Report: Packaging Machinery Innovations That Matter Most to Manufacturers

PMMI's recently published Top to Top report has provided many insights into the challenges faced by Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies today. So far we've seen that quick and efficient changeover is still a top challenge faced by manufacturers, how the 'thinning' of manufacturing leads to doing more with fewer resources, and how capital equipment spending can be managed by determining Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Today we're taking a look at the manufacturing innovations that matter most to food and beverage manufacturers, and how they are being addressed in the industry.

Food & Beverage Manufacturers Call For Innovations in Efficiency and Simplicity

PMMI's Top to Top Report was created from insights discovered while conducting focus groups with 65 top Consumer Packaged Goods companies. Joyce Fassl of Pro Food Tech summarizes the food and beverage manufacturing innovations that matter most in this market:

" ...Participants are focused on operational simplicity and efficiency as the top innovation that matters the most to food and beverage manufacturers. For example, food and beverage manufacturers need OEMs to produce user-friendly processing and packaging lines because processing plants often lack staff with sufficient technical training to operate the machinery. Simpler machinery designs also help processors keep lines running and enhance maintenance operations.

It's no surprise that simplicity and efficiency top manufacturing's 'innovations wish list.' Packaging machinery that is easy to use and learn as well as efficient in its operations is a win-win for both CPG companies and their staff alike. 

Keeping it Simple (and Efficient) With Automated Packaging Equipment

According to PMMI's Top to Top Report, CPG companies suffer from a lack of technical personnel to successfully operate flexible packaging machinery. This challenge has a number of causes, one of them being the 'thinning out' of manufacturing and its subsequent cost cuts and job consolidation. Partnering with a packaging OEM that can provide simplified packaging solutions and/or onsite training for your workforce is vital.  

Secondly, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) must be easy to use, including touchscreen innovation and remote diagnostics. The majority of packing machine issues can be fixed via remote access. And let's face it: There will come a time when you will need to contact your packaging OEM's technical service department for an issue that needs more personalized attention. Partner with packaging equipment manufacturers that have live phone and online support. 

In the packaging world, modularity is king. The more that essential equipment components can be standardized, the easier it is to operate and troubleshoot the equipment. Not only should the equipment itself be modular, but spare parts should be non-proprietary, adequately stocked at the packaging equipment manufacturer facility, and 'kitted' for efficiency. 

Quick tool-free changeovers are also an efficiency gain. When a changeover is being performed on packaging machinery, the equipment is not running, and as a result not producing. Lost production time decreases efficiency and throughput as well as the company's bottom line. Look for automated packaging equipment manufacturers that offer machinery that features easy tool-free changeovers.

When it comes down to it, CPG companies simply desire in packaging machinery what most of us want in any equipment purchase: Simplicity and efficiency. Go with a packaging machine manufacturer that can offer both, and back it up with available onsite training and ongoing live support.

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