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3 key factors for efficient layout of your packing station
Whether you're a small, ambitious e-tailer or a seasoned logistics specialist, optimizing your packaging process is crucial to reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction and boosting efficiency.
But where do you start? How can you transform a simple packing table into a real productivity tool?
The answer lies in three factors, often overlooked, yet key to successful shipments. Discover them now ⬇️
1. Optimizing flows: the key to efficient packaging
Control your incoming and outgoing flows
➡️ The placement of your packing stations is crucial to efficient logistics:
- Position them wisely between storage and shipping areas to optimize movement and reduce downtime.
- Clear demarcation of zones is essential: use colored floor markings and visible signage to guide operators.
This organization has a significant impact on overall performance. It reduces the risk of accidents and errors, while increasing productivity thanks to smoother movements. What's more, a well thought-out layout facilitates the integration of new employees, enabling them to quickly understand the layout of the workspace.
Specialize your jobs to maximize efficiency
For high-volume operations, the specialization of packing stations offers many advantages. By adapting each station to a specific type of product, you can considerably reduce set-up and packing times.
Organize each station with the appropriate tools and packaging, creating ready-to-use packaging "kits". This approach improves job speed and optimizes space by eliminating superfluous material.
✅ What's more, specialization reduces errors associated with frequent product changes.
Ultimately, you get valuable time savings and more efficient use of space, two key factors in increasing the productivity of your packaging area.
For seasonal operations, a dedicated mobile packaging structure can be a good solution, enabling you to move your packaging station to different times of the year.
2. Meticulous organization: a guarantee of performance
Apply the 5S method to your packaging station
➡️ The 5S method is a powerful tool for optimizing your packing station. This Japanese technique consists of implementing 5 operations: clear, tidy, clean, order, educate (and discipline).
In practical terms, apply these simple tips:
- Identify essential equipment and eliminate anything you don't need on a regular basis.
- Organize your space to place tools according to their rate of use: those used permanently should be within easy reach, frequently-used equipment in a nearby area, and occasional equipment on the periphery, on a special packing station sideboard for example.
- Don't underestimate the importance of tidying: define a fixed location for each item and set up a visual tidying system. Establish a tidying routine at the end of each shift to maintain order.
This methodical approach improves efficiency and reduces the stress associated with a disorganized work environment.
Structure your workspace like a pro
A high-performance packing station is based on an ideal composition.
➡️ Install an ergonomic, spacious work surface, complemented by shelves for storage, such as a carton shelf or multi-level shelf. Integrate dispensing systems (vertical, horizontal or lateral unwinders) for packaging and cushioning such as bubble wrap or kraft paper.
Optimize each level:
- the top level for the most frequently used packaging,
- the middle level for frequently-used tools and consumables,
- the lower level of your packing table for bulky or less-used materials.
If you have large volumes to handle, don't hesitate to adopt innovative solutions such as conveyors for package evacuation. These improvements can considerably speed up the packing process and reduce operator fatigue.
3. Ergonomics: the secret of sustainable productivity
Design a workstation adapted to human needs
Ergonomics are at the heart of an efficient packaging station.
✅ Respect the essential standards recommended by INRS:
- a working height of between 81 and 107 cm for sit-stand work,
- a gripping zone of 60° for frequent use of tools,
- a viewing angle of 40° below the horizontal for visual information.
To adapt the working height to your operator, opt for a height-adjustable structure like our modular packing table (adjustable from 738 to 988 mm).
These arrangements have a significant impact on health and performance: they reduce musculoskeletal disorders, increase concentration and precision, while reducing fatigue. The result? Enhanced well-being and improved productivity for your operators.
Customize your workstation for maximum efficiency
Customizing your packing station is crucial to maximizing efficiency ⬇️
- Adjust the configuration according to your products and volumes: adapt the size of the work surface to the format of the packages, and provide buffer storage spaces for peaks in activity.
- Don't forget complementary equipment: anti-fatigue mats, standing seats, ergonomic tools such as safety cutters and tape dispensers, as well as adjustable screen supports and document holders.
- Finally, focus on adaptability: train your teams to adjust their workstations, encourage rotation to vary the demands made on them, and solicit their feedback on a regular basis.
This user-centered approach guarantees an optimal working environment and increased productivity.
Our experts are there for you
You now have the keys to setting up your ideal packing station: flow optimization, meticulous organization and adapted ergonomics. And for best results, these 3 elements must work in synergy.
Finally, needs evolve, technologies advance, and your workstation must keep pace. Every little adjustment can have a significant impact on your overall productivity: whether it's saving a few seconds on each parcel or improving the comfort of your employees, these improvements add up to make a major difference in the long term.
To support you in this process, our experts are at your disposal:
