The mark of a strong product is one that can not only stand the test of time, but can also adapt to all the changes and advancements that come with time and progress. This is especially true in the packaging industry.
So says Meryl Malcomess, marketing director of SYSPRO, who notes that the packaging industry is characterised by constantly changing market conditions, technological advancements, relentless competitive pressure, seasonal and regional variations as well as fluctuating costs for both raw materials and business operations.
"Consider, for example, the challenge of creating packaging for perishable goods being transported to regions around the world with varying climatic conditions and regulatory standards. Add to that the considerable pressure on the packaging industry as a whole to protect the environment both in the manufacturing of their products and the recycling thereof, and you can start to get a glimpse of the multifaceted nature of this sector," she says.
According to the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), the health of the packaging industry is strongly linked to that of the world economy as a whole. It also says that while the designs, materials, styles and functions of packaging have evolved and developed tremendously in recent years, there remains ever-present opportunity to meet the demand for increasingly functional, convenient and environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging.
Malcomess points out that changes in consumer behaviour also play a large role in the evolution of packaging styles. Current trends include rising health awareness, smaller households and the need for greater convenience for on-the-go lifestyles in a time-poor economy.
"When faced with such wide-ranging and unpredictable challenges, businesses in the packaging industry are under immense pressure to stay at the top of their game. They need to have a firm grip on every single process in their operation while remaining flexible enough to shift their strategy and outputs at any given time while still leaving room for optimisation."
These companies must re-evaluate their processes with a focus on operational efficiencies and strategic use of technology. "This is where, I believe, it is imperative for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to step in," she says.
According to Malcomess, ERP is a valuable asset for companies that need a highly detailed and dynamic business process modelling instrument. It assists them in fully understanding every aspect of their business - giving the necessary perspective required to know where there is room for change and improvement, she adds.
As a result, she points out that it is essential for companies in the packaging industry to choose a software solution that has the ability to both support and catalyse their evolution.
To Malcomess, the best way to manage a business in the midst of a changing industry is to optimise supply chain processes. "The right ERP solution can increase operational efficiencies, reduce costs, improve customer service and give a company the competitive edge by integrating and automating its operations.
"It's clear choosing an ERP solution that fully understands the unique demands and fluctuations of the industry can help packaging companies optimise their operations and remain at the forefront of innovation. Just as design, innovation, simplicity and flexibility are the core values of such businesses, these values should also be the key characteristics of the ERP platform used to run them," she concludes.
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