Each time I come back from Europe, I get quite a 'technical shock' when I visit many packaging lines around Australia. Whereas the Europeans are competing to have intelligent computer control over every step of the packaging line, in Australia I keep running into technology that would have been familiar to Thomas Edison.
By every step, I mean every adjustable component is monitored by electronic sensors that tell the central computer what is going on. The computer is literally looking for trouble and thinking ahead to prevent it. By making minute motor speed adjustments, at the rate of 1000's per hour, it ensures that product and packaging materials flow together precisely and reliably.
On 'Tom Edison' systems however, tiny maladjustments and misalignments get worse by the second, often creating even greater problems down the line and ending in the mighty crash so familiar to packaging line managers. (Usually in the wee, small hours!)
Computer controlled systems do even more. They take almost all the work out of product changeovers, remembering all your settings and making them automatically, usually without needing change parts. The touchscreen control system makes instant sense to anyone who understands packaging machinery and can be quickly taught to your unqualified staff.
Just-in-time irony
With major retailers demanding just-in-time service, reliability should be the highest priority for every packaging company. But the irony is that many still think computer controlled systems are too expensive. Why do I say 'irony'? Because the latest machines, like our SMI range, have so many FEWER moving parts in them that they cost considerably less to make - and less for you to buy or lease. Before you even account for productivity gains and maintenance savings!
Obviously, there are far less things to go wrong as well. For comparison, just think how simple and reliable your quartz watch is compared to the 'mechanical marvel' watches of the 60's and early 70's. There is no comparison!
So if your shrink wrapping, carton filling, tray packing or conveying machines are prone to causing you tears at midnight, ask to see our machines in action.
Whether via computer disc or a visit to one of our many clients, you will immediately see why one of our customers called his SMI machine 'Poetry in Motion'.