The options for capacity expansion in terms of both equipment and providers are extensive. Various payment options are available to you as well. Machinery has typically been acquired in outright purchases. The buyer or lessee is still legally responsible for all aspects of ownership, whether the transaction is financed, a one-time cash purchase, or a rental arrangement.
A few important questions to ponder while investing in new packaging equipment near me. Which stores should you look into more closely? What’s the difference between purchasing directly from a distributor and directly from the machine’s maker? So, tell me, how do these two alternatives vary? Which option is best for your company? Find out by reading on!
Make A Strategy
Investing in new packing equipment shouldn’t be left until the last minute. Aside from other aspects, lead time and pricing would be the most important ones to consider while making a business decision, although these are often the least desirable.
In addition, with a plan in place, you may have your entire packaging line laid out on paper and then implement it in stages, beginning with the products that will yield the highest return on investment first.
Confirm Your Team’s Background With Machines And Packaging
Key personnel in maintenance, cleaning, machine operation, safety, QA, and production management benefit greatly from machinery upgrades. This is because they require little to no additional training. They can also provide feedback on the new machinery’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you and your team have never used anything like it before, it’s a good idea to reach out to other manufacturers in your area for advice. The general public is more than happy to share their opinions on which providers are excelling and which ones are falling short.
Alternatively, you could try seeking the opinion of a third-party technical specialist.
Determine The Overarching Objective
Before reaching out to suppliers, it’s important to identify the problems you’d like to solve or how you’d like to develop the packaging. Is boosting output a primary objective? Are you looking to break the mold and sell your goods in a fresh container? Does this machine form a part of your strategy to enter new markets?
Although modern packaging equipment is more flexible than ever before, remember that no machine is truly universal. And if it does, you should expect delays in setup and transitions that will eat into your time and the budget for highly trained specialists.
In addition, you need to have a firm grasp on the fundamentals:
- The largest and smallest packages your operation can handle.
- What sort of output (speed) is needed for the smallest and largest sizes?
- The many kinds of containers that the equipment must be able to process.
Make Up Your URS (User Requirements Specification)
This report will serve as the project’s road map, helping suppliers to offer accurate bids. Whether you are an industrial valve manufacturer, or deal in the apparel industry, with URS you’ll be able to compare the many proposed fixes more easily on a point-by-point basis. For clarity, it should specify:
- Premises where the apparatus will be used
- Do you have a favorite brand of hardware components? (i.e., Festo pneumatic, Allen Bradley Control, etc.)
- Meets regional electrical and safety regulations
- Needed Records (Operator’s Guide, Maintenance Plan, Blueprints, Software Copies)
- Guarantee of Results
If this is your first rodeo, or if you simply don’t know where to begin, you might choose to hire an outside consultant or engineering firm. It’s possible that an outside expert might help evaluate things like current capacity, staff, ROI, and suppliers.
Key Vendors Should Be A Part Of The Process
A reliable provider will update you on industry developments and future trends. A few years after installation, they have a good idea of which packaging machine is most effective and how well vendors back up their customers in the field.
You Shouldn’t Base Your Decision Only On Price
We’d all like a cheaper option, but in this case, we got what we paid for. The machinery costs more than just the materials and time required to put it together. Just like any other industry, such as car accessory manufacturers, engineering has expenses such as staff time, technical writing, testing, IP, and general operating costs.
A lack of sufficient documentation, incorrect information for patent infringement, spare parts, or simply sub-standard equipment performance indicates a lack of after-sales service.
Your relationship with the provider should be a top priority when purchasing packing equipment. Is it possible to tour the facility where this equipment is produced? Your staff needs training, but who will give it to them? If your computer needs upgrades, can the provider provide them down the road?
It’s easy to avoid pitfalls if you just ask for local references.
Explore All Of Your Funding Choices
Depending on your credit history, assets, and the nature of your business, each financing option has its advantages and disadvantages. The ideal course of action is to consult a reliable financial advisor, but you should be familiar with other alternatives.
In the case of a purchase, the corporation will spread the expense over a predetermined length of time, known as amortization. Some financial institutions will extend credit beyond the price tag of the actual machinery to cover costs like installation, transport, and commissioning.
Because of this, leasing is a great option for those who want to keep their financial options open. On the downside, you won’t own the gadgets and may have to pay more to repurchase them after the lease is done. If you have a temporary need, such as for a single contract, renting packaging equipment could be a better option.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know!
We hope that these six expert tips help you make a better informed and enjoyable selection when it comes to buying the right packaging machinery. This is a vital choice for your company’s future; so take your time.
We don’t buy such equipment frequently, it’s a one time investment hence, always try to learn the right knowledge and then proceed with your purchase.