Page 13 - Packaging News Jan-Feb 2020

January-February 2020
www.packagingnews.com.au
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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Efficiency in manufacturing is crucial for us to remain competitive globally. Setting up your business with clear KPIs focused around efficiency and automated reporting/ dashboards will be key. What we can’t measure, we can’t manage.”
– Mark Dingley, Matthews & APPMA
that is both sustainable and can keep food for longer. But plastic is not the problem – it may actually be part of the solution.
“Our collective focus needs to be educating people – especially young- er generations – about the impact of plastics on the environment, and dramatically changing our culture around waste and recycling.” – Pierre Pienaar
Build the foundations for efficiency: “Ef- ficiency in manufacturing is cru- cial for us to remain competitive globally. Setting up your business with clear KPIs focused around efficiency and automated reporting/ dashboards will be key. What we can’t measure, we can’t manage. Data will be king as more business systems become integrated with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Make sure your busi- ness processes around data collec- tion are in order, as the outputs can only be as good as the inputs.” – Mark Dingley ■
This is an edited version of an article first published on the Matthews Blog (www.matthews.com.au).
ter, more insightful decisions. Don’t be afraid to fail, but recognise it and move on. In other words, fail fast.” – Andrew Steele
Understand your customer: “The more I travel around the world, the more I realise this is a neglected area. Take the supply chain: from the time you manufacture to the time your prod- uct lands on the end-consumer’s ta- ble, there might be 15 to 20 different consumers; that is, different people handling the product. You need to consider how to manage those con- tact points and ensure everyone has the information they need to fulfil their obligations.” – Pierre Pienaar
Target the next generation: “Position- ing businesses and brands to attract next-gen talent and consumers will be vital. Embracing the values of Gen Z will put many businesses out of their comfort zone, but will be a fantastic opportunity longer term.” – Mark Dingley
Build a strategy to attract and retain talent: “Manufacturers should priori- tise their strategy for attracting and retaining the best possible opera- tional employees. Start by actually listening and genuinely caring about your current crop.
“The core of the OFS product suite is captured in our name – Opera- tions Feedback Systems – yet it con- tinues to both surprise and frustrate me how much of the amazing feed- back captured by our product falls on deaf ears. These are folks who may have spent eight hours per day for 20 years working in your busi- ness, who are providing insights and opportunities for improvement every day... in a one-way direction.” – James Magee
Collaborate and innovate: “Doing the same thing over and over again is not going to work for the next de- cade; the pressures and changing landscape requires manufacturers to evolve... quickly. Look to more collaboration along the value chain and forming partnerships for shared value co-creation where the sum of the parts creates great value. Stand on the shoulders of giants by learn- ing from others and other indus- tries.” – Angeline Achariya
Focus on smart packaging: “Active packaging isn’t new. It’s simply the art and science of making better materials to enhance the barrier structure, give an extended shelf life, and so on. As consumers, we are putting more demands on the system than ever before. For example, we want bananas
at any time of year. How do suppliers provide this? With the right packaging.
“Active packaging now needs to do more, but increasing the barrier structures to ensure food lasts lon- ger means it cannot be sustainable packaging. In other words, as con- sumers, we are causing the problem of unsustainable packaging. It’s im- portant to come up with packaging
Develop plans and access investment (ideally with government assistance) to expand outside of local markets. Maximise e-commerce trade platforms for growth and exploration of product development through enhanced direct consumer feedback.”
– Andrew Steele