Categories
Services We Offer

A 360º packaging perspective – How boots on the ground insights prevent up in the air decisions

We have developed and refined our Smart360 process to where we can now quickly assess and action improvements for clients. However, this process works best if we can get up close to the coalface. Only with this careful on-site analysis can companies know with certainty their packaging is 100% fit for purpose.

Packaging peace of mind is a beautiful thing. That’s when companies know every product is contained in as efficient, sustainable, and effective way as possible given the unique circumstances and environment they operate in.

But how often is this peace of mind possible, given that most companies work within a ‘business as usual’ approach?

Confidence can only come through the type of in-depth knowledge possible from a thorough on-site assessment. Our Smart360 system provides precise data around a wide range of measurables, clarity that ensures businesses can make well-considered decisions for enduring results.

“Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”

Donald Rumsfeld, Former US Secretary of Defence.

So, how does it work? We follow a three-step, results-orientated approach to ensure packaging aligns with a business’s strategic and economic development plans.

Step 1: Analyse

Packaging fills many roles, from safe containment, through to marketing, and on to providing a robust vessel for the end user to access the product. With every movement, there is an opportunity to make changes, which can result in cumulative savings.

“The initial in-house assessment focused on the bags being the issue. However, closer analysis from our team found the root cause was in new bagging technology…”

Our analysts look closely at entire life cycle of the bag or sack. From manufacturing through to filling orders we’ll check each point to see where packaging processes and products can be improved.

This means looking at waste numbers for any issues, as well as checking sales cycles and operational processes. We’ll assess how your inventory is managed and how each product is placed in the market. Often, small additions or alterations have been made to meet the needs of the moment. However, without regular analysis, it can be hard to see whether these changes are still serving the right purpose.

One such example occurred with a company that was struggling with valve bags blowing up. The initial in-house assessment focused on the bags being the issue. However, closer analysis from our team found the root cause was in new bagging technology that had been recently implemented.

Our on-site diagnosis quickly established the best way forward – establishing the correct pressure and filling speed settings of the equipment. This didn’t just save ongoing costs associated with replacement bags. It also prevented a costly change in packaging.

Step 2: Optimise

A detailed analysis of the status quo will generally unearth opportunities for further optimisation.

A recent on-site assessment for one customer uncovered that bags were overhanging on pallets, which was causing several issues during storage and shipping. The packaging was over-specified for what was needed, and our subsequent recommendation reduced the size and, in doing so, reduced plastic use while increasing stability during transit.

By adding something like a gusset to a packaging product, more products may be able to be fitted onto a pallet, for example, reducing shipping costs. Of course, for some companies, a complete overhaul of product or packaging design may be suggested. This could be in line with new technologies in packaging, which might better serve the needs of your business and help you meet sustainability goals. Or a new Environmental Management System might be recommended.

Step 3: Implement

Once you have the data on hand, we can help you to embed pragmatic, effective changes that will optimise systems and increase savings. Sometimes it’s just a small tweak here and there that is needed for a positive result.

This might look like new product packaging created by our design team to better suit your needs, or a simple adjustment to existing packaging, through to a more efficient layout of your distribution centre. As we provide full in-house service for packaging design and supply, it can be simple and quick to implement changes.

This follow-through means your Smart360 analysis is always far more than a box ticking exercise. It allows companies throughout Australasia to remove the unknowns and pack, store, send, and sell with confidence.

To book a Smart360 site audit, click here.

Categories
Services We Offer

You have less than 4 seconds…

You have less than 4 seconds… that is the maximum time an average customer will dedicate to any product on the shelf.

Seem overwhelming? Not really, take a quick look at our few top tips to make your packaging design and graphics work for you.

Buying decisions are so heavily dependent on a package’s power to influence purchasing behaviour, so it is crucial to maximize a packaging design’s potential and optimize every aspect of it.

Here is how:

Attractiveness:  Simply put- first impressions last and customers are attracted to visuals and colours. You have one chance to stand out from the competition by showcasing your brand. Use it.

Silently sell your product: Build that relationship between your brand and the end user. Add in memory retention and you have a repeat sale with no extra cost. Branded packaging has the potential to help sell more product both at point of sale and when it is in use or stored in your customer’s shed. A silent salesperson if you will.

Honesty & Uniqueness: What does your brand encompass and what values do you stand for, are you sharing this with your customers? Give them a glimpse into who you are and let your packaging tell your story.

Effectiveness: This is where functionality and fabrication come into play. Every product is unique and requires tailored packaging to ensure optimal handling whilst in transit for perfect shelf display. Initial attraction is one thing, but it is as important that packaging stays looking good and keeps your product protected every step of the way.

So where to now and where do we come in?

Here at Smart Pack, we have our own talented in-house design team. We have the capacity to quickly turn around quality packaging designs, including 3D renderings to ensure your visual is perfect before going to print. No stress, no fuss, our design team understand packaging construction, and know exactly what will work best for each of our product’s offerings. Let us create the perfect product for you!

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to see more of what we do.
Categories
Services We Offer

Why good packaging graphics are good for business

Paying careful attention to your packaging design is not just for fancy consumer brands. Even packaging in the primary sector can benefit from good branding and graphics. Whether it’s to promote the benefits of your product, ensure brand recognition, provide usage instructions, or make sure your product stands out from the rest, packaging design can have a positive impact on your bottom line. How can we be so sure? We’ve seen it happen for our customers. Many times. Need convincing? Here’s why it works.

3 reasons good packaging design is good for business

1. Stand out from the competition

No matter what you sell — whether it’s stockfeed, firewood, seeds, or other — someone else will be selling a similar product. Most businesses have competitors.

Branded packaging will help you stand out and look different to your competitors. It’s also an opportunity to provide information to help sell your product. To tell the world why your product is so good.

Of course, the fundamental purpose of packaging is to provide a means to deliver the product from A to B securely. So the packaging real estate (and cost) is there already. If you’re not using it to your full advantage to sell your product you’re missing an opportunity. The additional cost of graphics on your packaging is nominal compared to the potential benefits.

2. Silently sell your product

Not only will good packaging design help you stand out at point of sale, it will also help with ongoing sales.

Using marketing speak — packaging is a core part of building a relationship between a brand and the end user, in some cases, long after purchase.

Or to put it more simply — if you’ve been using a product and liked it, it’s easier to buy it again if you remember the packaging next time you see it instore or online.

So branded packaging has the potential to help sell more product both at point of sale and when it’s in use or stored in your customer’s shed. A silent salesperson, if you will.

3. Make it easy

Good packaging design makes information easy to find and understand.

Some products need usage instructions and may have important safety warnings. This information is helpful both at point of sale and when the product is in use. Creating an experience with your brand that makes life easier and minimizes frustration will go a long way toward building loyalty.

Again, the packaging real estate is there already, the trick is to use it wisely. The right information and the right design help grow brand loyalty and ultimately sell more product.

Improving packaging graphics is not hard

Here at Smart Pack, we have in-house design capability, or we can work with your existing graphic designers. We have the capacity to quickly turn around packaging designs and print jobs. Our talented in-house graphic designers create quality designs, including 3D renderings. Our design team understand packaging construction, and know exactly what will work best for each of our bags and sacks.

Enhancing the graphics on your packaging is not a great deal of outlay, and offers a solid return on investment.

If you’re looking for a competitive edge, your packaging design can provide it.

We can turn your ideas into reality, adding value based on our experience in the primary sector. We know what works and what doesn’t.

Contact us if you’d like to find out more.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to see more of what we do.