A-B-C Blog

Buying packaging equipment is a pivotal decision for your company. The right machine can improve your production, boost line efficiency and ensure a good return on your investment. On the other hand, a poor choice can create consequences you’ll have to live with for a long time. To make sure you get it right, follow these seven habits inspired by the classic success principles.

Habit 1: Define Your Needs

Take control from the start by proactively evaluating your overall automation needs. Talk to your key people, including line operators and technicians, to get their views based on their valuable real-world experience. Consider your budget, timeline, and available floor space. Account for any special requirements for your product with regards to handling or storage, as well as how it will be shipped and displayed by the end user. Think about your required automation and the level of human intervention you plan to maintain. Speed is crucial — in specifying secondary packaging machinery, speed is determined by the maximum speed of your cartoner or filler, with at least a 10-15% cushion for unplanned production events. Plan for near-future upgrades, but be realistic, as faster equipment typically comes with a higher price tag. Evaluate your current product lineup and any anticipated changes to ensure your equipment is flexible enough to handle these demands. Most equipment has a good degree of flexibility, but if you anticipate major changes, you should discuss this with prospective suppliers.

Habit 2: Choose the Right Partner

Automating your packaging line is not a one and done deal. As you will be in a continued partnership, finding the right supplier is the cornerstone of your packaging line’s success. To narrow the field, do your research in industry forums and trade publications, and talk to people in your industry. Check their financial stability and after-sales support. Ask potential suppliers for references and talk to these customers about their experiences. These insights, good and bad, can help you find a vendor that you can trust.

Habit 3: Think About Ongoing Costs

Look past the machinery purchase price and consider the long-term costs of your packaging line including maintenance, parts and service. While an attractive purchase price is tempting, focus on the long-term value of your machinery investment. Quality equipment paired with robust support can enhance reliability, uptime, and efficiency. Invest in training for your staff to give them the skills they need to confidently operate and maintain your equipment. Schedule follow-up training if needed, to reinforce key concepts and consider service contracts to address any issues. Plan for spare parts and establish preventive maintenance practices to avoid unplanned downtime. Remote troubleshooting and repair options are available on many packaging systems giving you a direct connection to your OEM’s service department to quickly resolve any issues that may arise.

Habit 4: Build a Strategic Partnership

Consider your supplier as a partner. Think long-term when looking for solutions and stay flexible…don't fall into the trap of solely focusing on a specific technology or finding the cheapest option. Find what best fits your goals and production needs and customize where it makes sense. With a close relationship with your supplier, leverage their experience to create solutions that meet your individual requirements. 

Habit 5: Tap into Expertise

Open communication with your chosen supplier is key to a successful packaging investment. Listen and learn from their sales team to understand their technology, best practices, and applications. Ask about their past projects that apply to your industry and if possible, visit a customer’s plant, where you can get a first-hand view of the machinery and talk to the end users. Be open with your supplier about your needs; provide more than just your specifications. Discuss your goals, ongoing challenges, any issues with other technology, potential line layout conflicts. With this full picture, your supplier can help you avoid problems and make sure your machines are the right fit for your production situation.

Habit 6: Work Together

By combining the strengths of your team with that of your supplier’s, you create a collaborative environment that results in a competitive, goal-aligned packaging process. Multiple viewpoints and conversations are extremely beneficial in the long term, but it is also important to designate a key contact at your company and your supplier. This simple step can help keep the teams on task for all post-order actions, eliminating potential miscommunication and ensuring that there are no unfulfilled promises on either side. 

Habit 7: Keep Improving

Investing in packaging equipment is an ongoing journey rather than just a one-time event, especially as your needs evolve. Consider modular machinery that can be easily reworked at a lower cost if you anticipate changes, such as adding a product line or altering product packaging. With today's rapidly advancing technology, having a supplier that efficiently provides control and software updates is essential. Look for remote troubleshooting and repair options to connect directly with your OEM’s service department and quickly resolve any issues. By continuously seeking ways to improve your operations, you ensure that your packaging line remains competitive and efficient, keeping your company adaptable to evolving market dynamics.'

Conclusion

By enacting these seven habits, you can ensure that you are making a smart packaging investment that will meet your needs and exceed your initial expectations. Remember, your packaging machinery supplier is a partner in this journey towards improved productivity. Choose wisely and you’ll be on the right path to reach your automation goals.For more tips on buying packaging equipment, inquire about A-B-C’s full purchasing checklist here.

A Final Word

Taking the time to analyze your needs and identifying exactly what suits your requirements can pay dividends, as a good quality, well-maintained machine can provide reliable service for many years. We hope that the information in this article will help you achieve that goal. At A-B-C, we build hardworking packaging machines that stand the test of time, supported by our comprehensive service, parts and support for the life of your equipment. With over seven decades of serving the industry, we have earned many loyal customers, and repeat business is the cornerstone of our success. When it comes to packaging machines, we know the business. We would appreciate the opportunity to earn yours.

Utilize our user-friendly RFQ tool for tailored solutions, to streamline the process of defining your requirements. With just a few clicks on our website, you can input your specifications and receive expert recommendations from our seasoned team of packaging specialists. With customizable solutions tailored to your specific needs, seamless integration, and ongoing support, A-B-C is your trusted partner in packaging, committed to maximizing your productivity and success.

A-B-C Packaging Machine Corporation is in no way connected to Stephen or Sean Covey or their estate. This article is in no way endorsed by “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” or the Franklin Covey team.