Companies of all sizes must constantly review their cost of operations – from acquisition of resources, to packing and shipping. While automated palletizing has been around for decades, choosing the right palletizer is a decision that can increase output and net significant savings. What are some considerations when your company is shopping for the best palletizer?
- Accuracy – Pallets that are stacked squarely and accurately translate to fewer headaches and more cost-effective shipping. Your products are designed from the beginning to maximize space in the shipping process. Precision is required for squaring packages and confirming position as rows are built. Pallets that are incorrectly stacked will cost you when trying to fill any shipping container.
- Proactive wrapping – Having a palletizer that can adjust to your products’ load size and position will allow for more accurate packing that minimizes any damage during the shipping process. Each product brings its own requirements and achieving the precise stretch for pallet wrapping for each will safeguard your products for distribution.
- Oversized pallet loads – For the right packaging solution, your automation should be flexible enough to handle loads that might be taller or heavier than the usual load. For tall pallet loads, the precision of each row becomes even more important, and the ability to tailor the wrapping process to these unique loads can provide the flexibility in load design that you need.
- Level of Automation – Palletizers exist that can do a number of automated operations, from pick and place to automated replacement of pallets. Consider how each operation is compatible with your product, production space, and workforce needs. Do an analysis to see if more automation can redirect resources to other areas. It’s important to not only consider current needs, but possible future expansion.
- Available factory space – One important consideration when comparing palletizing systems is available floor space. How will new systems fit into the flow of your existing space. How can you maximize material handling, not only for your production process, but also for materials that are a part of your packaging processes? Any time you seek to bring additional automation to your manufacturing facility, performing a quick audit of current practices can help to identify increased efficiencies and assist you in choosing the right option.
In its best form, automation of any packing and shipping processes should increase your ROI. But it’s important to acknowledge that these changes must come from an evaluation of the best solutions for your manufacturing needs. While the solution you choose will come from an extensive evaluation of current needs, also consider ways in which a palletizer will give you opportunities for growth and increased proficiency in the future.
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