Downtime is the undisputed enemy in manufacturing. But do you know how much an hour of downtime actually costs?

When you purchase a new packaging machine, are you buying it for the next year? Or how about the next five years?

Innovation, Alternative Packaging Technology and Updated Materials Can Help Improve Efficiency and Costs. 

Manufacturers must be efficient in all aspects of the supply chain to reduce costs. Rising shipping and material costs, combined with an emphasis on sustainability and consumer preference has created a need for innovation in the packaging industry.

One of the main costs in the supply chain is shipping. In general, it is becoming more expensive to operate a truck. Taking factors such as tires, fuel costs and labor into account the average marginal cost per mile was $1.69 in 2017 compared to $1.45 in 2009. Using the same factors, the average marginal cost per hour in 2017 was $66.65 compared to $58 in 2009.[1] According to the U.S.

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.