Packaging Automation Forum Set for March 31

The year’s event will be the fourth annual edition of this conference on packaging controls and information technology.Since 2006, hundreds of packaging professionals and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have attended Packaging Automation Forum to hear their peers share automation strategies that employ state-of-the-art packaging equipment and technology. This year’s program will look at packaging operations from a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, beverage, food and consumer packaged goods.Presenter Mark Hanley, worldwide performance indicator program manager at Kraft, will discuss how Kraft improves speed to market by using accurate measurement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and firm control over real-time data to enable operational flexibility. Snack manufacturer Lance Inc. will share its successes integrating packaging operations into its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.Other session topics include use of wireless technology; a human-machine interface (HMI) system that delivers packaging line performance metrics from multiple facilities; technology that connects marking and coding machines with manufacturing execution system (MES) and ERP to enable pharmaceutical serialization; and a look at standards.“Now more than ever, companies are seeking ways to cut cost and improve their competitive stance,” comments Packaging World Vice President and Editor Pat Reynolds. “Since 2006, we have featured the success stories and strategies of packagers who were able to do just that—all with existing products and technology. This year’s program offers even greater value and relevance, as more and more organizations experience increased pressure to improve efficiency and expand capabilities.”For more information or to register for Packaging Automation Forum, visitwww.packworld.com/paf.