Investing in new packaging equipment is a significant decision for any business. No matter the new packaging machine is for connecting your existing equipment of processing and production or that you will be implementing a whole line to automat end-to-end, it’s crucial to ensure that the equipment you choose can handle your production needs both now and in the future.
To do this effectively, you need to calculate the required output for your future packaging equipment. The fundamental step to this decision is understanding your current production capacity, forecasting future demand, and considering various factors that can influence your packaging needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the required output for your future packaging equipment.
Understand Your Current Production Capacity
Before you can plan for the future, you need to have a clear understanding of your current production capacity. For example, supposing that you are currently using a Multivac thermoformer for producing ready meals, the machine runs at 15 cycles per minute and is able to operate in 8 lane manner. The total output from the Multivac, as per the calculate of 15 times 8, will be 120 packs per minute.
Take note that Multivac runs intermittently and each time after a cycle the 8 packs will be release all together, causing a temporary speed faster than the average speed within a single minute. That is to say, the downstream machine should not be only designed to meet the average speed but must be able to cover the temporary speed which will be like 150 packs per minute.
Analyzing Historical Demand and Sales Data
Machine are purchased with target to match for future used and demands, but this should be based on analysis with regard to past data of sales and demands.
Sales Trends
Market Growth
If you are looking for some analytical tools for these purposes, you will be able to find further information about calculations and methods such as for Overall Equipment Effectiveness or Process Capability Index by consulting ELITER Packaging Machinery.
Consider Production Variables
When planning for future packaging equipment, various production variables can significantly influence your required output and overall efficiency. Each of these factors needs careful consideration to ensure your packaging operations remain smooth and adaptable.
Product Mix
One of the critical variables to consider is the product mix. Different products often have unique packaging requirements in terms of size, shape, and materials. For instance, a company packaging both liquids and solids will need equipment that can handle both types of products efficiently. Additionally, frequent changeovers between different packaging formats can lead to downtime. Therefore, it’s essential to factor in the time required to switch between different product lines and ensure your equipment can handle diverse packaging needs seamlessly.
Packaging Materials
The choice of packaging materials is another significant factor. The type and quality of materials can impact the speed and efficiency of the packaging process. High-quality materials might improve the reliability of the packaging process but could also increase costs. Conversely, using lower-quality materials might save money upfront but could lead to more frequent machine stoppages and higher defect rates. Moreover, consider any sustainability goals your company might have, as these can affect material choices and necessitate changes in packaging processes.
Technology Advancements
Technological advancements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are rapidly transforming packaging operations. These technologies can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and output. For example, automated systems can reduce human error and increase the speed of the packaging process, while AI can optimize production schedules and maintenance activities. It’s also crucial to ensure that new equipment can integrate seamlessly with your existing production and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to maximize these technological benefits.
Wrap-Up
Calculating the required output for your future packaging equipment is a critical step in ensuring that your investment will meet your needs both now and in the future. By understanding your current capacity, analyzing historical data, forecasting future demand, and considering growth and production variables, you can make an informed decision that supports your business’s long-term success. Remember, the goal is to choose packaging equipment that not only meets your immediate needs but also allows for growth and scalability as your business evolves.
