Is it time to automate your bagging line?
This article gives an overview of what you need to consider before switching from manual to automated bagging. Tips also cover small automation steps you can take when your capital budget won't stretch to automating the entire bagging system.
It's estimated that employing one bagging operator costs about $60,000 per year, once you factor in wages plus all of the associated costs for that position. So if you're using two operators per shift to run your bagging line, your annual labor costs for one shift can be $120,000. By installing an automated bagging system, you can cut your labor costs in half for each shift because the automated system requires only one operator. Automating also can cut the high cost of worker's compensation by eliminating manual handling of filled bags. Manual bag lifting can lead to repetitive-motion injuries and conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome for workers, increasing your insurance costs.