9 Steps to Integral Packaging Solutions
Our Customer Packaging Review assesses the entire packaging system in just nine steps. The review begins with what happens before the product arrives on the packaging line. We analyze:
- how the product arrives
- how it is placed into the box
- how the box is palletized, and
- how it is shipped to and warehoused by your customer.
It’s vital to understand and evaluate the entire process to achieving true long-term value for your dollar.
Step 1: PLANT REVIEW
We will visit your facilities to acquire a complete set of samples of all your packaging, including primary cartons, inserts, and other components of your packaging mix.
Step: 2 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS
For samples we develop a complete set of specifications and drawings for your records, as well as ours. These specifications are the benchmark for the quality control process. Quality can be checked and verified only if the standards it is measured against are accurate and complete.
Step 3: PRE-PACKAGING ANALYSIS
A Pro-Pak packaging engineer will work directly with appropriate people at your facilities to better understand your products, quality concerns, and other packaging-related issues.
Step 4: PACKAGING PROCESS ANALYSIS
We document how each item is used, from setup to seating, to palletizing, warehousing, and shipping. We focus closely on wherever the most packaging dollars are being spent. These areas will present the greatest opportunity for cost reduction. We also will prioritize specific customer concerns.
Step 5: ENGINEERING & DESIGN
When sensible, we will create and evaluate alternatives to your current packaging. This includes gauging the ergonomic impact of a change on your packaging personnel. We produce samples of the most promising design alternatives for your review.
Step 6: THE WRITTEN PROPOSAL
All of our recommendations will be submitted in writing. These will include a statement of the reasons for each suggestion and its projected impact on cost. We also deliver detailed drawings and specifications with each suggestion.
Step 7: TEAM REVIEW
Ideally, the plant personnel who work with your products daily will be involved in reviewing our recommendations. Their contributions are invaluable and incisive. Through understanding the effects of change on their jobs, we gain their support.
Step 8: CONCEPT TESTING
Once a design alternative is well-received by you, our supplier, we will create sample packs for a shipping trial. We can use actual over-the-road testing or in-house testing to evaluate design alternatives and determine how a pack will withstand distribution. Proper testing will help eliminate potential damage and waste that may threaten the packager’s reputation.
Step 9: PERIODIC REEXAMINATION
After accepting one of our recommendations, we periodically reexamine your packaging system. Changes in your product, packaging equipment, warehousing and shipping requirements, and personnel all may lead to an opportunity for additional contributions from your packaging.
We make sure that today’s solution does not become tomorrow’s problem. Your packaging carries its own weight in your continuous improvement process.
Click here to see how we saved a customer more than $220,000 annually.
