An efficient, secure supply chain is essential to enhance speed to market, product safety and sustainability. And it starts with an innovative, efficient production line that equips companies to meet industry regulations as they respond quickly to changing consumer demands. With the beverage packaging industry in North America expected to reach $26.3 billion in 2015, according to a recent study from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, now is a good time for beverage professionals to explore new possibilities.

There are many factors to consider on the production line. For manufacturers striving to enhance their lines, PACK EXPO International 2014 (November 2-5; McCormick Place, Chicago) can serve as a resource for finding insights, innovations and suppliers.

Start at the Top

In today’s competitive marketplace, there’s no overstating the importance of continuous evaluation and improvement – and savvy brand owners understand there are few, if any, “one-size-fits-all” solutions to any challenges. However, there are some broad guidelines that can help achieve a reliable, safe and efficient supply chain, and those guidelines start at the top, with leadership and management.

A successful business must have clear goals and a strategic plan in place to implement any changes. Without a mission or a roadmap, success can be allusive regardless of perfect execution and even the most advanced technologies. Once business goals are aligned with the company mission and clearly outlined, management can communicate expected changes to personnel, implement new solutions, and put improved procedures into action. Well-educated and engaged employees, who understand the goals of initiatives and how new programs will support them, are more likely to adhere to policy revisions and ensure excellence throughout the entire supply chain.

Maximize the Impact of Innovation

PMMI’s study suggests various initiatives to help beverage manufacturers advance with the right equipment to transform their supply chains. In addition to improving reliability, safety and efficiency in their lines, innovative packaging solutions can help beverage manufacturers differentiate their brands and meet industry expectations. For example, packaging equipment and materials that increase sustainability can also support cost savings and improve consumer perception, leading to greater brand loyalty and sales growth. By selecting technologies that support multiple supply chain goals, companies stand to see superior results. Furthermore, why not dovetail goals in speed and flexibility? For example, labeling machines that can serve a variety of packaging formats, shapes and dimensions can help manufacturers maximize line flexibility, reducing downtime due to changeover and helping speed product to market. Multitasking equipment and investments that support multiple goals help beverage companies reach their supply chain goals faster.

Select the Right Suppliers

It’s important to choose equipment providers that not only offer reliable and high-performing technologies, but also provide excellent technical service. An effective partnership includes one in which both parties – supplier and buyer – can work together beyond point of purchase to manage the performance and use of equipment.

As beverage companies seek to enhance their manufacturing supply chains and find the suppliers that best fit their needs, PACK EXPO will provide a one-stop-shop for the latest materials, equipment and insights in packaging and processing. Features such as The Processing Zone and The Brand Zone will guide attendees through an array of mixing equipment, filling systems, conveyers, packaging materials, containers, closures, printing, marking and coding solutions and much more. The Beverage Cooler Lounge, endorsed by the International Society of Beverage Technologists and sponsored by Dorner, will be an on-floor hub where beverage manufacturers share ideas and receive expert advice from ISBT representatives. Finally, the co-location with Pharma EXPO will offer opportunities to cross-pollinate ideas between industries, encouraging suppliers and end-users alike to spread insights and inspiration.

To register for PACK EXPO International 2014, co-located with Pharma EXPO, visit packexpointernational.com.

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is a trade association representing over 650 packaging and processing supply chain companies that provide a full range of packaging and processing machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through programs and events such as The PACK EXPO family of trade shows, packexpo.com, PMT Magazine, PACK EXPO Show Daily, networking events and educational programs.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International and presented jointly with the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE); PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: PACK EXPO International 2014, Nov. 2–5 (McCormick Place, Chicago); Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International 2014; PACK EXPO East, debuting Feb. 16–18, 2015 (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia); EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2015, March 10–12, 2015 (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico); EXPO PACK México 2015, June 16–19 (Mexico City, Mexico). Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.