Are you dealing with product damage? What about packaging delays and budget overruns? If so, you’re not alone. Packaging issues are a common, costly headache for operations and supply chain teams. But there’s good news. Most of these problems are predictable, which means they’re also preventable. Below, we’re highlighting five packaging problems companies run into most often, and practical solutions you can implement today.
Product Damage in Transit
Odds are, your bottom line has already felt the effects of this problem. If products arrive damaged, it only increases your return and replacement costs. The issue likely boils down to the wrong box strength, insufficient void fill or cushioning, or a poor fit between the product and the package.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to fix this. Right-size your packaging to the actual product. That leaves no room for shifting, which reduces the risk of breakage. Additionally, you can add custom void fill for delicate objects. You can also test your box specifications against real shipping conditions, rather than relying on assumptions.
Running Out of Packaging Materials Unexpectedly
Emergency packaging orders and last-minute scrambles for substitute materials are all signs of a bigger problem. You don’t have visibility into your own inventory. It’s not uncommon for this to happen for businesses that manage their own inventory. That’s where electronic vendor managed inventory (eVMI) comes in.
Jamestown’s eVMI services replenish your packaging materials automatically. One scan is all it takes. We’ll take note of all your packaging inventory requirements, including your expected usage, the minimum and maximum inventory on hand, lead time, and buffer stock if necessary. Once you’re set up in our vendor managed inventory system, all you have to do is scan the load tag barcode as the material is used, and your inventory will be handled automatically.
Inconsistent Packaging Quality or Specs
If different batches of the same box behave differently on your line, the problem is likely your packaging. This usually happens when you’re sourcing from multiple vendors with different standards or working without unified specs.
Solving this issue is easy. Standardize your specifications across every order and consolidate with fewer, trusted suppliers.
Long Lead Times Slowing Down Production or Fulfillment
If you’re waiting on materials, you’ll delay shipments and miss customer deadlines. This problem usually traces back to reactive ordering or lack of forecasting. It’s fairly easy to fix this issue. Move to forward-looking demand planning and have transparent communication with your supplier. Using an eVMI model can also help reduce problems.
Rising Packaging Costs Without Clear Visibility Into Why
Budget creep is frustrating, especially when you can’t pinpoint where the spend is coming from. Most commonly, this issue comes from fragmented vendor relationships, rush orders, and “just in case” over-ordering. To solve this issue, consolidate your spend visibility, right-size your packaging, and eliminate the rush-order premiums that come from reactive purchasing.
Work With Jamestown for Your Packaging Needs
If you need help with your packaging problems, trust the experts at Jamestown Container. Since 1956, we’ve been helping companies get the right packaging solutions for their needs. We are now a multi-facility, concept-to-finished goods custom corrugated packaging manufacturer and foam supplier with an excellent reputation for customer service and quick turnaround times.
Additionally, we maintain industry certifications and accreditations, including an ISO certification, to hold us to the highest standards. From simple brown shipping boxes to colorful retail packaging and displays, our expert team is able to help your business find the solution to any packaging challenge from start to finish.
We achieve high-quality results while prioritizing sustainability. All of our locations source lightweight, recycled linerboard from the Greenpac Mill, located in Niagara Falls, NY. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest and most advanced recycled linerboard producers in North America, with an impressive commitment to minimizing landfill waste. The linerboard is made from 100% recycled fibers and is produced using energy-efficient processes, making it one of the most eco-responsible and durable recycled linerboard products available.
Let’s Connect
Want to learn more about what we can do for your business? Reach out to our team for an initial consultation.