In most businesses, the choice of packaging machine has a huge impact on the growth and success of a product. For instance, the right type of packaging machine can yield consistent outputs which can translate to greater revenue for business owners.

Indeed, it is highly important to invest in the right packaging machine. If you’re a startup who has no idea on how to find the right equipment for your business, here’s a comprehensive guide that shares the most important tips and information you need to know about securing the right packaging machine.

How the Right Packaging Machine Can Benefit Startups

As a startup, you should make sure that your packaging process gives you a considerable return on investment. That’s why it’s essential to find the ideal equipment suited for your needs. But before you invest in the right packaging machine, you should know these 6 benefits for your startup business.

• • Increase Your Productivity

You can increase productivity with packaging machines as it can process products faster than manual methods. For instance, a packing machine is able to wrap hundreds of items per minute which saves you a lot of time and ensures an efficient production line.

• • Add Flexibility to Your Business

Do you want to venture in exporting different products? You can find a guaranteed packing solution fit for your product, no matter what item it is. Whether it’s for filling and bottling or heat sealing, you can find a packaging machine suited for your needs.

• • Ensure Consistent Quality

The manual process of packaging is prone to human errors and inconsistencies. With a machine, you can ensure that your products have consistent packaging quality. This includes a customized design and shape of packaging for every item with the same level of protection. A machine also makes sure that there’s routine use of stock.

• • Reduce Unnecessary Waste

Packaging machinery can help you reduce unnecessary waste because it uses a set amount of the packing material. It also only cuts the exact size of material required for the product which minimizes its usage. As a result, it prevents your business from spending too much on packaging costs.

• • Minimize Labor Costs

Packaging machines can take over the heavy work usually assigned to humans. It serves your business for years with proper maintenance. It also does the job better and runs with limited human supervision. As a result, you can appoint your employees to other important aspects of your start-up business, saving you labor costs.

• • Provide a Safe Environment

If your startup business employs staff to package products that are bulky and heavy, you increase the chance of injuries for your workforce. You can eliminate this risk by investing in a packaging machine for your assembly line. Not only does the machine save your business from costly time-off work but it also provides a safe working environment for your employees.

8 Tips on Choosing the Right Packaging Machine for a Startup

With the right packaging equipment, you can reap all the benefits presented above. However, with so many kinds of packaging machines in the market, you may face difficulties in finding the appropriate equipment that fits your startup. To guide you, here are 8 essential tips on choosing the right packaging machine.

1. Determine Your Needs

Before contacting packaging machine distributors, you should assess your startup business and clearly determine the goals you want to achieve.

With a specific product in mind, you should know what your packaging would be like. You should also decide if you’ll be working with different packaging types. Remember that one machine cannot do everything–major changes in packaging style and size will result in major set-up time.

2. Be Specific in Your Requirements

You should relay your requirements to the supplier so they can advise you which packaging machine fits your production line the best.

If possible, you can produce a User Requirements Specification to describe what your startup particularly demands from the machinery. This document can guide vendors to properly give you several options and provide you an estimation of the costs. Furthermore, it can help you choose the right machine as it outlines both the similarities and differences of the solutions offered. It should include your basic requirements such as:

• • • The work environment where the machine will be installed
    • Performance warranty
    • A specific brand of a part of the machine
    • A reliable supplier that complies with safety and electrical standards
    • Other important documentation (drawings, user’s manual, maintenance schedule, copy of programs)

3. Learn About Financing Options

Before acquiring a packaging machine, you should know about the different financing options available in order to choose what will work the best to your startup business.

• • • Purchase – It requires a large amount of money upfront and is primarily done for its long-term usage and the advantage of amortization.
    • Lease – It does not demand for huge cash which lets you maintain a working capital. However, leasing means you do not own the equipment and you might end up paying more money at the end of the lease agreement.
    • Rent – It is only done to accomplish a short-term goal in which a specific machinery is needed.

Tip: If you’re still unsure which one fits your startup, seek the advice of a trusted financial advisor and keep close contact with the vendor.

4. Evaluate Your Current Workflow

Every new equipment is an investment for your business. And in order to make a wise one, you should evaluate your current workflow.

Assess what equipment you already have and inspect if it’s still working efficiently so you can avoid wasting money on a similar machine. 

Ultimately, your newly-bought equipment should reduce ineffectiveness and fill the gaps in your business.

5. Consider Your Current Workspace

Make sure you have enough space for the installation of new equipment. If you invest in a new machine without considering your current workspace, you can waste a considerable amount of money.

6. Expect Changes in Your Workflow

Be prepared for changes in your current workflow as new machinery can either improve or hinder your production line.

Tip: Think about the ergonomics of the new set-up. The more ergonomic a machine is, the easier it is to use which can improve production efficiency.

7. Develop a Plan

You should develop a plan before acquiring the right packaging machine. However, you should not do it at the last minute. Carefully think about the key decision-making factors before making an investment and come up with a contingency plan if ever things go wrong.

8. Communicate with the Supplier

Keep open communication with the equipment supplier because they know more information about the machine. Ask them about the machine’s required downtime and maintenance to be aware of future costs. You should also know other valuable assets of the machine that can help your current line.

Ideally, they should also help you choose between two machines with the same function and performance and recommend the one with the shorter amount of downtime and lower maintenance requirements.

ALSO READ: 8 Steps to Prepare for Your Next Packaging Machine Installation

The right packaging machine can benefit your startup business in many ways. It’s advisable that you seek expert help to ensure that you end up with efficient and reliable packaging equipment.

Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. has supplied world-class machines to its customers in the Philippines for 25 years and counting. We provide packaging equipment from international manufacturers such as Trident Pack and Engineering Co, TMCI Padovan, ACMI S.p.A., and many more. We also offer complete post-sales support, ranging from installation to repairs. Contact us today to find out more.

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