Six packaging pitfalls in service logistics

In service logistics, not so much the price, but especially the service level and total cost of ownership is an increasingly important part of the overall deal. The added value offered by a company is thus largely determined by the efficiency of logistics, both internally and externally. The role and downside risk of packaging within the supply chain is severely underestimated in many companies, says Mark Ruiter. What are the six pitfalls?

1. Leave the choice to the supplier
With a bullet point on 1, bear in mind that in 99% of cases the supplier has no insight into the supply chain. He will tailor the transport packaging to protect the part during transport to his customer, not the logistics afterward.

2. Packaging proliferation
Without a clear choice of a limited number of standard packages, separate packaging is chosen for each new component. This not only leads to an enormous variety of packaging and increased error probability for the packer, but also has a negative effect on e.g. load factor.

3. Unclear instructions
Packaging instructions created by engineers with an ISO 9001 vision often end up in the drawer in practice. Another challenge is keeping instructions up to date internationally. With no, poor or outdated instructions, there is a risk of unnecessary air being shipped, the packaging arriving damaged or the customer receiving the same part in different packaging each time.

4. A jumble of labels
The packaging is the first thing a customer or service engineer sees. A uniform and clear label and positioning makes a professional impression. But all too often they labelling examples or instructions are not available and carriers are not adequately informed. Depending on the packer or shipper, this results in a jumble of labels on the packaging. Think of product ID labels, transport labels, quality and warning labels, etc.

5. Repacking
A common statement: "The bigger my supply chain the more often I have to repack." The main reason is to optimise each link in the chain. With a helicopter view across the chain, wasteful packaging and extra repacking can be avoided.

6. No consideration for return flows
One-way packaging can work fine for relatively cheap parts that actually go one-way. However, the trend is that parts are increasingly returned for inspection, because they were not needed after all or because of the obligation of responsible disposal. Reuse of the original packaging is then the obvious solution. That packaging must then be suitable for this.

Mark Ruiter - Business Development Director Faes Packaging Consultants