4170 Stillwater Drive, Duluth, Georgia 30096 | 678.576.0562 | carlos@cavazquez.com | cavazquez.com 3 critical steps to improve your packaging efficiency Your company’s packaging operation is a great place to start improving warehouse efficiency and your supply chain performance. Inefficient packaging can often lead to a raft of issues and quickly add up to a hefty bill. Here are a few steps that can avoid a variety of costly setbacks: 1. Understand your packaging process A deep dive into your packaging operation lets you identify productivity bottlenecks that reduce throughput in your warehouses and distribution centers. Manual picking and packing operations are the leading contributors to inefficiency . Using automation in your packaging process increases your productivity. As we all know, time is money, so every second matters. Incorporating cas e erectors, palletizers , or semi - automatic stretch wrappers will boost your packing rates. T h ey’ll also cut costs, increase speed , and reduce waste and damage. 2. Minimize touches throughout the supply chain It’s crucial to find those supply chain hazards along the product ’s journey. With shifting SKU numbers, personnel, production , and sales volumes, you need to keep in mind that supply chain s are ever - evolving beast s . Reducing touches and streamlining your packaging operation can drastically minimize damage while raising productivity. C onveyors are a great way to move products through your warehouse and reduc e the risk of accidental drops and damage . H umans are fallible, and mistak es happen. And let’s not forget — while in - house dangers are bad enough — risks only multiply when the package is out of your control and in the downstream supply chain. There, y ou’ll have to deal with t ransportation, forklift and clamp - truck handling hazards , but the considerably higher number of touches related to last - mile delivery are the true test. 3. Track and reduce your damage rates This step allows your organization to stay ahead of the many costs and consequences associated with damaged products. These can include consequences like reverse logistics (returns), markdowns as well as customer dissatisfaction, complaints , and bad online reviews. 4170 Stillwater Drive, Duluth, Georgia 30096 | 678.576.0562 | carlos@cavazquez.com | cavazquez.com By tracking damage rates, you can address packaging, supplier , and logistical issues as they arise. That way , your company can act before bills and other consequences can pile up. Indeed, simple packaging designs and handling procedures are often your best allies as you work on reducing your damage rates. Raise the efficiency of your packaging process It won’t only help with cost reduction, but it’ll also serve as an opportunity for organizational growth and increased service levels. Automated processes and less handling will let your company use its supply chain resources and staff in other parts of the business. When you combine increased efficiency with lower damage rates, you can move more product with fewer returns. Has your packaging process hit a hard limit on productivity? Contact us to learn how we can help you find new ways to raise the efficiency and throughput of your packaging operation. Our top supply chain talent, enabled by proven, leading - edge digital assets — tools, methods , and content — deliver actionable insights , and measurable outcomes to some of today’s largest and most complex supply chains. 4170 Stillwater Drive, Duluth, Georgia 30096 | 678.576.0562 | carlos@cavazquez.com | cavazquez.com