The packaging is an effective marketing strategy since it helps to attract customers to a product. Before consumers decide to buy certain products, they look at the package for more details. Therefore, packaging significantly contributes to the success of any brand in the market by improving its perception of the consumers.
The other important factor you should consider pertains to the efficiency of packaging equipment. You can lower overhead costs by improving the performance of elements like the packaging to provide standard products every time. It is vital to check that your packaging equipment is in good working condition to increase profits.
There are different options that you can consider to ensure that your packaging machines are in good working condition. New machines require less maintenance, faster and have a variety of capabilities but they are expensive. The other alternative is to buy a refurbished machine since it provides a reduction in overhead costs.
The other option is to repair your packaging equipment, but it can be costly in the long run. The three alternatives have both advantages and disadvantages which you should consider when weighing your options. When determining whether to repair, refurbish or buy new packaging equipment, you need to assess the current machines.
How To Assess Your Current Machines
There are many things that you should assess before deciding on replacing your current equipment. It is imperative to check the following items so that you can make an informed decision.
Age And Availability Of Parts
Whenever you determine whether or not to replace or refurbish the existing packaging equipment, you must consider its age. When the machine is above 15 years, it cannot compete with the latest models in terms of speed and efficiency.
The other challenge you can face pertains to availability of spare parts. In some instances, parts for older machines are no longer available, and it can be costly to replace older parts. You need to consider the feasibility of maintaining an old device versus replacing it with something new.
The older machine can be going strong, but you will eventually need replacement parts. When the manufacturers do not make the parts you require any more, then it can be impossible to access them. You can get the parts at exorbitant rates which can also affect the viability of your business.
You can also experience additional downtime for unplanned machine repairs or replacement due to lack of replacement parts. The downtime negatively affects your schedule for production as well as the supply chain. In the end, your business may not be able to maximize its profits.
Time And Money
In business, time is money, and you should make sure that you do not lose it unnecessarily. You need to consider the time you spend on maintenance and also check the suppliers’ customer service. It is critical to making sure that the suppliers of spare parts respect your time to maintain the level of production to generate budgeted revenues.
The other aspect that you need to take note of relates to the added expenses of frequent repairs. If the supplier does not offer excellent services, then your business may suffer in the long run. Maintenance services can be more costly than acquiring a new machine.
It is also vital that you consider the cost of re-working orders as a result of machinery errors. You may be forced to spend more time redoing orders due to machine errors like misprinting. When you frequently experience such mistakes, then it is time you should consider a new solution.
Due to the constant development of technology, there are new and improved designs of machines offered daily. Older devices may not be able to handle specific more original materials, and this can limit your ability to keep pace with changing trends in packaging. You may also not benefit from the cost savings that come with more modern materials.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Replacement Options
Each replacement option has pros and cons which help you to make informed decisions.
Repairing Existing Equipment
The option of repairing existing machinery is the least expensive and can be a desirable one. Depending on the supplier of parts, repairs are usually fast, and they take minimum downtime compared to replacing your machinery.
If your machine can keep pace with your production schedule and is relatively new, then you can opt for quick repairs. You should also take the option for repairs if the machine can still handle different types of materials.
A preventive maintenance program can also help to reduce unplanned downtime. The program can help the technicians to identify worn parts and replace them before a major breakdown.
However, the downside of repairing the machine is that it can be short-lived if the device is old. As the machine ages, it will require more often repairs. As a result, frequent maintenance can be costly compared to refurbishment or replacement of your packaging equipment.
Refurbish Equipment
Refurbishing your packaging equipment can be a viable option when the existing machines regularly make errors that can lead to unnecessary packaging rework. The most significant advantage of restoring your device is that it is less expensive compared to buying a new thing.
Refurbishing the machine can also result in improved production speed as well as accuracy. The downside of renovating a tool is that it can be more costly than replacing a specific part. The process can also result in more production downtime during the servicing of the device.
Buy New Machine
The option of replacing older machines is the best though it might be costly compared to the other two options. A new mechanism guarantees you uninterrupted service especially with the preventive maintenance program, and it also has lower maintenance costs compared to older devices.
The other benefit of a new machine is that you can update the packaging to meet current trends in the market. However, new equipment can be costly since it can involve more downtime in replacing the older machines. The option also entails the need to train employees to use the new devices. The cost of time is essential when making this option.
Great blog about packaging equipment. I really enjoyed reading this blog and I also like your video. Keep blogging…