Solutions for packaging changes

摘要

When it comes to efficient distribution, the goal is to fill the truck. One can imagine the math problem that arises from having 20 different shapes and trying to stack them together, and some beverage companies are dealing with more than 1,500 SKUs. Luckily, palletizing systems offer solutions to do whatever can be done in design to maximize the efficiency of the overall load.rnFrom new pattern-forming software, push-button changeovers, robotics, tier sheet inserters and man and machine interfaces, palletizing equipment is stepping it up at the end of the line. Proliferation of packaging types and pack-sizes is one challenge demanding innovations in palletizing. One of the biggest side effects of dealing with producing or distributing numerous SKUs is the need for frequent changeovers on the lines. Some beverage companies are running shorter production runs for products and package types, and have put more emphasis on getting the palletizer back to 100 percent efficiency immediately after the product changeover, says Pat O'Conner, product manager for palletizing at FKI Logistex. Automatic pushbutton changeover, where no manual adjustments need to be made, is one solution that FKI Logistex offers.