When Is It Time to Purchase New Secondary Packaging Equipment?
Published January 21, 2020
Whether it be a truck, a household appliance, or, for our purposes, secondary packaging machinery, man-made equipment is often in need of the occasional repair. After a number of repairs, this equipment will eventually be due for a replacement. The trick with packaging equipment, though, is that it’s not always obvious when the time comes to make a new purchase.
Let’s examine a few things to keep in mind when evaluating your current secondary packaging machinery, so that you’ll be sure to get the most out of your equipment. This will allow your employees to work efficiently, and above all, keep your customers satisfied.
When Your Machine Breaks Down
Let’s start with the most obvious answer. Sometimes it’s clear when a machine has broken down beyond repair—you (and other experts in your field) will likely know it when you see it.
Minor Damage That Impacts Efficiency
Your company may decide to hold off on some repairs, even if speed and efficiency are reduced as a result. However, if these damages are heavily or consistently lowering your production output, your machine may be coming to the end of its initial lifespan. It’s during this time that you should be considering replacement equipment.
Outdated Machinery
Speaking of a machine’s lifespan—your automated packaging equipment may be performing well, but the machines themselves could be outdated. Secondary packaging machinery is always being refined and streamlined. While this may not mean you need to purchase new equipment immediately (why fix what’s not broken?), you should have plans in place to order new, updated equipment in the event that something does happen, or when you’re ready to increase your output.
When You’re Financially Sound
If only it were as simple as saying, “Our machine broke down, time to order a replacement!” The economic standing of your business is key to whether or not you can invest in a new purchase.
Budget
Okay, this one’s pretty straightforward: with all of the other expenses your manufacturing team has, can you afford to purchase this new equipment? Or perhaps you’re willing to consider leasing machines instead? When the success of your business depends on efficient machinery and packaging processes, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits of new equipment.
When You’re Seeing Diminishing Returns
Is your machinery putting manufacturing and packaging costs at an all-time high? Are these costs greater than the amount your company is earning from the sale of these products? Or is your company slowly losing profit?
If production costs are outweighing sales, you don’t need us to tell you that your company is losing money. But getting your business back in the black isn’t always a straightforward effort. You’ll likely be looking at a variety of factors that are impacting cost, and your packaging machinery should definitely be one of them.
Short and Long-Term Growth
Will investing in sleek new machinery lead to financial growth over time? Depending on how comfortable your team is financially, “over time” could mean a period of several months, or as many as several years. If you’re operating with old, outdated equipment, it may be time to invest some funds upfront for a worthy payoff in the long run—updated equipment that can speed up your packaging process.
This type of investment requires both confidence in your business and its mission, as well as plenty of financial data to back up your decision. Above all, you need to make sure that your business is financially stable enough to make a large equipment purchase. To smaller secondary packagers, one new machine represents a significant cost, and it’s essential that you have the funds to carry you through the changeover process.
When You Have the Resources and Time to Train Employees
If your business has both the need and the financial means to purchase new packaging equipment, that’s fantastic! Another factor to consider that might not be so obvious, however, is whether or not you have the means to train your employees on new equipment or procedures.
Changeover Time
Minimizing changeover time is critical to maintaining efficiency, but be sure to set realistic expectations. Given the way your business functions, is it possible to both train employees and ensure a relatively seamless transition within the time frame you’ve set? Remember, even for experts in the secondary packaging industry, there’s bound to be a brief learning curve with new equipment.
Ready for New Secondary Packaging Machinery?
Here at INSITE, we manufacture innovative, streamlined packaging equipment that’s designed to improve performance and efficiency—without being hard on your budget. Our case erectors and case sealers are simple to use, allowing you to reduce changeover time and ensure a smooth transition.
If you’ve come to the conclusion that your business could benefit from new secondary packaging equipment, we’re ready to help simplify your packaging process. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products. We’re always happy to chat!