by Angela Mendes | Co-Packing
The business world is always changing, so continuous improvements are essential. For the contract packaging industry, there are a lot of plates spinning all at once. A co-packing center has to be a well-oiled machine. In order to keep things going, changes must be made to optimize things like safety, space, and speed.
There are easy ways to make simple but effective improvements in co-packing methods. It doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul, changes can be as minor as deemed fit. The implementation of continuous improvement will result in benefits across the board.
Where to Start
Change can be a big undertaking. Continuous improvement can be boiled down to just a few simple steps. It isn’t all that common for core changes to be made. At the end of the day, it all boils down to managing a few key things. Each step feeds into the next to create a cycle of continuous improvement.
These following tweaks will fine-tune the entire co-packing process and benefit both the company and the client.
There are always improvements to be made, some more obvious than others. You should always be analyzing your systems and processes. Whether big or small, looking for ways to improve is the responsible thing to do. Putting things like strict organization, clean-up, and habit forming into action can be done quickly with unlimited advantages.
Organization and 5S
Nothing turns an operation around like organization and visual systems. Making sure that everything has a place will drastically improve how things work. Organization includes setting up procedures and methods that will streamline all processes.
Whether it’s keeping the facility’s tools in order or having shadow boards up in the facilities, organization should take top priority.
Clean-Up
Keeping the work area clean and orderly will improve productivity and reduce accidents. A neat facility cuts down on missteps and accidents that could cause problems and cost money.
If excess materials are left out on the floor that could cause employee accidents or line shutdowns. Maintaining a workspace that looks tidy will improve efficiency and keep the product and employees safe.
Habit-Forming
The more diligent companies become with putting these particular procedures in place, the easier it will all become. Forming a habit requires a certain amount of discipline. Workers and management alike have to be willing to go through the steps every time, not just through the motions. If there is a commitment to what needs to be done companies will end up with improved operations and a more sustainable strategy. The key here is to engage everyone in the process so they will buy into the value continuous improvement will bring to customers and to them personally.
Delivering Value
Now that the basic steps are in place, you can embark on your continuous improvement journey. The journey can begin with simply standing on the production or warehouse floor and looking for waste. Waste can mean many things but in sum, it simply means movement or activity that occurs, that does not deliver value to the product or service. For example, if a person must walk through isles to look for inventory that was not put away properly, the effort consumed looking for the inventory is waste. Another form of waste would be a slow process that bottlenecks another process so employees are waiting for work. Whatever the challenge may be, there is likely a better and faster way to deliver the end result. Co-packers will invest in engineers or continuous improvement specialists to do Line Balancing. This means that the work is looked at and balanced to ensure a proper and fast flow of work.
The value created by focusing on the flow of work is the work gets done faster and more work can get done. This results in customer satisfaction, because of their ability to scale and shareholder satisfaction because it costs less money to produce more work. The added benefit is that employees enjoy their work because it is productive and not burdensome.
To learn more about our contract packaging, speak to a specialist!
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by ifs_admin | Co-Packing
There are layers when it comes to co-packing—primary and secondary packaging. Different products and businesses will have different packaging needs. Just the same, some co-packers only deal in one or the other. Primary packaging is the first step for everything on any shelf, secondary packaging is a more specific process with safety in mind.
Primary Packaging
Primary packaging is the first thing that happens after the product is complete. It is the box the dog treats come in, the tube that holds the mascara. Primary packaging is what the consumer will put their hands on when they are using whatever that product might be.
The primary packaging of a product is what keeps it safe. It is the first thing that goes on and the last line of defense. Primary packaging will determine how useful a product is in the end. If the packaging is defective it puts your product at risk. Having solid primary packaging is important to the integrity of your product and your brand.
Brand and branding are key parts of the importance of primary packaging. Making sure your product looks presentable is huge in driving sales and getting your brand across. You want to make sure your logo is clearly presented, and your packaging is neat. If you display a disheveled product to the masses, that will be part of your brand.
Having a polished product out on the market is the best way to build up your reputation. A well-placed logo is quick and easy advertising. It doesn’t take a marketing team to know that effective branding is crucial to driving business. If done properly, primary packaging can build your brand just as well as other typical marketing strategies.
Secondary Packaging
Secondary packaging is the sort of packaging you are more likely to see in a bulk store like Costco or Sam’s Club. This is the form of packaging that binds things together. For example, in a bundle of a dozen paper reams the primary packaging is the wrapper and the secondary is the plastic tie keeping them in stacks of two and the box holding them all together.
While you would still want your secondary packaging to look presentable, that’s not its primary function. It is about efficiency over all else. Keeping products together so they can be safely transported from warehouse to seller.
The process of secondary packaging is the last step before shipping. That makes it that much more important. Co-packers who deal in secondary packagings, like IFS, have to make sure their packaging team is equipped and ready for the process. This is the final step that will make or break your product in transit.
Nearly every product will need secondary packaging of some kind. Just for transportation, tubes of toothpaste and deodorant containers need to be packaged into larger distribution boxes. Some products, like those that are connected by plastic rings, keep their secondary packaging at the store. However, something like boxes of soap would be packed en masse and then unpacked in the store.
Secondary packaging gives way to heavy-duty cardboard over delicate branded wrappers. Proper secondary packaging is extra assurance that your goods will reach the market unscathed.
Conclusion
When it comes to the differences between primary and secondary packaging, it’s a matter of ‘style’ over ‘sturdy’. Secondary packaging will keep the product looking good on the way to the retailer. Primary packaging will make your product memorable on the shelves and after purchase. Both forms have their level of importance, and that will vary from company to company.
It is important to understand your packaging needs before signing on with a co-packer. Some co-packers will assist in the design of logos and branding in primary packaging. If special secondary packaging is required some co-packers will help with those designs as well.
IFS takes care of primary and secondary packaging and even a bit more after everything is packaged to completion. To learn more about primary and secondary packaging and IFS’s services, speak to a specialist!
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by ifs_admin | Co-Packing
There are a few differences between co-packing vs 3PL (3rd Party Logistics Providers). Co-packers generally only deal in two kinds of packing; primary and secondary. Some co-packers stop after the packaging process while others will go a bit further with bundling those packaged goods. IFS is a one-stop-shop 3PL that specializes in everything from design through eCommerce distribution to the end customers.
Co-Packing
Signing on for co-packing means you are bringing on a partner. A co-packer will take the product you already have, make it in bulk, package it, and sometimes store it. Some co-packers will assist in design and editing, but that is not always a guarantee. That’s where the difference between primary and secondary packaging comes into play. Primary is the making, packing, and storing; secondary is more packaging and grouping products so that they can be moved safely before distribution.
Using a co-packer frees up your time and hands so that you can focus on underdeveloped aspects of your business. Rather than focusing on filling orders all on your own, you’ll be able to network and focus on marketing.
With a co-packer you can trust that your product is in capable hands. They handle quality control and assurance and making sure that your product is tip-top before rolling out.
Overhead for production space will no longer be an issue with a co-packer. Depending on the co-packer you partner with, the rates they charge will include pricing for manufacturing, packaging, storing, and other miscellaneous services. The standard duties of a co-packer play into that of a 3PL.
3rd Party Logistics
3rd party logistics provider—this might be an all-new term to you. “3rd party logistics providers” sounds like a lot of business jargon, but really what it means is all-inclusive. IFS deals in 3rd party logistics because we implement primary and secondary packaging before moving your product the rest of the way. A 3PL will hire specialists in every aspect of the supply chain so they can handle anything and everything.
3rd party logistics are with their clients during fulfillment, packing—both primary and secondary—sorting, storing, planning, and shipping. Essentially, everything a company could need help with a 3PL can provide in some capacity.
3PLs are usually the ones who are running the distribution centers. This allows them to do more with their space and time. A 3PL will have the experience to read the demand of your product and adjust production from there.
They will have the foresight to better predict any delays or complications in the picking, packing, and shipping processes and plan accordingly. Using a 3PL will also give you the chance to put your product into new markets without the risk of losing big money.
Having everything nicely packed under one roof will cut down on overhead for manufacturing, storing, and shipping. There will be no need to juggle inventory between a co-packer, storage facility, distribution center, etc. with a 3PL.
With a 3PL you simply have more options than if you were to choose a co-packer alone. Even things down to the facility will be different regarding co-packing vs 3PL. While a co-packer will likely just have equipment and space designed for different packing styles, a 3PL will be prepared with all the necessary bells and whistles for their additional services.
A 3PL has space, knowledge base, and equipment to do as much or as little as you need.
Co-Packing and 3PL Summary
3PLs and co-packers are both great, and sometimes essential, options for businesses. The services they can provide and the teams of experts they employ are paramount to your success. Outsourcing in any way for a small business is a big step, and the proper amount of research should be done. There is no right order in which to do things when it comes to co-packer vs 3PL because every company is different.
Co-packing vs 3PL comes down to the comprehensiveness of the services available to clients. A 3PL will be able to take care of every kind of co-packing and then some. A co-packer focuses on packaging and packaging alone. There is a chance that your company needs more than just a standard co-packer can provide; if that is the case a 3PL is where you should be heading towards.
At IFS, we take care of just about everything for you. We see the product through from conception to sales. The debate of co-packing vs 3PL does not apply to the services at IFS.
Reach out about Contract Packaging for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by ifs_admin | Co-Packing
Co-packing, in general, has a lot of moving parts, secondary packaging for cosmetics is meant to act as security and is used to ship products already in primary packaging. You are probably looking at the secondary packaging without even realizing it. Secondary packaging’s main goal is to protect products and provide branding during shipping. It’s also used as display packaging in retail locations such as grocery stores
Reviewing Secondary Packaging
To understand secondary packaging you have to first understand the route. When it comes to co-packing, in general, you have primary and secondary packaging. Primary packaging is what holds the actual product, like the card and blister pack surrounding the product. Most of the branding is done on primary packaging. Secondary packaging is the part of co-packing that keeps things safe and protected during storage, handling, or transit of the goods (outer packaging).
Secondary packaging is done mostly for transit and in bulk packaging. When you see multiple packs of batteries being transported in cardboard boxes (master/case pack), that’s secondary packaging. It’s the last thing to be put on the product, and the first thing to be tossed out when you bring it home or put it on a store shelf.
This is the last line of defense between warehouse and store. Secondary packaging can sometimes also be used for additional branding, but most often it is purely functional.
Secondary Packaging for Cosmetics
Secondary packaging for cosmetics is a bit different in a few ways. Tubes of mascara or the lipstick itself are considered the primary packaging (holding the product). The secondary package in this case would be the box the mascara or lipstick displayed on the retail shelf. When you’re going through the cosmetics aisle there are rows and rows of mascaras from different brands. A lot of the time those tubes of mascara will be packed in blister plastic with information about the product on the backing.
In these cases, secondary packaging does more than provide an extra layer of protection. It continues to drive sales by boasting about the formula in the container. The same can be seen across all different kinds of cosmetics. Things like toothpaste boxes that guarantee whiter teeth, nail polish boxes with the color swatch on top, all examples of secondary packaging.
Cosmetics subscription companies like Ispy and Boxycharm also use their own kind of secondary packaging for cosmetics. Each month subscribers receive a curated box of various cosmetics. The boxes they are shipped in are colorful and display vibrant designs. These boxes stand out and get people curious about the products inside and further drive customer experience.
One additional thing secondary packaging for cosmetics accomplishes is to deter testing. Testing the product is a big part of purchasing cosmetics. If there is no tester product on display, stores risk customers opening the product before purchase. The more secure the secondary packaging the less likely this in-store behavior is to occur.
Conclusion
Secondary packaging is the first thing to go, but it has tons of potential. Cosmetics take up all the real estate they can when it comes to both primary and secondary packaging. Not only is the product kept safe during transit but in stores as well. This kind of packaging is designed to draw the eye just as much as primary when it comes to cosmetics.
Secondary packaging for cosmetics does more than just get products from point A to B – it gives customers a better sense of what they’re buying.
Reach out about Contract Packaging for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by Sharon Stierwalt | Co-Packing
“How does co-packing work?” is a question we at IFS are asked on occasion, so I felt like this would be a good time to take a moment and dive into some general details around contract packaging…
A co-packer is an overwhelmed business’s best friend. They take care of the production, packaging, and distribution of your goods so you can focus on other aspects of the job. While that may sound simple enough there’s a lot more that goes into how co-packing actually works.
Co-packing is separated into two categories. Broadly speaking, there is primary and secondary packaging. Primary packaging is the creation of the product, getting the toothpaste in the tube. Secondary packaging goes more into the importance of more complex packaging. A bottle of shampoo sitting alone on the shelf was put there through primary packaging. A two-pack of shampoo that is bound together with branded shrink wrap standing out on display with others just like is the product of secondary packaging. There is a lot that goes into co-packing, and understanding how it works takes just a bit more than a cursory glance.
Packaging
This is probably the most obvious portion of answering the question, how does co-packing work?
The primary function of a co-packer is packing. It’s in the name, after all. And while you might have been packing things just fine on your own, a co-packing facility is going to be much better equipped. Blister machines, shrink wrap machines, carton machines, case sealers, over rappers, tapers, all of these pieces of equipment are on-site to get products properly packaged and out to market. Packaging can be as much or as little as the client needs. If it’s going out to a club store the product might be specially packaged or bulk packaged. Through the use of professional-grade tech and warehouse-level space, a co-packer is efficient and effective.
Design
Let’s say that a business has a solid product but little to no design appeal—a co-packer can fix that. IFS offers services in packaging and design. If necessary, their team can design the package and the logo of any given product. How co-packing works goes far beyond the limited tasks of packing and shipping. A co-packer with a design team works with you to create a visual brand that is both eye-catching and true to your business.
The responsibilities of this aspect—and the aspect we’ll cover soon, display—of co-packing are taken care of by a project tracker. The project tracker will order everything that is needed, keep up on the scheduling, and quality checks. The details of the order and product have to be double-checked before distribution, and that’s where the project tracker steps in.
Shipping
Once the product has been assembled it’s time to get it out into the retail world. A co-packer will take your product where it needs to go, whether that’s a club store, like Costco and Sam’s Club, to another warehouse, or off to a smaller retailer. Co-packers will take care of all that leg work, rather than having to shuttle everything back and forth on your own.
Much like the project tracker in the design portion of co-packing, shipping and distribution have their own team of specialists. The planning team is the team on the ground. They are the ones who own and manage everything after that initial delivery. The planning team will communicate any problems back to the account manager to ensure transparency at every step of the process.
Display
Some co-packing companies, like IFS, will not only see the completion of your orders through the warehouse phase but all the way to the store. This is a bit of a bonus answer to ‘how does co-packing work’. An exemplary co-packer understands that displays are crucial. IFS will prepare displays for the products they co-pack in such a way that in-store assembly is as simple as pulling it off the pallet. For IFS, creating these displays is a collaborative endeavor. We understand that each company and business has its own creative direction and aesthetic. IFS even goes so far as to design and ship clip strips to be hung at the end of the aisle to advertise the product.
“Display” is the intersection of the project tracker and the planning of the team’s responsibilities. While the project tracker assembled the materials, the planning team is responsible for all of the post-shipping quality checks and assurance. When assisting in any aspect of design there is always transparency and open communication. Our company purchases all of the materials needed to create these displays while also being the feet on the ground assembling them.
Now that we’ve answered “how does co-packing work?” let’s do a little review.
How co-packing works is a much more precise and complicated process than some might assume at a glance. But even through all of the elaborate processes of specific steps, there is still just one goal in mind. A co-packer is a partner whose objective is to get the most polished version of your product to the consumer on time. Through the use of project trackers and case sealers, clip strip designers, and planning teams, co-packers get the job done. How it works and what a co-packer can do for you all depends on what you need. IFS can handle just as much or as little as you need help with.
Reach out about Contract Packaging for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by Todd Porterfield | Co-Packing
The mark of a good co-packer is their commitment to quality control. A co-packer worth their salt knows what it takes to meet your needs, without fail, time after time. Quality control is a big draw when it comes to co-packing….you want assurance that your product is in good hands if you’re taking this kind of jump. A co-packer can have all the bells and whistles out there, but the importance of quality control is of the utmost importance. After all, if the co-packer misses the mark on quality, what good are the resulting products?
Quality Control
Quality, Inventory, and Safety are our #1 core competencies at IFS. As such IFS has made investments in supporting people, systems, and processes to ensure these competencies are consistently delivered day in and day out. Every hour, on the hour, we audit the lines and resulting output to make sure everything is correct, and records are retained to demonstrate when and what was audited. Audit data is further analyzed to assess what preventive and corrective measures can be taken to ensure we continuously improve on our Quality expectations and deliverables. Having and retaining longstanding co-packing relationships, with highly demanding TOP Tier Customers, is a testament to our commitment to being BEST-IN-CLASS related to what we produce.
Keeping tabs on our entire process, start to finish, keeps this ship sailing smoothly.
Quality control should not end with the product a co-packer produces. The facility that is taking care of your product should be clean as a whistle with its own sets of checks and balances to maintain that cleanliness. Over the years at IFS, we have refined our entire process to make everything—from process to technology—as streamline as possible. Everything in an IFS facility is tracked and double-checked, right down to the bathroom being cleaned. We hold the quality of our facilities extremely high, so you can trust us to do the same with your merchandise.
Knowing that your product is being taken care of by a squeaky clean operation is a serious monkey off a lot of businesses’ backs.
Delivering One Standard
A co-packer that has their client’s best interests at heart will treat every product they get their hands on with the same quality of care. At IFS, we provide one standard of care—the gold standard. For years, we have been working with a Fortune 100 company to fulfill orders across their brands. That same FDA-based quality control is brought to every client that chooses to call us their co-packer.
Guaranteeing one standard of care makes for unbeatable consistency in production. Ensuring that one lofty level of quality control is held means an elevated product for companies on the rise. Because we’re so used to taking care of high-profile brands, up-and-coming businesses know they’re in for top-tier treatment. We are proud to be partnered with Fortune 100 companies and know that our experiences and procedures will lend well to your needs as well.
Cherry-picking services when it comes to quality control are only going to end up costing you more in the long run.
Good, fast, or cheap.
There’s an old saying in the service industry, you have three options; cheap, good, and fast. These are your only options and you can only have two. You can have good and cheap, but it won’t be fast. Good and fast won’t come cheap. And on and on. This is usually said about restaurants, but you get the idea of how it applies to co-packing and quality control.
For some businesses, quantity is what they’re looking for over quality—and more often than not they get what they paid for, and then have to pay more. If you compromise on quality control, the potential for trouble and mishandles is much greater. Paying to backtrack (i.e. tearing everything down and starting from scratch) is going to cost you more in time, resources, and actual money than getting it right the first time would have.
A lot of people go the route of fast and cheap, but reliable quality control, good and fast, is actually the key to money-saving.
Mutually Assured Success
When it comes to co-packing, everyone involved has a reputation and brand to protect. Quality control is part and parcel of making sure that everyone involved in the process comes out smelling like roses. When you sign on with us we become a part of your brand, and it’s one we intend to build right along with you. If you’ve gotten to the point where you need co-packing services you’ve done plenty of stuff right—especially if you’re working with IFS.
We, and any co-packer for that matter, are an extension of your brand. The quality control services of a co-packer are essential in putting the best foot of your company forward. Your co-packer should want nothing more than your success, and that should start and end with making sure every box is checked and all T’s are crossed.
The relationship between client and co-packer is mutually beneficial. A co-packer without clients is just a facility full of employees twiddling their thumbs. When we package your product and send it out into the world we are showing your consumer our best work.
Quality control should be a top priority for both the client and co-packer. With the best quality control mandates in place, a co-packer will be able to save you money, elevate your product, and build you up. A co-packer centered on quality control is less likely to drop the ball, which has the potential to pay for itself in the long run.
The benefits of quality control are far-reaching and can help in aspects of your company that you probably hadn’t considered before. Not only are you getting help with the production part of your business, but you’re also getting a whole new branch of your business that wants your success.
At the end of the day, the right co-packer should care about your product as much as you do.
Reach out about Contract Packaging for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by ifs_admin | Co-Packing
There are a lot of decisions to be made as your business grows and you need some help, a big one being: co-packing vs private label. These two industries do basically the same thing, but there are differences in their functions and benefits.
What is co-packing?
Just as a quick review, let’s go over what co-packing actually is. Co-packing is the outsourcing of your product’s manufacturing and packaging to a third-party specialist. A co-packer takes your creation and fine-tunes the production process to make it available on a grander and speedier scale. Depending on the co-packer, they can also help with networking and design.
What is private labeling?
A private label is also a fulfillment entity. But the big difference here is ownership. While a co-packer distributes your recipe under your name, a private label will distribute their product under your name. A private label is perhaps better suited for a company looking to create something but in need of more help.
As you can see from this overview, there are a few distinct differences. But let’s explore a bit further the differences between the two.
Services
Both a co-packer and a private label will yield a finished product, but there are few more things to consider. A private label will work with your brand to create a formula for your product and then package it for you. They will assist in the development of the product, the branding, and the packaging. However, there is no promise of exclusivity when it comes to private labeling. The private label owns the recipe or formula, which means they can do with it as they please.
A co-packer’s services are more varied, depending on the company. At the heart of it, a co-packer will package and distribute your product. Pretty cut and dry. But there are co-packers, like IFS, who will do more than just bundle up your goods. At IFS we offer our clients a myriad of services including design, fulfillment, distribution, reverse logistics, and much more. Our mission is to provide a single-source provider that can meet the ever-changing end-market demand. Our primary pack and secondary pack designs/solutions can be as simple as a shrink bundle for eCommerce compliance, all the way through developing packaging designs to achieve a high-end unboxing experience. Whatever your needs are, from the individual consumer, through reaching the masses via point of purchase displays and “moment of truth” packaging, IFS can service all your needs.
Even within the confines of private label versus co-packer, there are different levels. If you have a product that needs a little work in branding, primary and secondary packaging is for you. If you just want fulfillment of your product, pursue general co-packing. If you have an idea but no idea or way to start, reach out to a private labeling company.
Pricing
Pricing exists on a sliding scale. All things considered, if we tally up all of the things that both a co-packer and private labeling company do there are slightly different fees due. A private label does everything from start to finish, so their pricing will likely cover more services. With a co-packer, there are more options.
Private labeling will connect you with a team of professionals who will help you formulate, develop, test, design, and ship a polished product. Because their hands are on every aspect of the process, the potential for higher costs is greater. There is also no overhead by completely outsourcing.
When it comes to co-packing pricing, there is some overlap with what you’ll be paying for. You will save on overhead, you’ll be paying for packaging, distribution, and storage. But, unless you opt for a secondary packaging specialist, there will be less to pay for. Co-packers do a lot, but because you’ve already done a good chunk of the work by creating your product costs will likely be less.
These, of course, are broader statements about pricing, and your own research and cost comparisons should be done. Pricing will vary from co-packer to co-packer, as they will from private label to private label.
Summary of Co-Packing vs Private Label
There are many facets that go into the differences between co-packing versus private labeling. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and appeals to different businesses. A private label is essentially a ghostwriter for the mass production of goods. A co-packer is a facility that can elevate your product but focuses on effective mass production. IFS is considered a “Concept through Consumer” co-packer and can work with you from start to finish to develop the optimal solution to increase your brand awareness and sales.
Reach out about Co-Packing for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by Angela Mendes | Co-Packing
Before we answer the question “What does a Co-Packer do?” in regards to a job, let’s explain what contract packing is below.
A co-packing company is an extra set of eyes and hands for businesses. When your company has outgrown your in-house operation a contract packer will pick up the slack. They facilitate the mass manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of your product. Different co-packing companies offer different services. At IFS we specialize in assisting companies design, primary pack, and secondary pack their goods.
That’s a co-packing company in a nutshell. For a more detailed explanation of what co-packing is be sure to check out this other post.
In order for a co-packing company to assist you, they have to have a staff of capable and qualified co-packers. Being a co-packer is a multifaceted job that combines technical and precision skills. If you’re a hard worker looking to change things up, co-packing could be the career for you.
So what does a co-packer do for work?
Assembly Line
The majority of a co-packer’s responsibilities will revolve around the assembly line. This is where bits and pieces become a fully realized and packaged product. In any given facility there will be several lines to be manned and jobs to be done. Co-packers work day in and day out with their hands and that requires a certain amount of stamina. Taking care of the line is what keeps the product flowing.
Working an assembly line requires a lot of focus. Making certain that every step is followed in production is crucial. A co-packer could be in charge of any number of things while working an assembly line. From actual production to packaging, a co-packer must be well versed in every step. On an assembly line things move at a certain pace, a co-packer has to keep up. Most orders being fulfilled by co-packing companies are time-sensitive, so checking every box is essential.
Packaging
When businesses hire co-packers they are expecting a polished product to hit the shelves. Making sure that the packaging is presentable and properly done is a crucial part of a co-packer’s duties. Depending on the co-packing company, a co-packer could be labeling, sorting, loading the line, packaging, deticketing, bundling, and building displays. Whatever the task, careful hands are required.
The packaging is the first thing a customer will notice on the shelves. This is the curb appeal of any product. The presentation of a product is a driving force in sales and that begins with the co-packer. Co-packing facilities are busy, bustling places; a co-packer must be able to deliver a pristine product to the shelves, no matter the conditions.
Clearing the Line
Making sure the line is clear is key to productivity. If things get backed up, the entire process is in trouble. A co-packer is efficient and knows how to prioritize a task. Clearing the line can include any number of tasks, from separating and sorting, to receiving, loading, and pulling.
This can also include reporting safety standards and the operations of the machines. Audits are performed hourly in the IFS facilities, to ensure that everything is on track and all aspects—from employees to equipment—are functioning properly. These audits also inform on the quality of the product being put out and any portion of the process that needs to be changed or tightened.
Maintains Cleanliness
The benefits of a clean facility are far-reaching. Debris can accumulate easily in a packing facility, which can cause delays and even safety hazards. Making sure that your surrounding area is clean is the best way to maintain the cleanliness of the entire facility.
When a business outsources to a co-packing company, assuring peace of mind should be a top priority. That’s where quality control comes in. Quality control is integral to the process and those standards have to be held by co-packers.
Given that we are living in the age of COVID, cleanliness is more important than ever. Contract packaging companies will have strict cleaning protocols in place specifically to promote the health of their employees.
What Does a Co-Packer Do in Summary
Becoming a co-packer will put you in a fast-paced work environment with opportunities to try new things. In this role, you will be expected to act as a member of a team with a much larger goal. An effective co-packer will be able to evaluate the entire process and determine improvements as needed.
Before now you might not have thought about what it takes to get your favorite shampoo and toothpaste on the shelves, but it is a process that requires a lot of hands and hard work. Co-packers are the reason large and small companies alike are able to get our preferred goods to stores around the world.
If you’re comfortable working with your hands and putting in the hours to serve the masses, co-packing is for you.
So that answers the questions, “What does a co-packer do?”.
Find your next co-packing job on our careers page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
by ifs_admin | Co-Packing
For businesses looking to take the next step, the benefits of co-packing are huge. Signing on with a co-packer provides a multitude of opportunities across the board. With the help of a co-packer, businesses will be able to prioritize formerly neglected aspects of the company and create a more refined product.
Time
One of the biggest values a co-packer can provide is freeing up a business owner’s time. Without having to worry about budgeting time to create and package products you will be much freer to branch out. While the product is the most important part of your business there are so many more elements to your business. With your product in safe and efficient hands, you will be able to focus on a few more behind the scenes essentials, such as:
- Networking and expanding vendor options
- Branding
- Marketing
- Etc.
A co-packer will save you personal time and save your production time as well. As the needs of today’s consumers change, so does the demand for the way your goods need to be packaged. Whether your goods need to be bundled in small quantities for eCommerce consumption, or assembled into a pallet display for a club store, a co-packer can help. A co-packer’s main objective is to create and package your product in a manner that meets your end-market demand.
Volume
The primary function of a co-packer is to mass-produce your merchandise in the format that meets your end-market demand. Depending on the size of the co-packer you could be signing on for a guaranteed volume. A guaranteed volume is an assured amount of your product created by the co-packer. These quantities can range anywhere from 200 to 1,000+ per run. Signing on for a guaranteed volume could give you the chance to expand further than you thought possible and test your boundaries as a company.
If the demand for your product is high enough for you to be joining up with a co-packer, this is the most straightforward way to ramp up production. Creating 200 units of your product might take you weeks on end, but with a co-packer the process is completely expedited through line set-ups and automation (where applicable). Getting your hands on mass amounts of your product is the way to take your business to the next level and no one can do that better than a co-packer.
Money-Saving Potential
Hiring a co-packer, and utilizing their pre-existing space, automation, and leadership team could save you money in the end. A co-packer like IFS has comprehensive care that will do so much more than packaging your product. IFS has created a model that allows their customers to work with one organization for all services from design through consumer::
- Packaging design (primary pack, secondary pack, unboxing experience)
- Display design (structural and creative)
- Ecommerce and retail distribution
- Club Store programs
- Reverse logistics
- Rework (ticketing, deticketing, repack, testing, etc.)
- Kitting, Bundling, Blister Packs, Gift Sets, Subscription Services
The right co-packer will be able to help you improve your product from formulation to distribution. Finding a one-stop-shop for your product will minimize any other outside contracts. Rather than hiring a designer, a distributor, and extra labor to meet demand—all of which would become cumbersome and costly—find a co-packer with the services you need.
Efficiency
As a thriving business, odds are you have your own production line down pat. However, co-packers specialize in efficiency and will be able to accommodate more production in a fraction of the time. More than that, co-packers like IFS offer services in other aspects outside of production:
- Warehousing and Logistics
- eFulfillment
- Domestic TL, LTL, Small Parcel Carrier Management
- Transportation & Reverse Logistics
Every step of the production process can be entrusted to and improved by a co-packer. IFS handles both primary and secondary packaging which is essentially everything from creation to getting it to the vendor. Because you’re trusting a professional entity with your product there is a certain quality expectation as well. Mistakes commonly made when you’re on your own won’t be a concern when a co-packer is involved. One of the benefits of co-packing is that it has the potential to round out your entire business.
Speedy Production
Outsourcing to a co-packer has a lot of compounding benefits when you get down to it. The production of more merchandise, as well as the freeing up of your time, will open the door for more. If you have more time for marketing and networking you’ll likely end up needing more product, and with the demand booming, you’ll need a faster turnaround. A co-packer will be able to fill orders at a rate and with quality that you wouldn’t be able to handle as a solo operation.
The benefits of fast production are more than just financial. A faster output will usually mean a more efficient one as well which means less troubleshooting and more perfect products hitting the market.
Speed in the co-packing industry is a sign of proficiency and dedication to getting your product right time after time.
Professional Touch
Working with a co-packer means that you have access to a much wider skill set and much more experienced hands. As a result, your product will nearly instantly have a difference in product quality. Co-packing facilities and workers often have to earn certain certifications before they’re allowed to open their doors, which makes them all the more dependable. The fact is that co-packers will be able to do things you just aren’t capable of doing yourself.
Taking your business to a co-packer is a surefire way to take your brand up another notch. Having professional take care of packaging will give your product a refined look and feel that will make it seem much more at home among big retailers’ shelves. At IFS we offer our professional touch from production to placement. We will help you get your product on the shelf in a way that will catch eyes and drive sales.
The Benefits of Co-Packing in Summary
The benefits of co-packing stretch across every aspect of being a business owner. When you have a co-packer, you have more time to explore your company’s future and your product will be more readily available to the market. Your product will be in the hands of professionals who will be able to lend you insight and advice to improve quality and cost-effectiveness. Above all, a co-packer can help you reach new heights with a strong product and a firmer grasp on the marketing and distribution facets of the business world.
Reach out about Co-Packing for your business at our Speak to a Specialist Page.
#impactfs #supplychain #copacking #impactyourbrand
