You’ve heard of automation. You know it could be the solution, the magic key to unlocking a new level of efficiency and productivity. Yet, the myths loom large, casting long shadows of doubt.
“It’s too expensive,” some say. “Too complex,” others warn. “It could cost us jobs,” a voice whispers in the back of your mind.
It’s a narrative we’ve seen play out time and again. But what if we told you that these fears, while understandable, are largely unfounded? That beyond the fog of misconception lies a landscape of untapped potential and unprecedented growth?
Buckle up, as we’re about to embark on a myth-busting journey. A deep dive into the world of packaging automation, where we’ll cut through the noise, shatter the misconceptions, and illuminate the path to a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable future for your business.
A common misconception about automation, especially in packaging, is that it’s a luxury only the biggest players in the industry can afford. However, this is far from the truth.
With provisions such as Section 179 of the IRS tax code, businesses can deduct the full price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. This can significantly reduce the initial cost of automation equipment.
Although the initial investment may seem steep, the long-term benefits, when coupled with potential tax incentives like Section 179, make the ROI on automation clear. Automation systems can operate around the clock, significantly reducing downtime and thereby boosting production.
They also offer versatility, capable of handling multiple operations simultaneously – a task that would require several human workers or processes.
The fear of job loss due to automation is prevalent across many sectors, and packaging is no exception. However, this myth largely overlooks the new roles and opportunities automation creates.
Packaging automation reduces the need for manual, repetitive tasks, which are often monotonous and prone to error. Automating these processes allows human workers to be redeployed to more value-added tasks, fostering creativity, innovation, and higher job satisfaction levels.
Moreover, the automation industry itself is a hotbed of job creation. New fields and roles are emerging as the demand for automation solutions rises, such as systems engineering, integration, programming, and maintenance.
Another common myth is that packaging automation systems are complicated to implement and operate. However, advancements in technology and user experience design have made the use of these systems more intuitive than ever.
Most modern automation equipment features easy-to-use human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), making the operation of these systems straightforward and accessible, even for those with limited technical expertise.
Plus, training and support are usually part of the package when you invest in automation, ensuring your team is well-equipped to manage these systems.
This is a common apprehension many businesses wrestle with when considering automation. However, reality paints a starkly different picture.
Automation systems, in fact, are built to be incredibly reliable and durable, engineered to endure the rigors of long hours of operation and demanding conditions. The sophistication of these systems is often underappreciated. They are meticulously designed, with every component and line of code working to ensure consistent, uninterrupted performance.
Their resilience is gauged in terms of mean time between failures (MTBF), an industry-standard that calculates the likelihood of theoretical errors based on thousands of production hours.
And with tools like DAS – Data Advantage System – businesses can leverage predictive maintenance capabilities. DAS not only monitors system health but anticipates potential issues and alerts operators in advance, ensuring that your production line runs like a well-oiled machine.
Some businesses fear that adopting automation will cause them to lose control over their operations.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Automation, especially when integrated with systems like DAS – Data Advantage System, provides businesses with unparalleled control and visibility into their operations. DAS offers real-time metric data, giving operational teams the tools and insights needed to closely monitor, evaluate, and optimize their processes.
This ensures consistent quality and performance, and in essence, automation armed with DAS provides the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions and fine-tune operations for optimal results.
Let’s not let myths about packaging automation cloud our understanding of its real benefits. As we’ve debunked these misconceptions, we unveil a vision of a technology that not only increases efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances quality but also paves the way for the growth and evolution of the packaging industry.
The future is automated, and it’s high time we embrace it.
If you’re intrigued by the potential of automation and wish to explore how it can revolutionize your packaging operations, BestPack is not just here to help; we’re here to partner with you.
Beyond our expertise in tailored automation solutions, we introduce our exclusive BPA Program.
At its core, the BPA Program redefines the conventional expectations from a tape supplier. This program, complimentary to our tape customers, not only offers special promotions, extended warranties, and vouchers for spare parts and tape heads but also anchors our commitment to being more than just a supplier – we are your partner.
Whether you’re a seasoned BestPack user or just starting out, the BPA Program ensures you’re equipped with the resources essential for an optimal packing operation.
So, ready to embrace the future of packaging and experience unparalleled value-added services? Reach out to us and embark on this journey. With BestPack, and the backing of the BPA Program, your journey towards a more efficient and automated future has never been more promising.
References:
https://hughesent.com/packaging-automation-myth/
https://www.ptchronos.com/blog/4-myths-about-robotics-in-your-packaging-line
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/myths-robotics-13-07-2015
