Reducing downtime is one of the most effective ways packaging end-users can achieve profitability in today’s highly competitive marketplace. For OEMs to help end-users minimize downtime, they must develop equipment that has the operational fl exibility and technical attributes able to:

• minimize planned downtime
• reduce or eliminate unplanned downtime
• be competitive in the market place

The easiest way OEMs can accomplish this is to turn away from obsolescent methods and expensive technology such as servo motors. New, more economical sensor and encoder technology will make their packing products more changeover-friendly, more repeatable, more sustainable, and less costly over their production life.