IMA E-COMMERCE develops advanced automated logistics solutions to help e-commerce providers ensure customers’ orders are sustainably packaged and properly sealed to protect the contents while in transit. According to Simone Capponcelli, Sales Manager and Division Coordinator of the IMA E-COMMERCE division, “Our customers expect easy-to-operate machines that have a small footprint, are easy to operate, and streamline the packing process, allowing them to scale their business efficiently and optimize the cost of their shipping materials.”
IMA delivers on these expectations by designing and building machines with high-quality components that are long-lasting and easy to maintain, including machine vision systems and image-based barcode readers from Cognex. Within IMA solutions, DataMan 280 barcode readers scan barcodes on shipping labels to confirm that order information is captured and correct to maintain traceability.
There are increasing regulations around sustainability, specifically using eco-friendly shipping materials, such as cardboard boxes and alternatives to plastic sealing tape. Those changes can require new processes, new equipment, and new ways of thinking. To meet this rising concern, IMA uses water-activated tape to seal its boxes, which reduces the amount of plastic in the environment. According to Capponcelli, “Customers want a solution that helps them meet sustainability goals by reducing their environmental impact, and they aren’t willing to take risks when it comes to quality or package integrity.”
Once an order is completely boxed and sealed, the packing system needs to verify that all flaps are tightly closed and sealing tape is properly applied. IMA worked with Cognex to develop an AI-based inspection checkpoint to inspect the top of the closed box for open flaps and improper taping.
“Automating this process with Cognex AI-based vision systems is very important because our machines work unattended,” said Capponcelli. “It’s extremely important to check that the finished boxes coming out of the machine are properly sealed and are of excellent quality. This is where Cognex technology excels.”
Mutual passion for innovation drives partnership
As a leading global OEM for packaging automation, the IMA Group has long partnered with Cognex for machine vision technology in packaging machines. IMA Group chose Cognex for its top-tier machine vision solutions, ease of collaboration, and shared passion for innovation.
When it came time for the IMA E-COMMERCE division to select a machine vision partner for its automation solutions, they relied heavily on internal references and chose to work with Cognex, and they were thrilled with the results. Capponcelli summarized his experience of working with Cognex in just three words: “Reliability, performance, quality.”
IMA described an online pharmacy customer who recognized the need to automate fulfillment processes to efficiently manage increased customer demand.
Increasing manual labor wasn’t feasible due to high recruitment and retention costs. They also realized they were wasting money on shipping materials as they often had large void spaces in shipping boxes. The customer needed a solution that met their throughput requirements, saved money by right-sizing their shipping boxes, and ensured a correctly closed and sealed package was sent to their customers.
The customer wanted the machine to be easy to operate and maintain, so IMA recommended their E-CO Flex automated packaging station, including DataMan 280 barcode readers and the In-Sight 3800 vision system, which completely automated the carton forming and closing process.
The system determines the appropriate size of the shipping box to minimize void space, prepares it for packing, and validates that the box is properly closed and sealed. It also verifies that the correct barcode is present on the shipping label. The IMA and Cognex solution met the customer's goals of enhancing efficiency, reducing shipping material expenses, and ensuring that only high-quality packages were delivered to customers.
Bringing “the best of the best” to IMA’s clients
E-commerce providers stake their reputation on providing customers with an easy shopping experience, from the moment they order products online until they open the box. With the help of IMA E-COMMERCE and Cognex, they can do just that.
IMA E-COMMERCE plans to continue collaborating with Cognex and aims to build a deeper relationship beyond technology integration. “We will keep working with Cognex on new solutions and expect to form a stronger partnership due to their logistics expertise,” said Capponcelli.
As logistics is a new market for IMA, they value Cognex's connections and the significant opportunities they provide. Capponcelli sees a bright future in working with Cognex, “IMA and Cognex have a long-standing partnership that brings the best technologies and experience of both companies to the market for our customers.”