Equipment Technology Archives

The Critical Role of Connectivity and Inter-Department Communication in Corrugated

by Rachel Acevedo | Jun 11, 2024 | Digital Technology, Equipment Technology

In the fast-moving environment of corrugated converting, creating a seamless interaction between various departments—from the machine floor to internal strategic hubs—is not just beneficial; it’s a necessity. The integration of digital collaboration solutions like A.G. Stacker’s GO AG™ application is revolutionizing how these interactions occur, fostering enhanced connectivity and communication that drive operational efficiency and productivity. Let’s take a look…

Breaking Down Silos with Technology

Historically, corrugated box production processes have been compartmentalized. The physical and informational disconnect between departments such as production, maintenance, accounting, shipping, and scheduling could be the source of various company inefficiencies and delays. When departments don’t have effective collaboration tools, employees can fail to empathize with the realities of their colleagues. Giving the right players visibility across company silos creates informed synergies that can lead to incredibly profitable operations.

Not only the sharing of knowledge, but the storage and retention of knowledge within your company is your data gold mine. As digital technology and manufacturing continue to collide, the quality and organization of your data will make all the difference. Add to this, the influx of top employees retiring, it’s important to capture the valuable knowledge from your veteran employees to build a solid training program for future ones.

New collaborative technologies like GO AG™ address these challenges head-on. By digitizing your communication flow and knowledge storage abilities, GO AG™ ensures that all departments can work together, where necessary to create a seamless business operation.

Enhancing Inter-Department Collaboration

The GO AG™ application facilitates collaborative communication across all departments. You can customize it for your specific processes and roles. It’s your tech – your way.

Here’s what that may look like:

First shift operators receive machine communication (KPIs, faults, etc) directly to GO AG, even if the event occurred on 2nd or 3rd shift.
Live and controlled revisions of manuals and processes to ensure operations is efficient, effective, and timely.
Project schedulers can check maintenance logs and recent machine feedback to better plan job orders and avoid down time.
Managers can upload parts & service manuals along with production and maintenance videos for operators and maintenance staff to view as needed.
And the list goes on!

With access and visibility to other departments, employees are empowered to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. From machine availability to employee allocation, purchasing to scheduling, you can find many synergies between departments and optimize them with the GO AG Digital Collaboration Application.

Fostering Continuous Improvement

Beyond the operational benefits, the connectivity fostered by GO AG™ aids in building a culture of continuous improvement. The ability to incorporate maintenance and training processes, that include photos, videos and screenshots, can speed up machine troubleshooting and operator onboarding for maximum operational efficiency. Staff can continually focus on improving operations, adding to their knowledge base and building their team’s independence with every upload. With easier access to data, employees from other departments can also contribute to problem-solving and process optimization. This collaborative approach not only enhances employee engagement but also leads to innovations that might not emerge in a more siloed setting.

The data collected through GO AG™ also supports a deeper analysis of production trends, machine performance, and workflow efficiency. This intelligence can be leveraged to further refine processes, reduce waste, increase performance, and enhance product quality.

The GO AG™ Application That Does It All!

The A.G. Stacker’s GO AG™ application is the digital tool for corrugated converters to create a transformative impact in their processes, teamwork, and operations. By enhancing connectivity and facilitating inter-department communication and synergy, technologies like GO AG™ not only streamline production processes but also empower employees to perform at their best.

For boxmakers coordinating diverse roles, the ability to communicate effectively and share key information across departments is not merely an operational advantage; it is a strategic investment that requires technology. Discover the advantages of collaborative operations and stored tribal knowledge with GO AG™ Digital Productivity Application.

GO AG™ is designed to be customized to your unique processes, production mix and operations. With the GO AG app, boxmakers can take advantage of the following:

Customization – Create, save & upload custom information, not only for your A.G. equipment, but for all assets & departments!
Standardization – Retain, standardize and distribute key knowledge across multiple equipment lines & departments for streamlined operations.
Security – Using user permissions, Wifi IP list, data encryption and more, GO AG safeguards your data and restricts access to ensure the integrity of your most valuable files and procedures.
Digitization – Complete a full digital transformation with safe and secure access and distribution on any digitally connected device. iOS, Androis and Web enabled.

Are you ready to break down the silos and foster collaboration and innovation in your box plant? Talk to your A.G. sales representative about the GO AG Digital Application and to request a live software demonstration, visit www.agstacker.com/GO-AG.

Reimagine Full Line Productivity with A.G. Stacker Solutions

by Rachel Acevedo | Aug 14, 2023 | A.G. Blog, Digital Technology, Equipment Technology, Infeed Systems, Outfeed Systems, Rotary Die Cutter Stackers

True profitability requires a streamlined approach to corrugated converting, from infeed to outfeed and every machine in between. If you’re considering a new high speed rotary die cutter or flexo folder gluer, you may want to re-evaluate the surrounding machinery, such as stackers, bundle breakers, conveyor systems, load formers etc. Or maybe you’ve already purchased a new workhorse but haven’t achieved the speeds and performance expected. It could be your infeed and outfeed machines that are impacting your new machine’s productivity. Afterall, you’re only as strong as your weakest link.

Corrugated productivity is not siloed to one machine. All your machines must be capable of achieving the same speeds, performance, and throughput as the other, to achieve maximum profitability. Even more, your production team must be equipped with the knowledge and support to keep all components running in harmony. Don’t waste the potential of your greatest assets. It’s time to reimagine what productivity in your full line can truly be, with innovative material handling systems and technology from A.G. Stacker Inc.

Reimagine Production Speed

G3 stacker main deck

What good is a rotary die cutter capable of running 12,000 sheets per hour if the stacker can only catch 9,000? Why upgrade to a high-speed bundling system if production is limited by bundle breaking? If you want true productivity in your line, you should invest in innovative equipment all the way through.

A.G. manufactures innovative outfeed solutions engineered for the speeds of today, AND is prepared for the speed demands in the future. Our outfeed lines include the G3™ Stacker, the fully electric eBREAK™ Bundle Breaker and eZF™ Load Former, as well as the patented X12™ pitless lift conveyor and bundle line conveying system. With an A.G. Stacker capable of 13,500+ kph, an automatic, servo controlled bundle breaker and a no-pit load former with fast cycle and set up times, you can reimagine productivity through your full line and take full advantage of your high speed converting equipment.

Reimagine Human & Machine Connectivity

A.G. Operator Control Station

For ultimate productivity, your machines must speak the same language. Having a fully integrated system will ensure all machines are running at the same speeds, with the same production plans, achieving the same goals. A machine that is not fully integrated is more vulnerable to jams, unplanned downtime, and operator error. All A.G. systems are fully integrated, utilizing the same, familiar user interface and simplified controls for standardization, efficiency, training, and ease of use.

In this digital age of information, accurate tribal knowledge is also a major factor in production throughput. By putting maintenance, parts, tutorials, and troubleshooting information in a digital application, your staff can quickly predict, plan, and prepare to keep unplanned downtime to a minimum. The GO AG™ digital application is the perfect solution to capture and distribute key production information to your production and maintenance staff. With GO AG™, operators and managers have access to custom and standard manuals, equipment models, training videos, troubleshooting guides, work instructions and more. Don’t let legacy knowledge retire with your employees! Knowledge is uptime and uptime is money. Utilize a customizable, digital application, like GO AG™, to capture the important information that keeps your full line running profitably.

Reimagine the Future of Corrugated

The future of corrugated printing will focus on creating lean, sustainable production. Machinery will be engineered for productivity like always, however they will achieve even greater results through more energy-efficient, eco-conscious and occasionally, patent-protected technologies. Trends dictating the future of our industry include: staffing shortages, supply chain volatility, automation, competing processes and more.

To take advantage of full line productivity, both now and in the future, you must reimagine your facility with machine assets that are incredibly fast, fully integrated, digitally enabled, and eco-conscious. A.G. Stacker is committed to innovation and manufacturing all equipment and parts in the USA. With various retrofit and modular systems, we encourage you to reimagine your full line equipment to discover the true source of what’s holding you back from ultimate productivity.

With over 25 patents and counting, A.G. has innovated a full line of solutions that increase throughput, improve quality and safety, and streamline the outfeed of RDC’s, both bundles and stacks. A.G. is more than stackers – Reimagine A.G. as your full line solutions partner for ultimate productivity and innovation. To learn about our full catalog of stackers, bundle breakers, load formers, conveyor systems and digital technology solutions, contact our team at (540) 234-6012 or schedule a consultation online at: www.agstacker.com/sales-quote.

3 Ways the Right OEM Can Help US Boxmakers Combat Global Supply Chain Issues

by jhostetter | Mar 16, 2022 | A.G. Blog, Digital Technology, Equipment Technology, Made In America

JP Morgan Global Manufacturing 2022 PMI shows lowest reading since October 2020.

Delayed orders, rush delivery rates, increased downtime and operator shortages are just some of the symptoms US boxmakers are experiencing with the global supply chain crisis in 2022. According to the recent J.P.Morgan Global Manufacturing PMI™, “Supply chain delays remained substantial in January, as average vendor lead times lengthened for the thirtieth month running.” Key findings in the report show, as of January 2022, the Manufacturing PMI is at a 15-month low – the lowest reading since October 2020.

Now with rising tensions in Russia and the China shutdown due to growing COVID-19 cases, the global supply chain has become even more concerning.

With box manufacturers struggling to get their hands on new equipment, parts, consumables, and raw materials, American OEMs are finding innovative ways to combat this global issue. At A.G. Stacker, we believe choosing the right corrugated machinery partner is key to minimizing the effects of these shortages and remaining productive and profitable during these uncertain times. In this article, we discuss three ways the right OEM can help maximize your operations amid a volatile supply chain.

Prepare With Digital Twin Technology

When crisis calls, U.S. manufacturers have always answered with technology and innovation – this global supply chain issue calls for the same. One tool that is extremely useful is digital twin technology. Digital Twins take the exact blueprint of your machine and recreate it in a digital format. The system is developed with a complete replica of the specifications, component configurations, operator interface and more, unique to each machine. This allows your team to run a multitude of simulations that can assist with:

New digital twin systems in commission for the eBREAK Bundle Breaker, eTAMP and DSS.

Operator training before equipment arrival. Boxmakers can now train operators using the digital twin software, prior to equipment installation. Though OEM lead times may remain unsteady, operators can use the month(s) between purchase and installation to train. The faster your team is up to speed on the new equipment, the faster your operations can be more productive and profitable once the machine is in commission.
Reduce waste and downtime by testing job runs through simulations. In a time of raw material shortages, no sheet can go to waste. Managers can now utilize digital twin technology to run new jobs with variable sheet sizes and shapes through the machine digitally. The simulations can help visualize areas of waste and inefficiency and inspire the most productive job configurations.

Digital solutions available to boxmakers expand far beyond digital twin technology. Mobile applications, virtual factory environments, and equipment in augmented reality are just a few new technologies manufacturers are also using to better plan and prepare for the unpredictable future ahead.

A.G. Stacker is among the first to apply and effectively utilize digital twin technology on commissioned machines in the corrugated converting market. With 3 digital twin assets and counting, A.G. is preparing the way with expanded business solutions tailored to the future of the industry. Learn about A.G.’s digital twin technology and other digital solutions, incuding the AG+ mobile app and AR/VR solutions, HERE.

Adapt With Custom Machining Equipment

Does your OEM machine, weld and fabricate all equipment in house? Or do they assemble the machine from parts and components manufactured outside of their facility? During a global supply chain predicament, equipment manufacturers capable of machining in-house have the upper hand, and so do the boxmakers that work with them.

When lead times become longer and longer, assembly-only manufacturers have few options but to wait on the parts and components they need to build the equipment, causing lead times to become excessive for their customers.

A.G. welders train on the new COBOT welder system, installed Fall 2021.

OEMs that manufacture 100% in house, like A.G. Stacker, have multiple options during material shortages and can quickly adapt to the supply chain environment. Machining OEMs can source steel, aluminum, brass and other raw materials from a variety of suppliers, rather than having a small pool of companies capable of manufacturing their exact parts. In emergencies, they can utilize readily available materials and machine them as temporary solutions until the raw materials arrive. Furthermore, with in-house engineers, OEMs can engineer retrofits and upgrades to adapt to the new global supply chain and reduce the need for unavailable materials.

When parts and components are in short supply, OEMs with custom machining equipment can innovate their customers through the logistic nightmares haunting their purchasing team.

With a large fleet of machining equipment and an army of skilled operators, assemblers and engineers, A.G. Stacker has helped converter customers navigate the unsteady global supply chain of the 2020s, successfully. A.G. also recently installed a COBOT welder and HAAS CNC system for more efficient parts manufacturing, reducing lead times for the road ahead. See how our team fabricates material handling equipment in house in this Manufacturing Marvels TV segment featuring A.G. Stacker on Fox News.

Accelerate With American-Made Equipment

As stated in the AICC 2022 Economic Report, “Supply chain constraints, raw material shortages and the spread of the omicron variant slowed activity in markets around the world.” As the COVID pandemic still looms over humanity, global sourcing has become a logistics horror.

A.G. Production Floor

Getting equipment, parts and consumables from manufacturers overseas often comes with long lead times due to the distance, trade constraints and paperwork associated with imports – and that was before the pandemic. With the added materials shortages in the global supply chain, boxmakers can easily fall behind on production goals while they are waiting, waiting and waiting for their international shipments to arrive.

Many US boxmakers are turning to quality, domestic manufacturers for solutions that ease logistic constraints and accelerate lead times. With less procedural barriers, faster shipping times and local technicians on stand-by, partnering with a local OEM could save a ship load of time and money. American corrugated OEMs also understand the unique landscape of manufacturing in the USA and are better prepared to help you navigate the road ahead.

Founded by Clarence and Helen Allen in 1996, A.G. Stacker machines and assembles all equipment and parts in our production facility in Weyers Cave, VA. Additionally, A.G. chooses American suppliers and technology vendors to partner with for quality assurance, synergy and collaborative innovation.

Prepare, Adapt and Accelerate through the Global Supply Chain Crisis with A.G. Stacker

A.G. Technicians offer remote support after the first eBREAK Bundle Breaker installation.

As box manufactures forge through uncertain supply chains, A.G. Stacker is preparing the way with technology-focused solutions. From digital twin technology to digital service, A.G. has developed digital technology solutions that keep operations moving forward. With the creation of digital twin assets for the eBREAK Bundle Breaker, eTAMP servo-driven tampers and divert & separate system, A.G. customers can take advantage of the digital twin training simulations to prepare operators before equipment arrival and plan new jobs with efficiency.

A.G. will continue investing in more digital twin assets to optimize production planning and training for converters nationwide. Additionally, A.G. now offers expanded business solutions including VR, AR and a mobile application to empower converters with visual planning, training and collaboration tools.

A.G.’s longest tenured welder wears his American flag shirt with pride while fabricating steel stacker frames.

A.G. takes great pride in being a 100% American manufacturer. All equipment, components and parts are machined, welded, and assembled in our Weyers Cave, VA facility, since inception. For 25 years we have remained committed to innovation in material handling equipment for corrugated board and have partnered with a network of American suppliers to support our production.

With advanced digital technology, in-house machining capabilities, and a domestic location, A.G Stacker is ready to help you prepare, adapt and accelerate through the global supply chain crisis of our day and beyond. Contact our team today to discuss your unique logistic challenges and production goals and we’ll collaborate with your team to innovate the best solution for your operations.

Committed to Innovation. Committed to Service. Committed to You.