We have developed and refined our Smart360 process to where we can now quickly assess and action improvements for clients. However, this process works best if we can get up close to the coalface. Only with this careful on-site analysis can companies know with certainty their packaging is 100% fit for purpose.
Packaging peace of mind is a beautiful thing. That’s when companies know every product is contained in as efficient, sustainable, and effective way as possible given the unique circumstances and environment they operate in.
But how often is this peace of mind possible, given that most companies work within a ‘business as usual’ approach?
Confidence can only come through the type of in-depth knowledge possible from a thorough on-site assessment. Our Smart360 system provides precise data around a wide range of measurables, clarity that ensures businesses can make well-considered decisions for enduring results.
“Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
Donald Rumsfeld, Former US Secretary of Defence.
So, how does it work? We follow a three-step, results-orientated approach to ensure packaging aligns with a business’s strategic and economic development plans.
Step 1: Analyse
Packaging fills many roles, from safe containment, through to marketing, and on to providing a robust vessel for the end user to access the product. With every movement, there is an opportunity to make changes, which can result in cumulative savings.
“The initial in-house assessment focused on the bags being the issue. However, closer analysis from our team found the root cause was in new bagging technology…”
Our analysts look closely at entire life cycle of the bag or sack. From manufacturing through to filling orders we’ll check each point to see where packaging processes and products can be improved.
This means looking at waste numbers for any issues, as well as checking sales cycles and operational processes. We’ll assess how your inventory is managed and how each product is placed in the market. Often, small additions or alterations have been made to meet the needs of the moment. However, without regular analysis, it can be hard to see whether these changes are still serving the right purpose.
One such example occurred with a company that was struggling with valve bags blowing up. The initial in-house assessment focused on the bags being the issue. However, closer analysis from our team found the root cause was in new bagging technology that had been recently implemented.
Our on-site diagnosis quickly established the best way forward – establishing the correct pressure and filling speed settings of the equipment. This didn’t just save ongoing costs associated with replacement bags. It also prevented a costly change in packaging.
Step 2: Optimise
A detailed analysis of the status quo will generally unearth opportunities for further optimisation.
A recent on-site assessment for one customer uncovered that bags were overhanging on pallets, which was causing several issues during storage and shipping. The packaging was over-specified for what was needed, and our subsequent recommendation reduced the size and, in doing so, reduced plastic use while increasing stability during transit.
By adding something like a gusset to a packaging product, more products may be able to be fitted onto a pallet, for example, reducing shipping costs. Of course, for some companies, a complete overhaul of product or packaging design may be suggested. This could be in line with new technologies in packaging, which might better serve the needs of your business and help you meet sustainability goals. Or a new Environmental Management System might be recommended.
Step 3: Implement
Once you have the data on hand, we can help you to embed pragmatic, effective changes that will optimise systems and increase savings. Sometimes it’s just a small tweak here and there that is needed for a positive result.
This might look like new product packaging created by our design team to better suit your needs, or a simple adjustment to existing packaging, through to a more efficient layout of your distribution centre. As we provide full in-house service for packaging design and supply, it can be simple and quick to implement changes.
This follow-through means your Smart360 analysis is always far more than a box ticking exercise. It allows companies throughout Australasia to remove the unknowns and pack, store, send, and sell with confidence.
To book a Smart360 site audit, click here.