One verbatim question on the survey asked respondents whether packaging machine builders lacked networking or systems integration expertise. Several respondents replied in the affirmative. Here are some direct quotes:
“Equipment builders are still operating in the 1960s to 1970s environment and have done little to get into the 21st century.”—West Coast packaging engineer from a large tobacco company. “Machinery manufacturers are slow in applying new technologies to their equipment.”—Packaging engineer for a medium-sized Southwestern food company. “[We find] inconsistent data formats and protocols between different machinery manufacturers.”—Midwest packaging engineer for a large motorcycle manufacturer. “Our packaging requirements are simple. However, we have experienced a lack of [vendor] knowledge in networking or systems updates even to bring our rudimentary requirements into today’s world.”—Southeastern quality assurance manager for a medium-sized food company. “Everyone offers it . . . don’t know of many people who use it. There needs to be some significant payback for me to install my side of the network.”—West Coast manager for a medium-sized candy maker. “Lack of high-quality training and support.”—Midwestern manufacturing engineer for a small manufacturer in the medical/pharmaceutical industry. “No standardized systems [offered by machinery builders].” —Production manager at a large Midwestern pharmaceutical company. “[Machinery builders] don’t use nationally recognized standards and are not willing to change for project/equipment we are interested in at the time.” —Maintenance manager at a large Midwestern household chemical products manufacturer. “It has been my experience that [machinery builders] do lack networking skills and tend to shy away from this type of activity.”—Engineering manager at a large Midwestern meat packer. “We have spent extensive time and money to work with vendors to make their systems compliant with our requirements.”—Northeastern production manager for a large medical/pharmaceutical products maker. “There is no standardized interface protocol, so most machinery builders I am familiar with offer only what customer specifies and pays extra for.”—Midwestern production manager for a medium-sized household chemical products manufacturer.
There were a few positive comments that bear mentioning:
“It’s been mixed: Some builders are on top of networking, others are behind.” —Mid-Atlantic production manager for a large pharmaceutical company. “Good so far.”—Manager at a small Canadian food company. “I’m satisfied with the development process.”—Packaging engineer at a medium-sized battery manufacturer.
Next month: Packaging suppliers share their perspective on their customers’ networking expectations.
See the story that goes with this sidebar: Packaging trails the networked future
See sidebar to this article: Methodology
