Early involvement of packaging specialists prevents high costs, delays and inefficient solutions. By including packaging in the design phase, there is more scope for optimal specifications, better coordination and a reliable supply chain.
Summary of this article
As a salesmanager, I am involved in many diverse projects. Time and again I see how important early involvement is. And what it brings to the customer.
If I ask you to draw a car in ten minutes, I’m sure a detailed drawing will come out. In two minutes it becomes more difficult. Let alone if you only get twenty seconds, then it’s already clever if you can recognize a car in it. That’s actually how it works with packaging. Let me explain. Often the development of packaging only comes into the picture when the product to be packaged is already finished. If the product is already in the production phase, there is just time left for packaging. Of course, a lot is possible with some art and craftsmanship. But whether that ensures the best answer to your packaging question… A good packaging solution needs time. Exactly how much time is different for every packaging question.
The earlier you are at the table as a buyer yourself, the more value you can add. You get the chance to benchmark and look for the right packaging solution. If you involve your packaging supplier in the specification phase, you will get even further. They can help you map out the entire packaging chain so you can better determine what specs the packaging needs to meet.
Because you give your supplier a more complete picture of the product and your packaging needs, you get a better solution. Packaging that optimally protects the new product in which so much has been invested during transport and storage.
Because you are involved at an earlier stage, you can also start benchmarking sooner. This helps prevent budget discussions and complications later on. You will no longer be surprised by a last-minute request to arrange packaging for a fixed amount. Instead, you remain in control by ensuring that both the packaging and transport are included in the Engineering Bill of Materials, with an appropriate budget allowance.
I am convinced that early involvement results in a better solution with the best possible price-quality ratio. If you only start working on the packaging at the last minute, the delivery deadline becomes the deciding factor. To meet that deadline, you have little choice but to accept rush charges.
There is hardly any time to consider every detail of the solution. In some cases, this can lead to unnecessary damage to the product further down the supply chain. It can also result in unnecessarily high transport costs, for example because the packaging falls just outside the standard dimensions of a pallet.
While product development is in full swing, we as packaging specialists are already learning the ins and outs of the product. That saves time. Once the product design is completely finished and all packaging specifications are clear, we can get to work. The job is scheduled on time, so you can count on us having sufficient capacity available. With rush jobs, of course, that is questionable.
Avoid packing only at five to midnight. And that you have to settle for the best feasible solution. Or that you have to accept that the project will be delayed. You can ensure that the process of developing the packaging is not completely separate from the product development process. So that you can tailor the packaging even better to the product.
We are of course ready to help you! Leave your question or request in the contact form below or contact us directly.
Robert Verboven is Sales Manager at Faes and advises customers on smart packaging solutions within the industry. He translates complex packaging needs into practical solutions that contribute to a more efficient supply chain.
More articles by Robert VerbovenGood 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.
