2020 will go down in the books as the year COVID-19 changed everything. Virtually no industry was untouched. Some benefited, but many did not.

As a packaging OEM with a medical device practice that includes syringe, test kit and PPE packaging, we've had a front row seat to Operation WARP Speed. Medical device producers, scrambling to deliver equipment to front-line workers under previously unheard-of time pressure, have had to press the envelope of traditional packaging approaches. Little can be done in that time frame to accelerate the production of new packaging machines. Instead, producers have looked to work arounds and embraced changing customer requirements to meet that demand.

We’ll focus our discussion in three areas that have made a difference in the short run: alternative packaging methods employed, automation, and individual versus bulk product packaging.  

Choosing the right packaging equipment and supplier can make or break a project. There are so many different variables that it can be challenging to find the exact equipment and support that will meet your needs for now and for the future. Here we have outlined some things to consider when evaluating your options. 

Use a uniform technology architecture to improve packaging operations. Having a uniform technology structure within automated packaging machines provides several benefits for companies to optimize the efficiency of the machines. Automation is continuing to expand; in a study done by PMMI in 2017, over 50% of users interviewed use automation on their plant floor. These numbers are expected to grow soon with expanded capital budgets. Automation is proven to reduce costs, provide consistent quality, meet the demands of flexible manufacturing and help overcome labor issues. Using uniform technology across automated machines on the plant floor is the best way to achieve maximum efficiency.

Increase and update packaging automation technology to alleviate labor concerns and cost.

The past year has seen historically low unemployment rates which means the availability of labor is scarce. Low unemployment combined with high turnover rates has created an environment in packaging and manufacturing with rising costs. The current job economy is the perfect opportunity for your company to plan to advance automation.