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Trimble Adopts Universal Package to Replace Eight Separate Designs
Korrvu® Retention Packaging Reduces Cost and Alleviates Inventory Headache
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Trimble, a $253 million provider of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigational products for use by pilots, search and rescue crews, automotive manufacturers, vehicle tracking and communications, and mobile GPS, needed to navigate its way through a packaging maze for its OEM products.
 "The company spent time and money researching and developing completely new packs, including box, insert, die and artwork, for each new product developed. The OEM units are really similar in size and shape, and are shipped with an antenna, diskette and a manual," said Tricia Tan, product manager for Trimble. "We figured if we could come up with one packaging design to fit our full product line, it would reduce labor and inventory cost and speed up the entire shipping process."
When two product groups at Trimble decided to try the simplified packaging approach, the OEM and Consumer Marketing Group called on Kent H. Landsberg Co., Trimble's packaging supplier, for advice. After evaluating Trimble's dilemma, the supplier recommended Korrvu® retention packaging from Sealed Air Corporation, which uses a transparent, elastomeric film to entrap the product within a 'retention frame'. The retention packaging holds products securely in place throughout the shipping cycle.
Previously, individual, die-cut corrugated pieces were used to protect Trimble's sensitive systems inside a corrugated box. The packaging supplier manufactured the corrugated pieces, assembled the boxes, and delivered them on demand to accommodate Trimble's just-in-time system.
Assembling six separate sets of corrugated boxes and inserts was labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive for the supplier, and these costs were passed along to Trimble. Juggling inventory and storage space was no easy task for Trimble, either.
"With all the inserts and boxes, a lot of time was wasted gathering and assembling the correct pieces for each product," said David Sprague, product manager. "Packaging was expensive and complicated and it had really become a nightmare."
When using corrugated inserts, products tended to shift in transit and the antennas would break away from the cut-outs. When customers opened the package, the products appeared disheveled. The corrugated inserts also left dust particles all over the products, making it necessary to bag individual products and components. This added labor costs and detracted from the product's appearance.
"Our engineers spend a lot of time designing for aesthetic appeal as well as superior quality," said Sprague. "When they are delivered, we want the products to look great. The corrugated inserts weren't doing the job."
One Pack Fits All
Trimble and its distributor developed an outer corrugated box that would contain any size product and its components. The Korrvu® retention frame fits inside the box and surrounds the product and its components, protecting all contents during shipping.
"We initially hesitated switching to Korrvu® packaging," said Sprague. "The price for low volumes was prohibitive, but now we order the same packing materials for our combined product lines in higher volumes. We consolidated and received the optimal package for a reasonable price. We received a really great value, and that's the bottom line. Korrvu® packaging's protection compares to packaging that costs significantly more. It holds the products securely with no movement."
Design Costs Eliminated
Packaging design costs associated with new OEM and Consumer products have virtually been eliminated at Trimble. New products are just incorporated into the existing Korrvu® retention packaging design.
"Korrvu's flexibility makes it very easy to integrate new products," said Tan. "We have already packaged two new products, Lassen-SK8 and Palisade, with the design, and are confident that other new products developed will also fit into the package design."
"With the new Korrvu® packaging design, we can easily increase delivery of packaging materials on demand because our distributor only needs to stock one packaging component. We have saved at least a day in turnaround time, and that is critical. When one product line runs out of boxes, they can simply borrow from another product line and shipping does not stop."
The aesthetics of Trimble GPS products are enhanced by Korrvu® retention packaging. The Korrvu® package highlights the streamlined, fluid and dynamic shapes of the products and it keeps them clean and free of dust.
The new packaging design won a People's Choice Award in the National Ameristar Competition sponsored by the Institute of Packaging Professionals.
"With Korrvu® packaging, we were able to consolidate and simplify our packaging process. We now use one visually appealing, secure package for all OEM products," said Tan, "which reduces our total packaging costs."
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