How is your packaging being tested?
Dustin Smith
Co-Founder/CEO @ BoldtSmith Packaging Consultants | Packaging Optimization Expert
On all packaging projects we work on at BoldtSmith Packaging where we are proposing an alternate packaging solution, testing is a critical toll-gate. If no testing takes place, where is the data to prove our optimized design is better than the current packaging or will fix the issues currently happening?
Some companies have adopted the testing policy but we often find the testing actually taking place is not a representation of the hazards the product and packaging actually experience in the supply chain. The purpose of testing is to provide data that verifies the product/packaging will not experience issues in the supply chain.
These issues could include hazards such as:
- Shock from drops while handling the product
- Vibration on a trailer while in route to a distribution center
- Vertical compression in a warehouse from stacking pallets
- Horizontal compression from being unloaded with a clamp truck
- Temperature and humidity impacting the box strength due to temperature or humidity
For example, if a product is being damaged from shock due to drops in the supply chain. Does the protocol being utilized represent the drop frequency, height and orientation that is actually occurring during shipping?
This is a difficult question to answer without data. We are a data driven organization, we do not make decisions based on what we think. We make decisions based on what the data tells us. Our process in finding this information out is broken down into three key activities.
- Visit all stopping points of the supply chain and observe first hand how the product is being handled.
- Complete testing to replicate the damage that is occurring.
- Ship test product with a BoldtSmith Packaging provided data recording device that gathers all variables related to shock due to drops.
Using these three key components, we are able to create a custom testing protocol that replicates the hazards that occur during shipping, so we can be confident in our optimized packaging solutions.
Interested in learning more? Reach out to BoldtSmith Packaging!
Were can I get this data recording device?
Owner at White Barn
6 年Nice article Dustin. I quite often feel some of the protocol testing we use does not directly relate to what is seen in the actual environment. Very good for a “general” trial. Always best to scan the whole environment and create something representative of what the package will see particularly in high product volume or high product cost situations