In discussions with potential customers, Weigel has found that decision-makers are jumping on the automation bandwagon due to the pandemic - and only later discovering the other benefits of modern process solutions. The most important arguments for automation include lower personnel and shipping costs, a reduced need for seasonal staff, greater process accuracy and more efficient use of space. At the same time, staff can be deployed in more profitable processes.

According to Weigel, the fact that automated packaging solutions are also sustainable is not currently the most important argument for many decision-makers to commission a project. "Many companies are surprised that the return on investment comes faster than they initially assumed," reports Weigel. Packaging by Quadient has compiled a list of the ten most important arguments in favor of automated packaging processes.

Sales expert Weigel assumes that automation projects in the packaging sector will increase, particularly in the DACH region. This is not only due to growing e-commerce sales in many sectors since the start of the coronavirus crisis and seasonal fluctuations in demand. "One of the biggest drivers will be demographic change. Statistics show, for example, that the German population will fall from 82 million now to up to 60 million people in 2050. This means that there will be fewer and fewer people available on the labor market. Many companies are already realizing this today and are reacting," explains Weigel.

Ten arguments for automated packaging processes

1. compliance with the distance regulations due to Covid-19

A packaging process using the automation solutions of the CVP series from Packaging by Quadient enables companies to comply with the regulations imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the machines can be operated by just one person in the item infeed area and the subsequent process steps of cutting, folding, erecting, sealing and labeling are completely automated, a distance of at least 1.5 meters between employees can be easily maintained. By way of comparison: to achieve the same parcel volume per hour as the CVP solutions, parcel shippers would have to set up eight to 16 manual packing stations for which the minimum distance must be maintained.

2. more sustainable processes

The precisely manufactured boxes not only reduce the shipping volume. The amount of continuous corrugated cardboard required for shipping can also be reduced by up to 30 percent. Filling material can sometimes be dispensed with completely because there are no cavities in the package.

3. no problems with seasonal fluctuations

Religious holidays as well as planned promotional days such as Cyber Monday often pose challenges for retailers due to the increase in volume. Even more difficult is dealing with unexpected events such as heat waves or TV shows, which can trigger a surge in demand. Those who can fall back on an automated packaging area manage to increase volumes quickly without much effort.

4. less shipping costs

On average, the shipping volume can be reduced by up to 50 percent thanks to precisely fitting transport boxes. This significantly reduces costs for parcel service providers.

5. lower demand for seasonal workers

Anyone looking for a strategy to cope with seasonal peaks will find ideal solutions in the field of automation. This is because it is difficult to find good and reliable employees quickly in order to compensate for seasonal fluctuations. To make matters worse, in industrialized countries such as Germany, the number of available workers is decreasing due to demographic change. Automation runs around the clock. There is no need for solutions for sick days or vacation days.

6. higher process accuracy

One major advantage of automated processes is their reliability. Human error is natural, especially with repetitive, monotonous tasks. An automated process ensures that the packaging throughput remains consistently high and that a perfectly fitting package is always produced. Each process step is carried out identically. High quality and reliability ensure a positive customer experience. An undamaged, correctly packaged parcel is a shipper's calling card.

7. less transport damage

Another advantage of precisely produced transport boxes is that they are more stable than packages in which the existing cavity is filled with filling material. This results in less transport damage - and reduces the number of returns.

8. reduction of throughput times

Customers are becoming increasingly demanding when it comes to delivery speed. Some shippers promise to deliver goods within a day or a few hours in metropolitan areas. This requires high-speed logistics. As a result, time must be saved in all areas of the ordering and delivery process. To reduce throughput times in shipping, for example, the CVP Everest produces up to 1,100 parcels per hour. This means that up to 17,600 transport cartons can be produced in two shifts.

9. sensible use of the workforce

Thanks to automation, very few employees are needed for routine tasks in the packaging area. Employees can concentrate on higher-value work. Automation makes it possible to redefine efficient processes and increase production.

10. more efficient use of space

In many regions, demand from the e-commerce sector is outstripping the supply of warehouse space. This is leading to rising rents. In addition, some companies are measuring production output per square meter. Automated solutions from the CVP series use endless corrugated cardboard. This frees up valuable storage space that was previously used to store packaging boxes in various sizes.