Efulfillment and Packaging Automation

Efulfillment packaging requires speed and flexibility. This is not an easy combination, because packaging automation that delivers maximum speed usually limits the flexibility to adjust to varying order picks and case sizes. But today’s online consumers demand both speed and flexibility. They want to order the exact mix of items they are looking for, without minimums, and expect delivery within days, and sometimes hours. For pick and pack secondary packaging operations, the two most common bottlenecks are shipping case set up and the void fill or cushioning process. When done manually, these operations are quite time consuming and lack consistency. There are automation options to eliminate these potential choke points, however.

Case Sealing Automation

Case erectors, or case formers, are widely used in efulfillment packaging. Many different engineering approaches are used in the manufacture of this equipment, but typically regular slotted cartons (RSC) are fed from a magazine into the erector, where they are set up, squared, and often bottom sealed with pressure sensitive box sealing tape or adhesive. Cases are then fed from an exit conveyor into the packing line. For packaging operations that utilize several case sizes, machines with quick changeover systems work extremely well. Case former cycle times and throughput rates vary depending on case size and number of changeovers, but rates from 12 to upward of 40 boxes per minute are possible. When using case formers, corrugated box quality and consistency are extremely important. If cases are out of square or damaged, they may jam when feeding through the machine. Case erectors allow efulfillment centers to eliminate manual labor, apply a consistent amount of tape or glue to the case, and most important, increase productivity on the packaging line.

Protective Packaging for Efulfillment

Many automated inner packaging systems are available for void fill, cushioning, and product stabilization. Common protective packaging materials include loose fill packing peanuts, single and multilayer paper dunnage, inflatable air bags, polyethylene and polypropylene flexible foams, bubble packaging materials, inflatable air bags, and foaming chemicals. Equipment to deliver these various materials are engineered to accommodate a wide range of distribution center requirements. Systems are available to work in semi automatic or fully automatic mode, delivering packing materials on demand, in a predetermined amount, or at a predetermined rate. Many factors must be considered before selecting a protective packaging system. Factors include value and fragility of the products to be packaged, mode of transportation, and range of void to be filled from case to case. In this product category, sustainable packaging considerations also weigh prominently, and there are many eco friendly materials available to satisfy those needs. Heritage Pioneer is experienced in all facets of distribution center packaging and can assist in a review of automation requirements.

Let Heritage Pioneer assist you with your Efulfillment needs today! Or, visit our main page for other packaging solutions.