24 WESTERN PALLET
Whether you're manufacturing new pallets or reconditioning used ones, staying competitive increasingly depends on the smart adoption of technology. Yet jumping into automation or digital platforms without a clear roadmap can lead to disappointing ROI or unnecessary financial strain.
As Mayank Sharma of Vyntelligence has noted, many businesses fall into short-term thinking, while some technology vendors may unintentionally overpromise. A better approach, he suggests, starts with grounded leadership and a clear-eyed strategy. For pallet companies, this means investing in tech that aligns with operational goals, enhances safety, supports growth, and fits the budget.
Go Lean Before You Spend
“Lean thinking defines value as providing benefit to the customer; anything else is waste,” writes Eric Ries in his book, The Lean Startup. This quote reminds us that no technology can fix a broken process. Before investing in equipment or software, first identify inefficiencies through Lean principles such as value stream mapping and root cause analysis.
For example, a Lean review might reveal that production delays stem from bottlenecks at notching or board stacking stations, not a lack of automation overall. Addressing the issue with a faster notcher, an automated stacker, or improved production scheduling may be more cost-effective than a complete automation overhaul.
Experts recommend optimizing your processes through a Lean methodology before investing in automation.
Lean thinking doesn’t delay innovation—it clarifies where it’s most needed.
Empower a Champion, Ground ROI Expectations
Tech moves fast. That’s why it’s crucial to appoint an internal “technology champion”, someone who understands operations, values problem-solving, and communicates well across teams. This might be a plant manager or quality lead, someone who bridges the gap between tools and outcomes.
Champions help assess needs, coordinate trials, engage vendors, and encourage buy-in from skeptical staff. They also serve as reality checkers to vet bold vendor ROI claims.
Cloud-based ERP systems help integrate inventory, scheduling, and billing. HR platforms simplify compliance. Sales and CRM software help teams manage leads and retain customers. Even free or low-cost AI tools can help generate documents, respond to inquiries, or transcribe meetings, saving precious hours.
Don’t Overlook Safety Innovation
Pallet plants are fast-paced and physically demanding. Today’s safety technology doesn’t just protect workers; it can also reduce claims and downtime.
Forklifts equipped with proximity sensors alert drivers when they’re approaching a pedestrian. Wearable devices now track heat exposure or lifting strain, helping prevent injuries. Even low-tech safety systems like illuminated warning zones and digital operator checklist tools can make a big difference in culture and compliance.
When viewed through a risk-reduction lens, many safety investments deliver more than peace of mind; they deliver savings.
Choose Scalable, Cost-Appropriate Tools
One common misstep is buying more system than you need. Instead, choose modular or cloud-based tools that can grow with you. For example, some ERP systems allow companies to start with inventory and billing modules, adding production scheduling or CRM features later.
Similarly, some automation lines offer upgrade paths, such as adding an automated infeed only when demand requires it.
And always ask key questions up front: What’s the deployment timeline? Is support included? How steep is the training curve? A tool that’s usable now may be more attractive than a perfect one that takes a year to implement.
Understand Total Cost of Ownership
A wise technology investment isn’t just about the sticker price. Factor in the full cost of ownership, including training, integration, maintenance, and likely upgrades. Assess whether leasing, pay-per-use, or grants might be available to stretch your budget further. Some companies place a premium on easier-to-implement and maintain solutions that might have a lower ROI ceiling than other, more complex but powerful solutions.
Partnerships with universities, chambers of commerce, or vendor pilot programs may also offer affordable ways to test before committing.
Conclusion: Technology Should Serve the Business
Technology should support your strategy, not set it. For pallet companies operating on thin margins and tight timelines, the best tech investments are those that solve real problems, are sized appropriately, and fit within your team's ability to manage them.
With a defined strategy, internal leadership, and a practical rollout plan, even modest tech investments can produce outsized gains.
Investing in Technology? Start With a Tech Spend Strategy
Technology investment helps most when it serves a well-defined strategy.