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Summary. A packaging assessment from Shippers Supply Inc. (SSI) is a low-risk, high-reward way to uncover hidden costs, improve efficiency, and strengthen your brand. Through a hands-on review of your materials, equipment, and workflows, SSI identifies inefficiencies and provides actionable recommendations—such as right-sized packaging, automation... opportunities, and sustainable alternatives—that quickly deliver measurable results. Real-world case studies show clients saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor and materials, reducing product damage and returns, and enhancing customer experience. With a simple three-step process, SSI helps businesses across industries cut waste, boost productivity, and create smarter, more effective packaging operations. Show more

Unlocking Efficiency and Savings with a Packaging Assessment

In today’s fast-paced business world, packaging is more than just a box or a bag—it’s a crucial part of your supply chain, your brand identity, and your bottom line. Whether you’re in manufacturing, food and beverage, e-commerce, or distribution, the way you package, label, and ship your products has a direct impact on cost, efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction. With rising costs, evolving industry trends, and new packaging compliance requirements, it’s more important than ever to make sure your packaging is working for you—not against you. That’s where a professional packaging assessment from SSI comes in.

Our focus is on efficiency, brand image, and savings—not selling more materials. We recommend what’s best for your products, workflow, and goals.

What Is a Packaging Assessment?

A packaging assessment is a comprehensive, hands-on review of your current packaging solutions, materials, systems, and workflows. At SSI, our experts go beyond a surface look—we analyze every aspect of your process, from packaging materials, labels, and tags to automation and inventory management. We identify inefficiencies and hidden costs, then recommend targeted strategies to boost your operation’s performance.

Why Is a Packaging Assessment So Valuable?

  1. Cut Hidden Costs
    A packaging assessment helps uncover where you may be overspending—whether it’s excess space in your cartons, more cushioning material than necessary, or opportunities to introduce automation that streamline labor and material costs. Many companies use one-size-fits-all packaging or rely on excessive void fill and cushioning consumables “just to be safe.” This often leads to wasted money, higher shipping costs, and unnecessary material use.
  2. Reduce Product Damage and Returns
    Improper packaging is one of the leading causes of product damage, returns, and negative reviews. With a packaging assessment, SSI helps you select the right container, cushioning, and packaging method to keep your products safe from the warehouse to the customer’s door. The result? Fewer damages, happier customers, and a stronger brand image.
  3. Improve Warehouse and Packing Line Efficiency
    Are your packing lines or warehouse aisles clogged with too many boxes, mailing tubes, or rarely used pallet covers? Do your employees waste time searching for the right box or tape? Maybe you are experiencing bottle necks at the end of your packing line because your team can’t stretch wrap fast enough to keep up with demand. Our experts analyze your processes and recommend systems that automate repetitive tasks and/or organize your packaging space, creating an environment where your employees can succeed.

    In one case study, SSI evaluated 7 assembly lines at a food and beverage manufacturer where one employee per line printed labels and another attached those labels to cartons. They were printing and attaching 7,000 labels per line per day. Our specialists recommended printing directly on the corrugate inline with ink-jet printers. After implementation, each line could be efficiently managed by a single operator, resulting in $300,000 in savings. They also saved $50,000 in materials, causing them to see an ROI within 6 months. Check out more of our case studies.

What Does a Packaging Assessment Cover?

  1. Packaging Materials and Consumables
    To ensure quality and efficiency, all components—stretch wrap, tape, poly bags, shrink sleeves, chipboard products, and more—are evaluated.
  2. Packaging Systems and Automation
    We assess any automated equipment you use, such as case erectors, case sealers, automated stretch wrappers, and other automated packaging equipment. Our team identifies opportunities that could save you time, reduce costs, and improve consistency.
  3. Operational Workflows and Inventory Management
    Our experts evaluate your inventory management and packing line layout, helping you simplify proactive inventory management and reduce downtime.

SSI's 3-Step Packaging Assessment Process

Step 1: Pre-Assessment Review

We start by learning about your business, your products, and your goals. What are your pain points? Are damages, waste, or slow packing lines costing you money? What are your compliance and sustainability targets?

Step 2: Onsite Walkthrough

An SSI specialist will visit your facility to observe your packing line, warehouse, and shipping processes. We’ll review how you store your packaging supplies and how your packing line is laid out. We talk to your team to understand workflow, challenges, and opportunities.

Step 3: Actionable Recommendations

You’ll receive a detailed, customized action plan. This includes:

  • Recommendations for right-sized packaging and reducing void fill
  • Suggestions for packaging materials that cut costs and improve protection
  • Steps to optimize your inventory management and packing line automation
  • An implementation roadmap and ongoing support from the SSI team

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a packaging assessment disrupt my operation?

Not at all. SSI works around your schedule, and our assessments are designed to be unobtrusive and value-driven.

How quickly will I see results?

Most clients see measurable improvements—such as cost savings, fewer damages, or faster packing—within months, and sometimes weeks of implementing our recommendations.

Will you recommend switching all my packaging?

Our focus is on efficiency, brand image, and savings—not just selling more materials. We recommend what’s best for your products, workflow, and goals.

What about sustainability?

SSI offers a wide range of sustainable materials, including recyclable, compostable, and eco-friendly packaging options that support your brand’s green initiatives.

Can you help automate my packaging line?

Yes! We specialize in case erectors, case sealers, automated stretch wrappers, Continuous Inkjet Printers and other equipment to boost your operational efficiency.

How do I get started?

Contact SSI for a free packaging assessment. Our team will guide you through every step—from review to implementation.

The Bottom Line

A professional packaging assessment is a low-risk, high-reward investment in your business’s future. With SSI’s help, you can reduce costs, cut waste, boost sustainability, and deliver a better experience for your team and your customers. Whether you need right-sized packaging, custom branding, traceability, or automation, SSI is your partner for smarter packaging.

Ready to unlock hidden value in your packaging process?
Contact SSI today for a packaging assessment or explore our full range of solutions on the Shippers Supply website.

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