When it comes to buying packaging machinery there are many variables involved. From researching machinery makes, models and brands to choosing a vendor for service, supply and preventative maintenance. Buying packaging machinery is a big investment for your business.
When considering the purchase of new packaging machinery, you will want to take the time to do your homework and invest due diligence into the process. If you want to know what types of machinery are available, the materials they run, their proper and safe operating procedures and how to keep them running at peak performance, this guide will provide you with all the information you are looking for and then some.
Packaging Machinery 101: Safety First Safety: KPI Number One
When it comes to preparing for an investment in new packaging machinery, it is always wise to start by educating yourself on the top ten KPIs (or Key Performance Indicators) of your packaging line. Starting with a solid understanding of safety protocols and best practices is a wise place to begin this journey. Before we get started on why safety is the first KPI you should measure and ways to implement it, here are the top 10 packaging line KPIs:
- Safety
- Quality
- On Standard Operating Efficiency
- Unscheduled Down Time
- Rework
- Employee Turnover
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness
- Inventory Accuracy
- Capacity Utilization
- Inventory Turns
At the start of your research into purchasing new equipment, the safety concerns surrounding packaging machinery is paramount to this process. Reaching out to a local vendor and requesting information about safety standards for the different types of machinery you will be buying is highly suggested.
A risk assessment is a necessary piece of documentation to ensure the safety of your employees. The goal of a risk assessment is to realize hazards, asses and reduce risk and provide documentation that validates the results of said assessment.
By conducting a risk assessment, you will help to ensure that your packaging line is run at the optimum levels of safety and that your employees are working with the lowest possible risk to their well being. By using the tools mentioned above and working in tandem with your vendor, you will have effectively ensured the safest workplace possible.
When choosing a vendor for your packaging machinery, be sure that safety is of the utmost concern when it comes to their products. While there are multiple important issues that all companies must be concerned with, the safety of your employees and their environment must be the main focus of your packaging line. Once you have completed the entire risk assessment process, you can rest assured that your packaging line will be running as safely as possible. As time goes on, it is a good idea to conduct additional risk assessments on a regular basis. This will prove especially helpful when adding new machinery or rearranging the physical footprint of your current packaging line.
Pre-Investment Check List
Next, a pre-investment checklist will provide you with all the bullet points necessary to check off in the buying process of purchasing new packaging machinery. This tool will help you to identify various options for your machinery including dynamics such as size, speed, physical footprint, material specifications, ease of use, durability, additional options and a host of other important considerations that will allow you to pinpoint the perfect machinery for your specific needs.
We suggest that you print out the checklist and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Take the time to really consider each section of the checklist and work with your packaging team to provide the correct answers. Be sure to include those who will be operating your equipment as well as those who will be servicing, supplying and providing preventative maintenance.We suggest that you print out the checklist and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Take the time to really consider each section of the checklist and work with your packaging team to provide the correct answers. Be sure to include those who will be operating your equipment as well as those who will be servicing, supplying and providing preventative maintenance.
The Packaging Machinery Pre-Investment Checklist
This FREE checklist is designed to streamline your packaging machinery buying experience. With everything you need to consider in one place, this tool will ensure you get the right machinery for your particular applications!