Packaging that runs efficiently and performs well takes more than just the correct material. It also requires an understanding of the packaging equipment on which it will run, too. To help customers ensure the right packaging materials are used, many packaging companies offer tech support teams. These specialists have expertise in both food packaging materials and the various types of machinery used in processing plants.
While many processors request technical assistance when a problem arises, proactive consultation with a tech rep from a trusted packaging supplier can be useful throughout the life of the packaging. Frequently, these tech teams are available at little or no cost to the customer.
Here are some important support services that tech support teams provide to the food processing industry:
- Advise and Consult When Selecting New Packaging
Whether running roll stock film or shrink bags, selecting new packaging or trying to optimize existing packaging, the first step should always include a review of the packaging process. Understand the product being packaged and what equipment it will run on provides invaluable information that leads to successful packaging selection and testing.
While this type of food packaging audit is typically conducted by the packaging supplier’s sales team, the technical team can provide a useful perspective on current equipment. Tech reps can identify potential trouble spots that may occur when testing new packaging and make recommendations regarding the best packaging to use with the equipment and the product.
As part of this preliminary evaluation, the tech reps may also run small, proof-of-concept preliminary testing on the proposed packaging to ensure a larger, in-plant test is worthwhile. This step is an especially useful step when the proposed packaging is a new solution that may require some custom tooling – a successful proof-of-concept test lends support to further investment required for the custom parts.
- On-Site Support for New Packaging Testing and Evaluation
Once the packaging has been selected, an initial “test” order is usually run so that a small product sample can be evaluated while running on the equipment. The tech team is an important component of this initial test. An on-site tech rep can work with plant’s operations to ensure the equipment settings are optimal for the new packaging, and suggest any adjustments. An on-site tech rep is also able to make recommendations for quick adjustments to improve the performance of the packaging on the line.
If for some reason the new packaging does not perform as expected in the initial test, an on-site tech rep gathers the data necessary to evaluate the problem and make recommendations for next steps, thus expediting the move to a new solution that will address these issues.
- Ongoing Support to Ensure Continued Packaging Performance
When keeping the production line running is of primary concern, catching small packaging issues before they become big problems is the key to success. The tech support team can work with the food processor’s plant maintenance staff to schedule regular visits and review the packaging performance on the line, hopefully spotting potential trouble spots before they occur. A tech rep can also schedule regular updates to the equipment to ensure optimal performance is maintained. Finally, if a plant’s maintenance team has a question about the way the packaging is running, the knowledgeable advice and explanations from the tech support team are just a phone call away.
- Emergency Response for Packaging Concerns
Should a problem arise with the packaging, a quick response from the packaging supplier is essential. Tech reps can quickly go on-site to act as the emergency response, evaluating both the failed packaging and equipment through which it ran. Consultation with the plant operations staff can help to quickly develop a hypothesis and possible solutions to get the line running again.
Tech teams can be a valuable addition to the relationship between a food processor and the packaging supplier, making sure the packaging performs correctly and helping to keep the production lines moving. A packaging supplier’s specialized support services, combining both knowledge of the packaging and an understanding of many types of equipment, can help save time and money on the production line.
