Smart packaging is an emerging technology that’s growing in popularity. Smart packaging is the use of sensors, software and other technologies to automate storage, tracking, inventory and other processes around a product. These technologies let manufacturers track a product from manufacturer to retail shelf and beyond. This article will explain smart packaging, its benefits for manufacturers and retailers, how it works and potential areas for improvement. Smart packaging is one of the most exciting manufacturing innovations in years — so exciting that many manufacturers have labeled it as the “new MRP system” or the “new ERP system”. In this article, we will explore what smart packaging is, why manufacturers should implement it and how it can benefit your business.
What is Smart Packaging?
A smart package is a physical container that uses sensors, software and other technologies to automate storage, tracking, inventory and other processes around a product. When a consumer picks up a package, sensors trigger a signal to a software system. The system can track a product from production to retail shelf and beyond. The sensors and software will often be integrated into plastic sheets, cardboard boxes and more. Smart packaging is different from previous electronic packaging technologies like barcode reading or RFID because it uses sensors and software to control the product, track the item and link receipt and shipment data. This means that smart packaging can’t just read a barcode and track a product. Instead, it uses sensors and software to track the product. A sensor detects if the package is open or not, if it’s been moved or if a sensor is triggered. This sensor data is processed by software and then used to control an inventory system, send notifications or fill out paperwork.
What are the benefits of smart packaging for manufacturers?
There are several key advantages of smart packaging for manufacturers. First, manufacturers can use smart packaging to automate receipt, inventory and shipping processes for products. This can result in significant cost savings. For example, a manufacturer can use smart sensors to track the products entering a warehouse. They can then use software to automatically track the item as it proceeds through the warehouse and its path to a retail store. This can stop manual mistakes like a pallet of product being placed in the wrong store. It can also help a manufacturer identify issues like a defective product being shipped or a product being shipped twice. Other advantages include automating order fulfillment, managing inventory and improving traceability. With smart packaging, manufacturers can use sensors to track the temperature of a product and then send an alert when a product is too hot or too cold. They can also use sensors to detect if a product is being opened or broken. If a product is being tampered with, sensors can trigger an alarm and notify authorities.
