Technology is changing how businesses handle their operations, from the production line to packaging automation and distribution. Companies must adopt new strategies and processes to constantly keep up with growing demands.
Now is an exciting time for businesses as more developments in packaging technology become available. Robotic palletizers can cut packaging time in half and work with more types of products than before. They can solve production issues, staffing shortages and other problems that have plagued companies for decades.
This form of packaging automation can benefit businesses in various ways.
1. Improved Output
Production lines operating at full capacity can overwhelm even the most experienced workers. This can lead to improperly packaged goods and misread SKUs.
Packaging automation minimizes these problems while improving output. Robotic palletizing systems can match the throughput of any production line. This means businesses can maximize their potential by fulfilling shipments and customer orders on time.
2. Configurable Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the most attractive selling points of packaging automation. Robotic palletizers can be configured to handle packages of different sizes, shapes and weights. Businesses can utilize programming software to tailor-fit needs.
This is especially true for e-commerce, as different products can be assembled and shipped to customers with minimal errors and maximum efficiency. The highly versatile nature of programmable packaging systems opens up new possibilities for various industries and business sizes.
3. Increased Reliability
Fatigue, distractions and accidents can hamper the reliability of manual labor forces in any industry. Packaging and production businesses are more susceptible to this as workers typically handle awkward pallet sizes and varying loads.
Package automation remedies this issue with highly dependable robotics that can function at peak performance around the clock. A robotic packaging line can continue working with little impediments typically experienced by a manual labor force.
This reliability factor makes automated palletizing systems a good investment in the long run. Paired with machinery maintenance and rebuilding, manufacturers can enjoy continued reliability and fewer worries.
4. Less Manual Labor Required
Some jobs require a human operator, while others can be fully automated to reach their maximum potential. Packaging automation reduces the need for manual labor, especially for operations with risks involved.
Stretch-wrapping pallets is necessary for many production businesses, but it can be time-consuming and risky. Fatigued workers are prone to accidents due to the dizzying nature of the work.
Automated palletizers can minimize the risk involved for manual laborers. Palletizing robots can also apply constant and equal force during wrapping, ensuring pallets are secured and ready for transport.
5. Ability to Handle Various Payloads
Packaging automation handles packages of various weights. Different palletizing robots have a range of payload capacities from 8-800 kilograms, depending on the system.
The great thing about these dedicated palletizing systems is that they can handle heavy payloads while maintaining speed. This ensures steady production and reliable completion time for quick order turnarounds.
6. More Efficient Production Lines
Improved efficiency is one of the top reasons to consider package automation. Eliminating redundancies and reducing production time will benefit any company in the modern age.
Businesses should keep up with growing demands by automating parts or all of their production lines. Often, simple processes such as stacking and arranging objects appear less important than they are.
Only by looking at the numbers will companies realize the importance of modernizing their production processes.
7. Reduced Costs
Loss is an ever-present threat to any company’s growth. Damage due to improper packaging can lead to substantial loss. The cost of packaging, the product, receiving damaged goods and shipping them back to the consumer is costly, no matter the angle.
Every company wants to avoid an unnecessary loss to maximize profits. Package automation ensures a healthy ROI and reduces costs by minimizing the risk of damaged goods. A well-packaged pallet is easier to handle, store and transport.
Improperly stacked goods can also lead to accidents that raise insurance rates and medical bills. These additional overhead costs can quickly pile up if ignored. Businesses should take the necessary steps to avoid these needless losses altogether.
What Type of Robotic Palletizer Is Best?
There are many kinds of robotic palletizers available in the market. They can be configured to match a company’s packaging automation needs and confidently meet logistics deadlines for better compliance. Here are some examples and their intended uses:
Articulated Palletizer
A sophisticated robotic arm with a wide range of motion gives the articulated palletizer an edge when handling multiple production lines. Its applications include building materials and maneuvering bottled and canned products.
Mixed Configuration Palletizer
This palletizer is considered one of the most versatile on the market. It can accept different products and arrange them in a single pallet. This is a great option for e-commerce and supermarket companies that must organize multiple product types into separate containers.
Gantry Palletizer
This large robotic palletizer can handle heavier payloads using its robotic arm. It can travel a full length of a working area using x- and y-axis actuators. This palletizer is suitable for large-scale operations but can be slower due to its size and weight.
Single Palletizer
This common type of palletizer is favored by companies that typically handle one kind of product at a time. Some use an articulated arm to palletize and apply stretch wrap on a conveyor line.
Cartesian Palletizers
This type of palletizer is commonly used in packaging, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and retail industries. It can perform pick-and-place operations, making it essential for high-output production lines.
Packaging Automation as a Business Solution
Big retail companies recognize the significance of modernizing their packaging systems. As they respond to growing challenges and increasing demands, they must stay updated with the latest technology to refine their processes.
End-to-end warehousing may be a sophisticated and expensive business solution, but it relies heavily on intelligent packaging automation to keep running. It’s a well-oiled machine that keeps production lines running smoothly and efficiently.
Packaging automation has many benefits if done correctly. Businesses of all sizes have much to gain from the recent developments in packaging automation. Companies should recognize its merits and reap the rewards to stay ahead of competitors.
Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized Magazine, an online publication that explores innovations in science and technology.
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