How do you budget and plan for your packaging machinery maintenance and repair costs?

General rule for a return on investment is 15-18 months. I’m amazed by how many fairly simple concepts can return their investment even faster than this and lower labor costs.

Understanding your packaging needs is about more than just cost—it's about future-proofing your operations. Anticipate market trends and growth, and choose machinery that scales with your business.

Always make sure to put together a robust ROI! But make sure to also take into account the future changes if labor and employee training. Many of these soft costs are very important to include in your decision!

Well said, we must look short term and long term to evaluate these automation ideas. What if you only plan to run a line for another 12 months? This may not be the right time to automate.

It is always a must to explore all the machinery options you have available. And the different companies that you may get them from. Not all companies are alike in the service and support either. You can get the same equipment from different places and have very different experiences. Also the more you explore, in many cases you can trial or demo options before purchase, or have you product run at production capacity before pulling a trigger.

The cheapest option might cost you more in the long run. Balance initial savings with long-term reliability and support. Always consider the potential downtime costs of less durable machinery.

This is a very important set. But the biggest part of this is planned preventative maintenance. Without that it is a guess as what you may have to spend to to get a machine running. At Veritiv at least we have our own techs and can provide preventative maintenance plans that are a very recordable and traceable spend!

Tracking expenses isn't just about accounting; it's a diagnostic tool. Consistent tracking uncovers inefficiencies and helps refine your strategy for a healthier bottom line.

Optimizing machinery usage is an ongoing process. Regular training updates for staff and real-time monitoring can catch inefficiencies early, keeping maintenance costs low and productivity high.

Yes! There are several top quality companies like Orora Packaging that can be true partners and help guide you through the process to find the right equipment for your packaging line and help have a great impact on your efficiency and sustainability.

It is a must to find a company with knowledge and experience in packaging equipment. They will be able provide guidance and options, abs he’ll you avoid pitfalls. I’m so lucky to work for a company in Veritiv with a agnostic approach to our packaging equipment suppliers, and service techs local to every market in the United States. If you are selecting a supplier, ask them about their service capabilities…and if they don’t have any, I recommend looking somewhere else!

Don’t wait for a crisis to call in the experts. Regular consultations with professionals can offer proactive insights, helping you avoid future breakdowns and optimize performance.

This is extremely important. Because like every new process, there will be a learning curve and understanding. Most pieces of equipment will take some time for employee understanding. Again why purchasing from a trusted supplier that can support you with this data, and making sure the equipment is operating an maximum efficiency is so important!

Evaluating results goes beyond numbers—ask yourself if your current strategy aligns with your business vision. Regular assessments ensure your packaging operations are not just cost-effective but also future-ready.