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| Machines are outdated, need to be updated | 34% | 22% | 33% |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