Direct answer
Scale the dominant constraint first and retain enough flexibility for normal product, pack and demand variation. For carton closing, confirm the result with representative product and packaging before altering several variables at once.
Likely causes
- Growth assumptions are not connected to measured demand in the carton closing process.
- A full line is chosen before the product range stabilises in the carton closing process.
- The next bottleneck is ignored in the carton closing process.
- Utilities and space cannot support the target in the carton closing process.
What should be checked first?
- Measure the current operation
- Forecast low, expected and high demand
- Identify the first capacity constraint
- Compare manual, semi-automatic and automatic stages
- Protect changeover flexibility
- Plan utilities and layout
- Set stage-gate acceptance criteria
What should you compare before buying?
Compare the operating principle against the actual product, pack range, sustained good output, measurable quality limits, cleaning, changeover and site conditions. Use representative samples and agree what will be demonstrated during testing before delivery and after installation.
Machinery options for this problem
Start with the first option below. It most closely matches the product, pack and problem described on this page. The other options may suit a wider line or a different level of automation.
Related carton closing questions
Sealing and end of lineWhy is carton closing production giving inconsistent results?
Variation usually begins with changing product or packaging conditions, unstable presentation, unsuitable settings or wear in the process.
See the checks →
Sealing and end of lineHow can I increase carton closing production speed?
Increase sustained good output by identifying the actual constraint, separating machine cycle time from handling time and removing the first recurring cause of waiting.
See the checks →
Sealing and end of lineWhy does carton closing equipment keep jamming or stopping?
Find the first point where control is lost. A downstream alarm is often only the final symptom of poor feeding, transfer, detection or format control.
See the checks →