How expectations at the end of the line have changed
By: Alyssa Bardol
For a long time, end-of-line automation was judged on one thing: labor reduction. If a system could safely move product and reduce the number of people needed at the line, it was doing its job.
PASCO has been building end-of-line automation systems for 50 years. If you’ve worked with us before, you already know that. If you’re new here, that’s the lens we’re writing from: five decades of watching what manufacturers needed then, what they need now, and what actually holds up on the floor.
From that vantage point, the shift in expectations is hard to miss. What customers ask from the end of the line today looks very different than it did in the early years.
Early Focus: Safety and Labor Relief
When end-of-line systems first gained traction, PASCO was building equipment for facilities that were dealing with physically demanding manual work. Heavy bags, drums, and cases were being handled by hand. Injuries were a growing concern, and consistency depended heavily on the operator.
Automation stepped in to remove that strain. Systems were built to take repetitive, high-risk tasks off the floor and stabilize the end of the line. If the equipment reduced injuries and allowed a plant to run with fewer people in that area, it was considered a success.
Speed mattered, but it was rarely the main driver.
The Robotics Shift
As robotics became more common in the early 2000s, the value equation began to move. Robots brought repeatability and cycle speed that were difficult to match manually. Once that capability proved itself in production, expectations followed.
Removing labor was still important, but customers started asking a different question. Instead of only asking how many people could be reassigned, they wanted to know how fast the line could actually run.
Over time, that became the new baseline.
From Labor Reduction to Throughput
Today, most end-of-line projects are driven by production flow. The system has to keep up with everything upstream without becoming a choke point. If the palletizer or packaging cell cannot match line speed, the rest of the investment upstream starts to lose value.
This has changed how systems are designed. Cycle time, product flow, and recovery from minor stops carry more weight than they once did. Uptime expectations are also higher because many facilities are running longer hours with fewer people watching the line.
Labor savings still matter, but they no longer are the only measure of success.
What Customers Expect Now
Modern end-of-line systems are expected to do more than automate a single task. They need to maintain steady throughput, handle product variation, recover cleanly from interruptions, and integrate smoothly with upstream equipment.
Those expectations have developed gradually over the past five decades. Facilities are pushing harder for output, and the end of the line has to keep pace.
Fifty Years of Perspective
Whether you’ve known PASCO for years or you’re just meeting us, the benefit of a 50-year track record is simple: we’ve seen what works in real facilities, not just in demos. The technology has changed, but the pressure on the end of the line has only increased.
What are the common applications of industrial automation?
The common applications of industrial automation include packaging, palletizing, material handling, quality control, and customizable robotic systems, which help manufacturers enhance efficiency, precision, and reliability in their production processes.
What are the benefits of automated palletizing systems?
Automated palletizing systems offer increased efficiency, consistency, and worker safety by automating the repetitive task of stacking products onto pallets. This helps improve productivity, reduce labor costs, and minimize the risk of injuries.
How does automated equipment enhance product quality?
Automated equipment enhances product quality by ensuring consistent and precise manufacturing processes, reducing human error, and maintaining high standards of production efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.
What is the initial investment for automated equipment?
The initial investment for automated equipment can vary depending on the complexity and scale of the system, but it typically requires a significant upfront capital expenditure to purchase and install the necessary hardware and software.
How does industrial automation improve worker safety?
Industrial automation can enhance worker safety by reducing manual handling, minimizing exposure to hazardous environments, and automating repetitive tasks, thereby mitigating the risk of workplace injuries.
What types of industries use automated equipment most?
Industries that rely heavily on automated equipment are typically those with high-volume, repetitive manufacturing processes, such as automotive, food and beverage, consumer goods, building products, landscape products and more These industries leverage automation to improve efficiency, consistency, and safety in their operations.
What is the primary goal of industrial automation in manufacturing?
The primary goal of industrial automation in manufacturing is to improve efficiency, productivity, and reliability by leveraging technologies such as robotics, control systems, and data analytics to streamline production processes.
What are the benefits of using automated equipment in manufacturing?
Using automated equipment in manufacturing can provide increased efficiency, precision, and consistency in production processes, leading to improved product quality, reduced labor costs, and increased productivity.
Can automated equipment be integrated with existing systems?
Automated equipment can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems, allowing for a smooth transition and optimized performance across manufacturing processes.
What is the role of robotics in industrial automation?
Robotics play a crucial role in industrial automation, enabling manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity in various industrial processes, particularly in packaging and palletizing operations.
What types of products are commonly palletized?
A wide variety of products are commonly palletized, including boxes, crates, bags, and other packaged goods, as palletization helps streamline transportation and storage of these diverse industrial and consumer items.
How does industrial automation reduce production costs?
Industrial automation can reduce production costs by increasing efficiency, minimizing labor, and improving process consistency, leading to higher output and decreased operational expenses.
Can industrial automation replace human workers completely?
While industrial automation can significantly streamline and enhance production processes, it is unlikely to completely replace human workers entirely. Automation complements human skills, but certain tasks still require unique human capabilities.
Optimizing Your Packaging and Palletizing Operations
Streamline Your Packaging Processes
PASCO Systems offers end-of-line automation solutions that can handle a wide variety of packaging types, from bags and drums to cases and pails. By automating your packaging processes, you can improve efficiency, consistency, and reliability, ensuring your products are handled with precision.
Our customizable automation equipment is engineered to perform seamlessly in even the harshest industrial environments, delivering the performance you need to keep your operations running smoothly.
Maximize Productivity with Automated Palletizing
Automated palletizing systems from PASCO Systems can revolutionize your material handling operations. By automating the repetitive task of stacking products onto pallets, you can increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance worker safety.
Our palletizing solutions are designed to handle a diverse range of products, from boxes and crates to bags and bottles, ensuring a consistent and reliable palletizing process that optimizes your supply chain logistics.
The PASCO Advantage
At PASCO Systems, we pride ourselves on being a true OEM, manufacturing the critical components of your automation systems in-house. This means you work directly with the team that built your equipment, ensuring you receive the support and expertise you need, when you need it.
Our commitment to quality and customer service is unparalleled, and we strive to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of your business. Whether you're looking to enhance your packaging, palletizing, or broader automation efforts, PASCO Systems is the partner you can trust.
