Minimizing Risk in Your Packaging Supply Chain
In today’s market, efficient packaging procurement is essential to a company’s overall supply chain success. Your packaging supply chain plays a pivotal role in ensuring that products reach consumers on time and in optimal condition. Outsourcing anything, including your packaging, comes with its own set of risks, but by employing the following packaging sourcing strategies, you can mitigate those risks and bolster the resilience of your packaging supply chain.
Robust Quality Control Processes
Selecting the right packaging supplier requires a focus on their quality assurance protocols. Early detection and resolution of manufacturing issues are key to avoiding costly delays and defects in the final product. Choose a supplier who adheres to rigorous quality testing to ensure your packaging meets all necessary standards for durability, functionality, and appearance.
Prototyping Services
Physical prototypes are invaluable in the packaging design process. Before committing to full-scale production, prototypes allow you to assess the look, feel, and functionality of your packaging, enabling you to make necessary adjustments early on. This foresight can prevent costly errors and ensure that the final product aligns with your brand’s vision. Work with a manufacturer that provides structure samples for review and testing to ensure your products are both presented and protected well.
Turnkey Suppliers
To minimize risks, consider partnering with turnkey packaging suppliers who handle the entire manufacturing process in-house. By consolidating everything under one roof—design, ink production, sheeting, printing, die making, die cutting, foil stamping, embossing, folding, gluing, and quality testing—you reduce the chances of costly errors and delays, while maintaining greater control over the final product.
Proven Speed-to-Market
Speed-to-market is a critical factor in packaging procurement. Choose suppliers known for their short lead times and reliable on-time delivery. A proven track record in these areas ensures that your packaging supply chain remains efficient and responsive to market demands. Ask your suppliers what their average lead times and on-time delivery rates are to get a good idea of what you can expect.
Anti-Counterfeiting and Anti-Diversion Strategies
Counterfeiting and diversion pose a great risk, as these tactics can harm brand integrity, reduce consumer safety, and incur liability issues. To combat this, there are numerous anti-counterfeiting and anti-diversion features that can be incorporated into your packaging—such as serialization, holograms, and security inks. Make sure to choose a packaging supplier who offers these techniques to help safeguard your brand against counterfeiting and diversion.
Vendor Managed Inventory Program
A Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program can offer additional security for your packaging supply chain. By allowing your supplier to maintain an inventory of your packaging, you ensure that your products are always ready for immediate shipment, reducing the risk of stockouts and delays.
Create a Seamless Packaging Supply Chain
By adopting these packaging sourcing strategies, companies can significantly reduce risks within their packaging supply chain, ensuring that products are delivered on time and meet the highest quality standards.
At Wynalda Packaging, we specialize in helping our customers implement these strategies to create a seamless and efficient packaging supply chain. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business in minimizing risks and enhancing supply chain reliability.
