Is your business struggling to keep up with packaging efforts? It might be time to upgrade your equipment. Here are the key signs to watch out for.
Your packaging line runs slower each week, and orders pile up while your team scrambles to meet deadlines. If this is true for you, outdated packaging equipment might be holding your business back more than you realize. Here are five signs your business needs to upgrade its packaging equipment.
1. Your Current Equipment Breaks Down Frequently
Constant repairs drain your budget and halt production. When your packaging machine requires repair more than twice a month, you lose money quickly.
Think about it: every breakdown costs you repair fees, lost productivity, and delayed shipments. Track your repair costs for a three-month period. If they exceed 15 percent of your equipment’s original price, replacement makes financial sense.
2. Production Speed Can’t Meet Growing Demand
Your business is growing, but your packaging equipment isn’t keeping up. This slowdown creates a bottleneck that frustrates customers and limits your revenue potential.
Consider the type of system you’re using. For example, the downside of manual versus fully automatic HFFS machines is their slower output speed. Manual systems might package 50 units per hour, while automatic versions can handle at least 200 units in the same period.
Calculate your current packaging capacity against your order volume to determine if you have sufficient capacity. If you’re running regularly at 80 percent capacity or higher, it could be a sign your business needs to upgrade its packaging equipment.
3. Quality Control Issues Increase
Inconsistent sealing, damaged products, and customer complaints all point to failing equipment. Poor packaging quality can damage your brand reputation and increase the likelihood of returns.
Modern packaging equipment offers better precision and consistency. New machines have high-quality sensors that detect defects before products leave your facility. This detection prevents costly recalls and gains the customer’s trust.
4. Energy Costs Keep Rising
Old machines consume more electricity, water, and compressed air than newer models. Energy-efficient equipment can cut your utility bills by 20–40 percent. Review your energy bills from the past year. If packaging equipment accounts for more than 25 percent of your energy costs, newer machines will pay for themselves through savings.
5. Your Team Struggles With Complex Operations
Outdated equipment often requires specialized knowledge to operate and take care of. When only one person can work your packaging line, you’re vulnerable to delays. Modern equipment features user-friendly interfaces and automated functions that reduce training time. Your team can learn new systems faster and work more efficiently with this machinery.
Take the Leap
Upgrading packaging equipment can be a big step, but delaying the decision costs more in the long run. Begin by documenting your current challenges and calculating the actual cost of maintaining outdated equipment.
Familiarize yourself with equipment options that match your production needs and budget. Many manufacturers offer financing options that allow you to upgrade without large upfront costs. Experience the benefits of investing in reliability and speed for yourself!