German e-commerce companies are increasingly thinking about automating their packaging processes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the conclusion reached by Packaging by Quadient, which produces automation solutions for parcel shippers with its CVP range.
„In particular, the regulations on the minimum distance between employees are prompting decision-makers in the logistics and packaging sector to do this, Automation projects preferable”, reports Claus Weigel, Senior Sales Manager DACH at Packaging by Quadient. The French company recently received several project orders from the DACH region.
In discussions with potential customers, Weigel has established that decision-makers Jumping on the automation bandwagon due to the pandemic - and only later discover the other advantages of modern process solutions. The most important arguments in favour of automation include lower personnel and shipping costs, a reduced need for seasonal staff, greater process accuracy and more efficient use of space. At the same time, staff can be deployed in more profitable processes.
Sustainability is secondary
According to Weigel, the fact that automated packaging solutions are also sustainable is not currently the most important argument in favour of a project order for many decision-makers. „Many companies are surprised that the return on investment materialises faster than they initially assumed,” reports Weigel.
Sales expert Weigel assumes that, particularly in the DACH region Automation projects in the packaging sector will increase. This is not only due to the growing e-commerce sales in many sectors since the beginning of the pandemic. Corona crisis and seasonal fluctuations in demand. „One of the biggest drivers will be the demographic change will become. Statistics show, for example, that the German population will fall from 82 million now to up to 60 million people in 2050. This means that there will be fewer and fewer people available for the labour market. Many companies are already realising this today and are reacting,” explains Weigel.
[infotext icon]Packaging by Quadient, formerly Neopost, is a provider of customised solutions for tailor-made packaging. The company's automated systems measure, fold, glue and label shipping packaging, which can consist of individual or multiple products. They have been in use by B2B and B2C shippers and logistics service providers in nine countries since 2014[/infotext].Source: Packaging by Quadient
