There was a time when a secured pallet was nothing more than a roll of stretch wrap, some crude banding, and the best intentions that it would arrive intact. And for low volume operations with simple needs, that’s still enough.
But warehouses are no longer like that. The industrial distribution need has evolved; the loads have gotten heavier and the margin for error has become tighter. Strapping technology has adapted to it all and for many operations, it is one of the most relied upon tools in the warehouse.
Manual to Machine
It’s important to note that the transition to machine assisted strapping didn’t happen overnight. For years, manual strapping was enough, handheld tensioners, handheld sealers, a lot of elbow grease. It got the job done to an extent; however, inconsistent results plagued operations. Tension would vary from user to user, and by the end of a long shift, it became a challenge to secure each load the same way twice.
That’s where investing in a pallet strapping machine made sense. With set tension, an automatic cycle guarantees every load comes off with the same level of security. For operations pumping out hundreds of pallets per day, that’s more than just convenient, it’s incredibly valuable.
What Modern Strapping Machines Do
It’s important to note that it’s not just wrapping a strap around a load. A strapping machine feeds, tensions, seals and cuts in one single cycle. Depending on the machine, this can happen in a matter of seconds. While that’s not critical on a per-load basis, doing it for an entire operation certainly makes a difference.
There are two main categories that most warehouses deal with: semi-automatic and fully automatic machines. A semi-automatic machine requires the operator to place the strap and initiate the cycle while the fully automatic system does everything, including feeding the strap around the load, without manual intervention. Which one fits an operation best depends on volume and workflow. However, even a semi-automatic machine is lightyears better than doing it manually.
There’s also the need to consider strap material. Polypropylene (PP) strapping is used for lighter loads and general freight while polyester (PET) strapping is used when higher tension is necessary, for heavier pallets, for steel products, compressed materials, etc. The machine must accommodate the right type of strap, and the type of strap must fit the load as well. That’s critical in determining how secure everything actually is.
The Added Reliability
One aspect of strapping technology that doesn’t get mentioned enough is reliability. The less movement during transit, the better, which means no damaged goods upon receipt and no claims to process afterwards. This is no small thing. Damage during transport accumulates behind-the-scenes as a cost, returns, replacements, customer complaints. While good strapping won’t eliminate every risk possible for damage, it will cut down on common avoidable variables.
There is also a safety concern associated with this type of technology. A poorly secured pallet can be dangerous, in the warehouse, on a truck, at receiving end. Strapping machines reduce much of the human element responsible for those situations. Tension is applied appropriately; the seal stays in place and the load acts as it’s supposed to.
Acting as Part of a Bigger Picture
Strapping machines rarely are used in isolation. They often represent just one piece of an entire packaging line that could include wrap machines, conveyor systems, label applicators and palletising systems. The good news is that most strapping machines are designed with flexibility in mind; they can work in-line or as standalone stations depending on where they’re set up.
For warehouses looking to improve output without drastic increases in headcount, this is where value shines through. A well-equipped strapping machine can easily keep pace with an automated line as opposed to introducing a manual slow down that otherwise impacts everything down the line. That increase in output doesn’t require an entire facility overhaul; often times, it just requires adding in one piece of useful equipment.
What Makes A Difference
Not every strapping machine operates the same, and it shows over time. The duty cycle, strap compatibility, tensioning range and maintenance ease should be vetted before making a purchase decision. A machine that works well in a light duty scenario may falter when doing heavy daily work and usually, it’s not worth risking unplanned downtime to save a few dollars during purchase.
Operations that get the most out of strapping technology are those that take strapping technology seriously, matching the right machine for the actual workload required, maintaining it appropriately and training the workforce how to use it effectively. None of these things are complicated; they just require some front-loaded thought.
Strapping technology hasn’t made its way into modern warehouses because it’s flashy; it does so because it addresses significant concerns with reliable execution. Consistent load security, expedited processing and safer outcomes are tangible benefits that add up over time. If an operation cares about how goods leave their building, they should care about how they get strapped up.
