Guides to Industrial Automation

5 Best Reasons to be Investing in Automatic Palletizing Robots

Written by Philip Hegarty | Apr 1, 2023 7:38:27 PM

5 Best Reasons to Invest in Automated Palletizing

The last few years have seen a revolution in the reasons to invest in automated palletizing technology. Innovative solutions are transforming the manufacturing industry, providing businesses with incredible benefits. In this article, you will gain insights into five key reasons why your organization should consider investing in this cutting-edge technology:

  • Attractive Return on Investment (ROI)

  • A Diverse Range of Palletizing Solutions

  • Positive Impact on Employees and the Organization

  • Improved Product Quality and Cost-Effectiveness

  • Optimizing the Manufacturing Process

Attractive Return on Investment (ROI)

The primary goal of investing in automatic palletizing robots is to enhance efficiency, reliability, and quality, ultimately leading to a positive ROI. Long-term use of automated palletizing solutions can yield significant cost savings compared to manual processes. Studies show that robotic palletizing systems can offer an ROI in as little as 1-2 years, thanks to the increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and improved product quality they provide.

For a more comprehensive understanding of ROI, consider these seven factors: previous workforce costs, the costs of the specific palletizing solution, installation setup, production rate, product type, market trends, and marketing efforts. By carefully evaluating these variables, you can determine the true financial impact of automated palletizing on your business.

A Diverse Range of Palletizing Solutions

Gone are the days when automated palletizing was considered inflexible and expensive. Today, there is a wide array of solutions available to suit every business, whether you operate a small-scale manufacturing facility or a large factory with high production rates. Talk to one of Formic's experts to find out how you can actually harness the power of automatic palletizing for zero $$$ up front, no maintenance costs, and post-deployment guaranteed runtime.

The most common types of palletizing solutions are industrial and collaborative (cobot) systems. Industrial palletizing systems are large and complex, with high case-per-minute (CPM) throughput for low-mix products, making them ideal for large-scale manufacturing facilities. In contrast, cobot palletizing systems are smaller and more agile, handling lower CPM but with greater flexibility to manage a high mix of products. They can also work safely alongside human workers, thanks to advanced safety features.

By careful when analyzing your specific requirements and production goals, so you can find the right automated palletizing solution to fit your needs.

Positive Impact on Employees and the Organization

Imagine a workplace where the physical burden on your hardworking employees is minimized, and their well-being is prioritized. This is what automated palletizing systems bring to the table. Traditional manual palletizing puts strain on workers, as they grapple with lifting bags often exceeding 50 pounds, and maneuver them onto pallet stacks towering at 80 inches – far beyond the recommended ergonomic limit of 36 inches. By embracing the innovation of robotic palletizers, we are not only revolutionizing the manufacturing process, but also creating a safer and more comfortable environment for the dedicated individuals who keep our industries moving forward.

While these benefits may be challenging to quantify, they can collectively contribute to a shorter ROI timeframe for your automated palletizing investment.

Improved Product Quality and Cost-Effectiveness

Delivering high-quality products is crucial to the reputation and success of any business. When humans work on a production line, occasional mistakes and inconsistencies are inevitable. However, automated palletizing systems can dramatically reduce these errors by performing precise and repetitive movements consistently.

Fewer errors lead to reduced product returns, less waste, and lower operational costs. Furthermore, automated palletizing systems do not require breaks, resulting in decreased downtime and increased productivity. In the long run, these factors contribute to greater cost-effectiveness and a more efficient manufacturing process.

For instance, Knut Thomassen, Head of Production at Maskinpakking AS, reported that one of their cobots had been working non-stop for two years without errors. If the same task had been performed by human employees, the company would have incurred additional operating costs of approximately $200,000 per year.

Enhancing and Optimizing the Manufacturing Process

Regardless of an organization's size, implementing automated palletizing should be considered a part of a continuous improvement journey. Without automation, the entire production line relies on employees to stack cases, making it vulnerable to workforce fluctuations and changes in product demand. This can lead to stressful workdays with insufficient staff or periods of overstaffing, negatively impacting overall efficiency.

In contrast, automated palletizing systems can quickly adapt to varying product demand, ensuring a smooth and efficient manufacturing process. By investing in automated palletizing, you are taking a significant step toward optimizing your production process and better positioning your company for long-term success.

Conclusion

As the CFO or owner of a manufacturing or co-packing company, you need to consider the financial impact of investing in palletizing automation. With the potential for a positive ROI, increased employee satisfaction, improved product quality, and a more optimized manufacturing process, it's clear that automated palletizing can deliver substantial benefits to your organization.

As you evaluate your options, remember to consider your specific requirements, production goals, and available solutions to ensure that you make the most informed decision possible. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to transforming your business and reaping the rewards of automation.