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Summary of this article

In practice, packaging management is often regarded as a collection of work instructions for suppliers and operators, even though it has a direct impact on the performance of the entire supply chain. When packaging choices vary by supplier, product or employee, errors, damage and unnecessary transport movements arise. The key tension lies between local freedom in packaging decisions and the need for a single, centralised and standardised packaging policy that is applied consistently throughout the supply chain.

When packaging policies are not properly documented and communicated, selecting the correct packaging remains dependent on individual knowledge and interpretation. Products may then be packaged too heavily, too lightly or using unsuitable materials, resulting in damage, higher freight costs and additional CO₂ emissions. For procurement, operations and quality teams, this means that packaging instructions must not only be available, but also up to date, product-specific and easily accessible to every supplier and employee.

Effective packaging management combines policy, standardisation and digital support within a single controlled process. By centrally recording packaging choices and making them available through software, users can immediately identify the appropriate solution for each product, while deviations become visible more quickly. The experience of Frencken Europe demonstrates how this approach helps translate diverse customer requirements into uniform working methods. In this way, packaging shifts from an operational decision on the shop floor to a strategic instrument for structurally reducing damage, transport costs, CO₂ emissions and supply risks.
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The big names in the high-tech industry are placing increasingly high demands on how they want to receive goods from their suppliers. Due to inefficiencies in the supply chain, by no means all suppliers can meet these requirements. Good packaging management then offers a solution and has many advantages to offer.

Twee medewerkers van Faes bekijken gegevens op een computerscherm, passend bij het vergelijken van aanschafkosten en de total cost of ownership van logistieke investeringen.

Securing your packaging policy

For many suppliers in the high-tech industry, meeting the specific supply requirements of OEMs is a huge challenge. A wrong label, a damaged product, a wrongly chosen packaging; a mistake is human and easily made. But mistakes are mercilessly rejected and put pressure on cooperation. And that while they are easy to prevent with a properly secured packaging policy.

Better secure and communicate packaging policies

If you want to significantly reduce the risk of rejection, then sustainable packaging management is the solution. Secure the packaging policy of your parts and articles in detail throughout the chain, so you can be sure that everyone is packaging in the right way. After all, that will pay off big time. There are smart software programs on the market that calculate the optimal packaging for each product. The optimal packaging is as small as possible and offers the product optimal protection.

Improve Your Performance with Effective Packaging Management

The choice of the most suitable packaging is no longer left to operators but determined by a carefully designed program. Everyone within the company follows the same packing instructions and uses the optimal packaging, ensuring that products arrive undamaged. This delivers significant benefits for your business and greatly improves overall performance.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits you can achieve by investing in effective packaging management.

  • Greater Consistency and Professionalism
    Reducing and standardising your packaging range prevents an unnecessary proliferation of packaging types. This helps employees maintain a clear overview, creates a professional appearance and offers substantial benefits in procurement and inventory management. Did you know that, in practice, a small, standardised range of packaging is sufficient in 95% of cases? Custom packaging is only necessary for the remaining 5%.
  • Fewer Errors and Less Damage
    Your performance improves significantly when the right product arrives undamaged at the correct destination. The system automatically selects the smallest suitable packaging while taking the product’s fragility into account. This means the operator or employee no longer needs to make this decision, virtually eliminating the risk of errors and dramatically reducing the likelihood of damage. Especially in fast-growing companies with many new employees, clear packing instructions can make all the difference.
  • Lower Transport Costs and Reduced CO₂ Emissions
    Using the most suitable packaging reduces transport volume, meaning you ship far less empty space. This generates significant savings, as transport costs often account for a substantial share of the total cost. It is also a more sustainable approach.
  • Better Control of the Supply Chain
    Effective packaging management means establishing clear packaging agreements throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring that your packaging policy is applied consistently by all parties involved. This gives you much greater control over the supply chain. With the right software system, you can ensure that everyone receives the correct and fully up-to-date packaging instructions, anytime and anywhere.

Frencken Europe also opts for good packaging management

Frencken Europe is a supplier of mechatronics for international OEMs in the healthcare, semiconductor, analytical and industrial automation industries. We help optimize, secure and communicate Frencken’s packaging policy specifically for the service departments of a major semiconductor customer of theirs.

Because the strict packaging requirements just deviated from the standard packaging method at Frencken, confusion regularly arose in the past in the packaging process. We implemented PackAssist and drew up crystal-clear instructions for both standard service parts and specialties. The result is an even higher performance at Frencken.

Are you also ready for more profits through good packaging management?

Let us know what challenges you are facing. We would love to think with you about optimizing your packaging process. Fill in the form below or contact us directly.

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Thijs Canjels

Thijs Canjels

Business Innovation Manager

Thijs Canjels is Business Innovation Manager at Faes and specializes in packaging management and supply chain optimization. In his blogs, he shares insights on efficiency improvements, cost savings and the strategic role of packaging in modern supply chains.

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This is how we create the ideal packaging together

Good packaging doesn’t just happen by chance. Using a tried-and-tested approach, our specialists guide you step by step from the initial idea to the finished product.

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Intake
During an initial consultation, our packaging experts will identify your specific requirements. By discussing the criteria the packaging must meet, they can work with our engineers to develop a concept.
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Concept
Is standard packaging an option, or is bespoke packaging required? This decision is made in consultation with the consultants and designers
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Design
Based on the concept, you will receive a suitable proposal. Thanks to our short lines of communication, we can easily make adjustments whenever necessary. Are you happy with the advice? If so, we’ll work towards producing a prototype.
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Prototype
Throughout the process, we present concepts digitally and, where necessary, submit 2D drawings for review. You and your project team members can provide feedback or approve them, ensuring that decisions are clearly documented and the review process runs efficiently.
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Production
Once approval has been given, our skilled craftsmen get to work on producing the packaging. From closures to a fully bespoke interior: we ensure that all your requirements are carefully incorporated into the final solution.
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We remain involved even after delivery. We are happy to take care of all your packaging needs, so that you can count on our support for maintenance, modifications or more complex issues.