and tying up cash on unnecessary inventory? As a contract packager, we have the processes, people, and controls in place and available to help lower your operating costs.