ProMach: Performance, Packaged Performance, Packaged

Case Forming & Sealing

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Four Steps to Creating an Effective Preventive Maintenance Program

Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly go a long way toward maintaining good oral health and minimizing potentially uncomfortable visits to the dentist. The same analogy goes for your pack and seal machines.

Everyone knows that establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program is a key component to minimizing unexpected machine downtown. But the trick is to get your PM program tailored to your specific needs. Here are four steps to help keep any unplanned downtime to a bare minimum:

Keep spare parts on hand – This step is an absolute must for any PM program and will help facilitate quick repairs. Spare and consumable parts, such as belts, knives, and springs, are critical to the operation of case formers, erectors and sealers. We can help you perform a parts audit and prepare a recommended parts list of common replacement parts to keep in stock. Essentially, a parts audit helps you develop a parts plan, streamlining the inspection, repair, and maintenance processes for your packaging equipment.  

Schedule a service call – Nobody knows your packaging machines better than us! We have factory-trained and certified technicians across North America who can quickly have your equipment inspected. We also provide several levels of service to best meet your needs. Additionally, we can also show you and your staff preventive maintenance tips to perform on a regular basis. Having us come regularly to inspect and make potential fixes can stop an issue before it develops into a larger problem.

Keep it clean – One of the simplest things you can do to keep your equipment running well is to keep it clean; the cleaner it is, the better it will operate. Cleaning should include all mechanical parts and be performed as needed. It’s important to always turn off and disconnect power to the machine prior to cleaning. 

Don’t ignore preventive maintenance – If you’re experiencing an increase in production, it may be tempting to push back the preventive maintenance schedule for your equipment, but do not do this. Packaging machines are engineered to be serviced at specific intervals. Delaying service could lead to premature component failure and a longer, more costly downtime when you can least afford it. 

The best and most cost-effective way to keep your pack and seal machines on track is through preventive maintenance. Right now is the perfect time to get started on this … after you brush and floss of course.

Adapting to an Ever-Increasing E-Commerce World

If the last several years has taught us anything, it is that people have wholeheartedly embraced online shopping. According to Forbes, global e-commerce retail sales were expected to top 20.4 percent in 2022, up from 10 percent only five years ago. 

Certainly, COVID was a main driver of that jump, but also the work-from-home trend and the overall convenience that online shopping has become have all contributed to this shift in buying preferences. 

The push to e-commerce has also posed a challenge for some retailers big and small to keep up with the packaging and shipping demands of this rising trend. One way retailers can trim costs, stay competitive, and deliver value to their customers is through form, pack and seal machines such as the BEL 5150E. Our first semi-automatic case forming, packing and sealing solution with auto adjust case size changeover, the BEL 5150E is an ideal solution for low to mid-speed e-commerce applications. Here’s why…  

Newfound Efficiencies

By having a machine that integrates with a customer’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System, the machine is able to communicate with other parts of the overall process, most critically, being able to identify the items on each order. With this information the BEL 5150E with Smart Select is able to analyze the dimensions of each item in the order and determine the most efficient case size. This removes the decision making from the packer/operator allowing them to focus on packing while always ensuring the most efficient case is always utilized. 

Value

A variety of indirect (but significant) cost savings can be had by utilizing the most efficient case in every order. One of the most obvious and significant savings come in the form of reduced courier costs. Courier fees often account for one of the largest costs for e-commerce companies and by using the most efficient box each time, the courier fees are also minimized. Other savings include lower corrugated and dunnage costs by consistently using smaller boxes and less dunnage. 

Less Waste, Greater Protection

When pack and seal machines accurately determine the correct box and packaging material, there is no waste. A machine that minimizes waste reduces the amount of dunnage needed to package products. This added value and cost savings is why a smarter, fully integrated pack and seal machines have been in such demand.

Another benefit of proper case selection and packaging material is product safety. Accurate materials assessment adds value because well-packaged items increase successful deliveries. Products getting damaged during transportation are not only costly, but also harmful to the company’s reputation. 

Total Solution

The BEL 5150E gives e-commerce operations the means to greatly reduce costs and improve efficiencies. In the world of e-commerce, operators are dealing with different sized products coming down to the packing stations. We looked at our system to find ways to create efficiencies for operators. Although many e-commerce applications seem to use between eight to 15 different box sizes, the BEL 5150E has the capacity of up to 30 different box sizes with the ability to expand if necessary.  

E-commerce has grown rapidly and will continue to grow. Suppliers and manufactures will have more and more items to package. For a company to grow, they need a machine that seamlessly integrates with their ERP, packages products accurately and efficiently and assures that more products reach their destination safely. 

The only all-in-one pack and seal machine on the market, Wexxar Bel’s BEL 5150E, delivers on all these critical functions. Customers see the BEL 5150E’s ROI (Return on Investment), ease of use and increased productivity a necessity for a well-rounded and efficient packaging line. Now more than ever, savvy e-commerce customers are demanding an all-in-one solution.