Post-Show Clarity from Pack Expo

With Pack Expo wrapped up, it is an excellent time to continue the conversations many of us had during the trade show. What did you think of the new connections you made, seeing cutting-edge equipment, and experiencing new packing technologies? Chances are you have questions, but when you went back home, life got busy, and those questions may have taken a back seat to business. We are here to help! Here's some post-show clarity for our friends thinking about the proper packaging and robotic solutions for their organizations.

Equipment Fit

Post-show clarity begins with making sure the packaging equipment manufacturer has a clear understanding of your specific requirements. A representative should walk you through a comprehensive list of discovery questions. The answers to these questions will help you narrow your options and make an informed decision on your packaging and robotic needs. Check out these automated packaging systems utilizing cutting-edge robotics. They may be spot-on options for your organization:

Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) is an up-and-coming opportunity in automation. VGR systems are robots fitted with one or more cameras used as sensors to allow robots to see and make informed decisions based on visual data. Common VGR applications include:

• Pick and Place Operations
• Quality Inspections
• Bin Picking
• Sorting Applications
• Logistics and Warehousing

Automated palletizing uses robots to stack and unstack items on pallets, increasing palletizing speed and lowering the chance of human error. Adding to the convenience, robots can adapt to different stacking patterns. Our Sprinter Series Palletizer is a new-generation machine and is the future of bagging. It's where durability meets versatility. Different kinds of palletizing are:

• Mixed load
• Depalletizing
• Mixed load depalletizing

VMRA's secondary packaging systems are designed to group, bundle, label, case, palletize, and prepare products for distribution, making them ready for shipping or display. Consider the advantages of an automated secondary packaging system:

• Improved Accuracy
• Enhanced Quality Control
• Scalability
• Competitive Advantage
• Sustainability

Technology Fit

Selecting the right technology for your packaging and robotics needs is paramount. In the post-show evaluation phase, assessing whether the equipment aligns with your production requirements and long-term objectives is essential. Here are some key things to consider:

• Compatibility. Does the equipment seamlessly integrate into your existing production processes?
• Efficiency. Will it optimize your packaging process, enhance productivity, and reduce downtime?
• Scalability. Can the technology accommodate future growth and changing market demands?
• Maintenance and Support. Evaluate the ease of maintenance and the availability of technical support.
• Speed. Can the technology match or exceed your throughput requirements? If high speeds are required in your packaging process, make sure the packaging system can keep up.

Company Fit

The packaging equipment provider's values, reputation, and compatibility with your business are equally important. Post-show clarity involves assessing whether the company aligns with your goals and values. Here's what to look for:

• Reputation. Research the company. Explore their website, social media, community, or industry recognition.
• Cultural Alignment. Does the company's culture and values resonate with your organization's ethos?
• Sustainability. Consider the provider's commitment to environmentally responsible practices, like energy efficiency upgrades, if relevant to you.

Relationship Fit

The success of your packaging and robotics equipment investment often depends on the quality of the partnership formed. You will work together long-term on an essential project that usually requires substantial investment. You need to feel confident that the packaging equipment manufacturer you choose has your back with a path to project packaging success. Post-show, evaluate whether you can cultivate a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the provider. Here are some key things to look for:

• Communication. Assess the responsiveness and openness of the packaging equipment manufacturer in addressing your questions and concerns.
• Collaboration. Evaluate their willingness to work collaboratively on custom solutions or unique, complex projects.
• Long-term vision. Ensure the provider shares a similar vision for your industry's future.
• Flexibility. Consider the provider's track record of adaptability to changing circumstances and unforeseen challenges.

Next Steps

Post-show clarity is a crucial step in selecting the right packaging and robotics equipment in a market brimming with options. It is essential for optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and meeting customer demands. Viking Masek Robotics & Automation is here to support you in finding the perfect solution tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to talk about your packaging and robotics options.