One of the universal challenges faced by businesses, regardless of size and scope, is effectively managing turnaround times for fulfilling packaging orders. Even though shippers operate at manufacture, wholesale and retail levels, they each share similar experiences with this aspect of business operations.
Strategies have been tested to create a bulletproof one-size-fits-all shipping solution that ensures timely turnaround without adding too much to the cost of production and delivery – only to find that each shipper has unique needs. The best approach for one company may not address the particular needs of another, so custom tailored strategies are developed on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of the scope of services required a wide range of companies consult with contract packaging companies to implement workable individual packaging and shipping solutions.
Flexible Fulfillment Options
There are several ways to get products into the hands of consumers, each requiring a different level of commitment and commensurate understanding of the packaging industry. Manufacturers and wholesalers either choose to play active roles in packaging their products and sending orders out, or they rely on contract packaging services to complete some phases of the operation for them.
When turnkey packaging contracts are selected, outside companies handle every aspect of the process required for packaging individual products – from design and materials sourcing to warehousing and logistics. Professional packagers work with clients to establish production and order fulfillment schedules, which are followed precisely.
Of course this hands-off approach does not suit all businesses. For some shippers, contracting the entire process may be cost prohibitive or inefficient. But only a fraction of these companies invest in the specialized infrastructure required for operating autonomous packaging facilities in-house. Most business need flexible solutions, allowing them to contract services they can’t provide, while still maintaining well-stocked shipping facilities for direct order fulfillment.
Shipping Departments
Assembly, packing and shipping are tasks completed by regular staffers at some facilities, while others contract with outside providers to get the job done. At small to medium sized facilities, filling orders quickly is accomplished by in-house shipping departments, which vary in size and responsibilities.
Packaging suppliers provide insight into new products and furnish recommendations about which shipping methods provide the highest levels of protection and security during transit. For instance, commonly shipped items like computers, files, and electronic components are accommodated by specialized boxes and inserts designed explicitly to hold certain items securely in-place.
Packaging suppliers know how to protect irregularly shaped goods during shipment, furnishing countless standard sizes and shapes of corrugated boxes. Kraft paper and other fill materials round out the packaging requirements for individual units, before they are grouped into cartons. Master cases and display-packs are determined based on the size and shape of each unit, creating secondary layers of protection for high-volume orders shipped on pallets
Well-equipped shipping rooms are equally prepared to ship small parcels, maintaining inventories of appropriately sized padded mailers and bubble-wrap lined envelopes for filling small orders quickly. Nylon reinforced versions add extra protection against tears and punctures.
Additional shipping supplies – tape, wrap, bags, foam and envelopes keep shippers primed to turn orders around quickly and efficiently in-house.