From Case to Conveyor: How Automated Packaging Solutions Are Revolutionizing Efficiency

In packaging, efficiency and production optimization are crucial for ROI. Manual packaging can slow down production, increase labor costs, and lead to expensive mistakes. Thatโ€™s where Easteyโ€™s automated packaging solutions come into play. From automatic L-sealers to case erectors, conveyors, bundlers, and case sealers, these innovations are changing how products move from the production line to the shipping dockโ€”saving time, lowering labor costs, and improving overall efficiency.

Whether youโ€™re a growing business or a high-volume production facility, investing in automation can turn a slow, error-prone workflow into a streamlined, high-performing operation.


The Challenge of Manual Packaging

Manual packaging has been the industry standard for decades, but it comes with hidden costs that add up quickly.

Challenge in manual packaging icon graphic
  • High Labor Costs: Employees spend significant hours lifting, moving, and sealing cases, which adds up in wages and overtime.
  • Inconsistent Output: Human error is inevitableโ€”boxes can be improperly sealed, labels misaligned, or cases damaged during handling.
  • Production Bottlenecks: Manual processes canโ€™t always keep up with increasing demand, slowing down the entire line and affecting delivery schedules.
  • Safety Risks: Repetitive lifting and manual handling can lead to workplace injuries, further adding to costs.

For many facilities, โ€œefficientโ€ production is simply the best possible outcome given limited resourcesโ€”until automation enters the picture.


Automation to the Rescue: Eastey Solutions

Easteyโ€™s automated packaging solutions address these challenges head-on, creating a faster, safer, and more consistent workflow.

In our video, โ€œManual to Automatic: Does Automation Matter?โ€, we showcase three levels of case packaging solutionsโ€”from a fully manual setup to semi-automatic equipment to a fully automated packaging line. The side-by-side comparison highlights how each method performs so you can determine which approach is best for your operation. Youโ€™ll see in real time how automation drives greater throughput, consistency, and overall efficiency.

Carton sealing machine with conveyor and boxes.
SB-2EX

Scenario 1. Hand Forming with a Case Sealer โ€“ MANUAL
This manual setup features Easteyโ€™s SB-2EX case sealer.

Industrial black and silver packaging machine.
EX-CF

Scenario 2. Case Former with Inline Case Sealer โ€“ SEMI-AUTOMATIC
The semi-automatic system includes Easteyโ€™s EXCF Case Former paired with the SB-2EXN case sealer.

Packaging machine with Eastey branding and controls.
ERX-15

Scenario 3. Automatic Case Erector with Automatic Case Sealer โ€“ FULLY AUTOMATIC
The fully automated solution integrates the ERX-15 Case Erector, C1848 Conveyor, and SB-2EX Auto case sealer.

Beyond the equipment showcased in the video, Eastey offers a wide selection of automated solutions. No matter what your production line requires, we have automated equipment suitable for your business.

By combining our automatic solutions, manufacturers can create a fully automated packaging line that is efficient, reliable, and scalable.


Real-World ROI: Time and Cost Savings

The advantages of automation are measurable in time savings, labor reduction, and operational efficiency:

ROI time and cost savings worldwide
  • Labor Savings: Automated systems reduce the need for repetitive manual tasks, freeing employees to focus on higher-value activities.
  • Increased Throughput: Production lines move faster and more consistently, allowing for higher output without expanding the workforce.
  • Reduced Errors: Automated sealing and handling ensure every box meets quality standards, decreasing waste and rework.
  • Improved Safety: Fewer manual lifts and repetitive motions reduce workplace injuries, contributing to a safer environment and fewer lost workdays.

Facilities that implement automated Eastey systems achieve productivity gains and significant reductions in labor costs and operational errors.


Before Automation

Automation manual vs automated
  • Workers manually lift and move cases across the line.
  • Sealing and labeling are inconsistent, sometimes requiring rework.
  • Bottlenecks occur during peak production hours, slowing down overall workflow.
  • Labor costs and overtime hours climb.

After Automation

  • Eastey conveyors move cases seamlessly from station to station.
  • Case sealers provide uniform, secure sealing every time.
  • Material handling systems integrate the line for continuous, efficient flow.
  • Labor requirements decrease, and employees are freed for higher-value tasks.
  • Throughput increases, errors drop, and operational costs are significantly reduced.

The result? A packaging line that is faster, safer, and far more cost-effective.


Industry Insight: Why Automation Matters Now

In an era where consumer expectations and supply chain demands are higher than ever, speed and reliability in packaging are no longer optionalโ€”theyโ€™re essential. Automated packaging systems allow manufacturers to:

Automation growth and improvement
  • Meet growing demand without adding additional labor costs.
  • Maintain consistent quality across every shipment.
  • Respond quickly to changes in product lines or packaging requirements.
  • Compete effectively in a market that rewards speed, precision, and reliability.

Easteyโ€™s systems are designed to adapt to these evolving needs, ensuring businesses stay competitive and efficient.


Conclusion

Cardboard box on automated conveyor belt.

Automated packaging isnโ€™t just a convenienceโ€”itโ€™s a strategic investment. Eastey solutions streamline production, reduce labor costs, minimize errors, and improve workplace safety. They allow businesses to meet increasing demand without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

By upgrading your workflow with automatic packaging equipment, your facility can achieve consistent, high-speed packaging that scales with your growth.

Discover how Easteyโ€™s automated packaging solutions can transform your production line. Contact us today to get started.