Cross-study comparison of Automation in Packaging study

Packaging equipment manufacturers are a relatively small group doing highly specialized work. Almost every product has different requirements for packaging, and the equipment used to manufacture, fill, seal, convey and pack it. Many packaging projects are totally customized, and processes are becoming increasingly automated.

By Control Engineering Staff December 1, 2008

Packaging equipment manufacturers are a relatively small group doing highly specialized work. Almost every product has different requirements for packaging, and the equipment used to manufacture, fill, seal, convey and pack it. Many packaging projects are totally customized, and processes are becoming increasingly automated.

Why are the packagers not using all the automation features offered on packaging machinery they have purchased?

OEMs
Integrators

Knowledge level of workforce
77%
78%

Automation features exceed client needs
57%
71%

Features too complicated to operate
39%
47%

Lack of compatibility with existing systems
38%
29%

Packagers understaffed
18%
12%

Not sure
14%
10%

Slows operations
11%
10%

Flexible packaging systems should be better leveraged to improve time to market

Study 1 Packagers
Study 2 OEMs
Study 3 Integrators

Completely agree
40%
38%
67%

Somewhat agree
47%
50%
29%

Somewhat disagree
10%
10%
4%

Completely disagree
3%
2%
0%

Main reasons to automate packaging processes

Study 1 Packagers
Study 2 OEMs
Study 3 Integrators

Multiple choices allowed na = data not available

Control labor costs
81%
77%
80%

Flexibility (handles various sizes/configurations)
45%
na
16%

Gain production efficiencies
74%
52%
55%

Gain competitive edge
49%
28%
29%

Reliability
47%
23%
18%

Machine flexibility (easily changed packaging types)
38%
27%
8%

Machines are outdated, need to be updated
34%
22%
33%

Price
34%
19%
8%

Reduce material waste
na
9%
6%

Energy management
na
6%
16%

Sustainability
34%
11%
6%

Footprint (size of machine)
18%
3%
2%

Which of the following automation and control product features are most important when deciding which components to include or deciding which vendors to use?

Study 1 Packagers
Study 2 OEMs
Study 3 Integrators

Multiple choices allowed na = data not available

Reliability (e.g. performance)
71%
54%
55%

Quality/durability (e.g. long lasting)
63%
33%
39%

Price
61%
42%
18%

Easy to use, install and maintain
57%
31%
31%

Price-to-performance value
52%
35%
45%

Compatibility with existing systems
48%
32%
27%

Long term cost of ownership
41%
14%
18%

Product specifications
35%
19%
24%

Products performed well during in-house testing
37%
16%
4%

Lot tracking/tracing capabilities
na
5%
2%

Enhances speed of line changeover
36%
6%
10%

Scalability
16%
3%
10%

Offers development tools
12%
5%
2%

Other
3%
3%
2%

For other results, also see:

Automation helps packagers: Webcast, research, 3-part article series

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