What Additional Services to Look for When Shopping for In-Line Packaging Machines
Purchasing in-line packaging equipment shouldn’t be viewed as just a “one-and-done” deal. The additional services provided by an OEM determine whether your machine transforms your operation or becomes a pain point for your team.
With today’s machinery, there are a number of physical and digital moving parts that affect their performance and reliability. In order to function at their best, these complex machines often require services such as ongoing support, regular updates, and guidance from the manufacturer.
A lack of proper support can lead to consequences that disrupt your entire operation, including:
- Decreased throughput and production speed
- Cybersecurity risks
- Increased downtime and repair costs
Smart buyers know to look beyond just the initial purchase price and equipment specifications when choosing an OEM partner. Here are some essential services to look for when purchasing in-line packaging machinery.
Every operation has their own set of unique requirements, from the products they package to their throughput goals. A quality OEM partner should be able to ask the right questions about your operation and recommend the best machine for your situation.
Beyond selecting the right machine, a good engineering consultation covers details like choosing the right strapping materials, determining whether you need multi-station capabilities, and planning around your existing facility layout.
Off-the-shelf solutions aren’t going to work for every operation. When your packaging needs are unique, can your OEM modify their equipment to match them?
Look for providers that offer customization capabilities instead of just sticking you with their standard offerings. These can include flexible machine designs, product transport options, and integrated controls.
Quality providers don't just ship equipment and leave you to your own devices. A good OEM will send experienced technicians to guide the installation process and oversee those critical first production runs.
This hands-on integration support ensures your new equipment connects properly with your existing systems and produces consistent results from day one. The right guidance during setup prevents small issues from becoming major problems.
Your team needs to understand how to properly operate new equipment. This can’t be accomplished with just a training manual.
OEM providers should offer to train your team on handling new equipment, covering daily operation and basic troubleshooting. Having well-trained employees means fewer operator errors, faster problem resolution, and less overall downtime.
Companies today face a number of regulations that differ depending on their industry and location. Your OEM partner should have a deep understanding of these and ensure their equipment meets all relevant standards. This includes both physical safety features that protect workers and cybersecurity measures that protect your network and data.
With more manufacturing equipment connecting to digital networks than ever before, proper cybersecurity has become a necessity. Talk to your provider about their security offerings that can help safeguard your critical infrastructure.
Preventive maintenance helps you avoid problems before they can happen. This is essential for protecting your investment, avoiding emergency repair costs, and keeping your machine running for as long as possible.
Look for OEM providers that offer preventive maintenance programs, including scheduled inspections, parts replacement plans, and regular servicing visits to help identify issues before they can lead to downtime.
As your operations inevitably evolve over time, your equipment should evolve with it. A true OEM partner stays engaged after installation to help you improve, upgrade, and make the most out of your in-line setup. This can include software updates, process refinements, or hardware upgrades that allow you to get more from your existing equipment.
The right in-line packaging machinery provider offers much more than just the equipment. They offer a partnership that helps set your operation up for long-term success after installation.
If you’re in the market for a strapping machine provider that also delivers these critical services, EAM-Mosca may be the partner for you.
To learn more about the full-service experience that enables you to reduce downtime, protect your investment, and grow your operation, reach out to our team to book a consultation.
