Operational continuity is vital, even in the face of global crises and industry disruptions. However, this has become a particular challenge over the last few years due to international events such as the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Indeed, 73% of end users confirmed supply chain issues as having the biggest impact in response to Automate UK’s industry survey of 2024. Manufacturers have struggled to source vital components, with the cost of parts and freight continuing to rise.
Ishida’s customers can be assured of support, even through the toughest of times. We take pride in being a customer-led company, believing that what’s good for our customers is also good for society and our company. Read on as we highlight the resilient, flexible, and innovative approach to the delivery of our transformative equipment and software here.
Ensuring Operational Continuity
Recognising the challenges posed by major international events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ishida has set up strategies for business continuity. For instance, we’ve taken steps to ensure the continued production and supply of production line technologies from our UK facilities. There’s been a focus on the maintenance of efficiency and productivity despite the disruptions.
Reflecting on Ishida’s positive approach, Managing Director Dave Tiso said, “Ishida remains committed to acting in a responsible manner, ensuring a ‘duty of care’ to our people, our customers and our communities. We continue to strive to maintain the efficiency expected from Ishida.”
The high level of customer and community focus has been maintained through crises such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Red Sea and Suez Canal shipping disruptions, and extreme weather events. Adaptive measures have allowed for the navigation of challenges, with Ishida’s customers assured of remote technical support and rapid parts delivery.
Flexible Deployment, Rapid Response, and Engineering Agility
Ishida takes a partnership approach, applying a deep understanding of customer needs for the delivery of bespoke solutions. There’s a shared realisation among the Ishida team that the greater the understanding of customer issues, the more value can be added. This can be seen in the development of Ishida weighers, X-ray inspection devices, checkweighers and other forms of equipment based on customer needs.
Ishida is committed to treating every customer as a partner for life. This extends to the delivery of personalised after-sales services, together with regularly updated training programs, scheduled maintenance, and the supply of spare parts for all Ishida machines in operation. It’s a commitment that Ishida strives to fulfil, even under travel and access restrictions. This can be seen in Ishida’s agile approach to engineering during the pandemic, with customers assured of remote diagnostics and technical support. Service engineers remained available for urgent breakdowns on site, where travel restrictions allowed.
Ishida continues to offer a comprehensive range of after-sales support in the post-pandemic world, with a selection of flexible service contracts tailored to meet specific business needs and budgets. The introduction of the Sentinel production monitoring system has made a real difference, with joined-up thinking making for smarter thinking. Enabling the connection of multiple systems through an integrated dashboard, Sentinel can be relied on for the identification of anomolies and the need for preventative maintenance.
Wherever Ishida’s customers are and whatever their technical requirements may be, expert support is never more than a phone call away. The technical training extends to courses for operators and maintenance staff, with Ishida’s European warehouses ensuring ensuring the delivery of genuine parts for the maintenance of machine speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
Automation as a Strategic Advantage
The demand for automated solutions continues to rise in response to labour shortages, cost pressures, and the need for efficiency. This can be seen across Europe and the wider world, with Ishida recognising the need to combine localised knowledge with fast response sales and service support. Ishida’s innovative technologies enable manufacturers to maintain optimum throughput and efficiency, with no compromise of product or packaging standards.
Ishida technologies allow for:
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Peak levels of production speed and accuracy
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Reduced reliance on manual labour and risk of human error
Lower levels of product waste and operational costs
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Improvement of energy efficiency
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Increased production line flexibility and adaptability
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Much more besides!
Case in Point: Sunshine Snacks
The Malta-based Sunshine Snacks were able to realise the full range of benefits with Ishida’s Inspira Integrated Total Packaging Solution (iTPS). Recognising the need to replace an outdated packaging system, the international snack producer turned to Ishida for reasons of speed, reliability and the elimination of product issues.
Following an in-depth review and consultation, Ishida proposed the Inspira iTPS, which consists of two flagship machines working in combination. The mounting of the Ishida RV Series multihead weigher above the Inspira rotary bagmaker would allow for greater production speed and improved accuracy with minimal giveaway.
Integration of the Inspira iTPS enabled:
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Operation at 140 packs per minute, 9 hours per day, 5 days per week
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Weighing accuracy improvements of 3.5 - 5%
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Halved changeover times and much reduced downtime
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Development of new product formats (such as the 15g airline packs)
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Reduced film waste and improved seal integrity for longer shelf life
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Enhanced hygiene and ease of cleaning.
Sunshine Snacks opted to relocate to a larger and more modern factory in 2022, with the movement of the Ishida iTPS proving simple. Reflecting on the experience, Sunshine Snack’s Maintenance Production Manager, Paul Scicluna, said, “The design made it easy to dismantle and reinstall.” Technical support has been provided via WhatsApp, with Ishida’s experts typically replying in a matter of minutes.
Robert Ellul, General Manager of Sunshine Snacks, said, “Ishida Europe’s aftersales support is very impressive … [with use of] the Ishida iTPS [being] an overwhelmingly positive experience. As the system is so accurate and reliable, the team now spends less time firefighting and can concentrate on adding value to the business. Plus, the speed and performance has given a real boost to our ability to offer only the best products to our customers.”
Get In Touch
The Sunshine Snacks example goes to show Ishida’s value as a resilient partner, supporting continuity through innovation, flexibility and investment in automation. Customers can be assured of our positive approach to maintaining and enhancing operations, even during uncertain times.
Make an enquiry today and discover how to build operational resilience with Ishida’s bespoke technological solutions.