The Importance of Productive Packaging Processes
It is important for businesses operating in the manufacturing industry to have efficient production processes in place. This includes working with a packaging supplier who can meet the demands of these processes, to ensure the business continues to run smoothly and there is no disruption to the production line.
Many manufacturing organisations have different production processes that require different needs. We have outlined three different types of efficient production processes, why they are important for manufacturers to implement and how they should also be applied to their packaging processes in order to fully reap the benefits of them.
Lean Production
A lean manufacturing process is achieved through optimising production within your manufacturing facilities whilst focussing on waste minimisation and lead time reduction. When dealing with a packaging supplier you need to consider every point at which packaging impacts your production supply chain. For example, manufacturers should consider the way in which products and components are moved around the warehouse, how they are picked and packed for transit and the boxes and materials used to pack them.
By finding the right packaging solutions for your company and establishing a more lean and efficient manufacturing process, you can eliminate outdated or damaged inventory resulting in a more cost-effective process. Also, by reducing the time taken to pack the products and load them for transit, this will result in shorter lead times and ultimately a better customer service.
Just in Time (JIT)
Just in Time production is a reactive manufacturing process in which organisations only order and hold enough stock for projects that have already been confirmed. This is beneficial to manufacturing companies as holding too much stock comes with additional storage and overhead costs. On the other hand, too little stock can lead to frequent outages which can ultimately lead to a stop in production lines.
This also applies when ordering packaging materials for product/component storage, as ordering and holding more stock leads to the increased cost of packaging materials and potentially increased waste. In addition to this, having too little packing materials can lead to delays in the packaging and transportation processes, leading to delays in fulfilling orders. As a result, organisations who run a Just in Time manufacturing process will need a packaging supplier who is willing to work with them and meet their frequent and changing demands.
Kanban
Kanban is a production process that is used in tandem with Just in Time (JIT) and lean manufacturing. It is a visual method of controlling exactly what is produced, in what quantity and when, in order to ensure that an organisation is only producing what the customer is asking for, or alternatively only replenishing what is taken from stock on a regular basis. It is used throughout the value stream, from what the customer demands right through to the raw materials required.
Kanban is effective within a manufacturing organisation as not only does it increase efficiency by reducing waste, but it also creates a more flexible production system due to constant reassessment and continuous delivery. Using a Kanban system requires small and frequent orders of stock which need to be packaged as and when the components are ordered, stored and delivered. Therefore, manufacturers using a Kanban system will benefit from a packaging supplier who is highly responsive and will react quickly to frequent orders.
Taylor Packaging has over 40 years’ expertise in providing integrated and responsive services and packaging solutions to meet customers’ requirements, from JIT to lean production systems and interdepartmental transit challenges.
To find out how Taylor Packaging can help you with your packaging requirements, get in touch with our team of packaging specialists on 01388 420 555 or leave a message here.