Driving Innovation in Automation: The Tension Packaging & Automation Advantage

emoloney on December 3, 2024

Leading the Way in Automation Innovation for Unmatched Performance 

In the fast-paced and steady growth industries of pharmacy and eCommerce order fulfillment, the need for advanced automation is growing. At Tension Packaging & Automation, we’ve dedicated over 25 years to designing and delivering scalable, intelligent automation systems. 

Our guiding philosophy—Innovate. Automate. Outperform.—reflects our commitment to building solutions that exceed the demands of our customers. 

Built on a Legacy of Excellence 

With roots in manufacturing and engineering dating back to 1886, our parent company, Tension Corporation, has long been synonymous with innovation and precision. Today, Tension Packaging & Automation continues that legacy as a trusted leader in custom and standard automation solutions tailored to the unique needs of the pharmacy and eCommerce industries. 

From system integration and software engineering to equipment manufacturing, we offer a full spectrum of capabilities to address fulfillment challenges. 

Innovation That Drives Results 

Our automation systems are built with one goal in mind: to empower our customers with unmatched efficiencies and cost savings. Whether it’s reducing manual labor, minimizing DIM surcharges, or ensuring seamless system integration, our solutions can offer measurable ROI. 

Take, for instance, our fitPACK500TM—a versatile, right-sized packaging solution that minimizes end user waste, optimizes package length, width and height dimensions, and reduces shipping costs. This innovation represents just one example of how we combine innovative technology with customer-centric design to solve complex challenges. 

Tailored Solutions for Maximum Impact 

At Tension, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to automation. That’s why we work closely with our clients to design and implement systems that align with their operational goals. Our solutions span: 

  • eCommerce Automation: Systems such as our Scan Label Apply Manifest (SLAM) Line simplify order fulfillment with automated package identification, labeling, and sortation and manifesting. 
  • Integration Software: Our proprietary TensionCONNECTTM ensures flawless communication between hardware and software components, and powers the technology in our solutions. 

Unmatched Support and Expertise 

Automation isn’t just about the machines; it’s about the people behind them. At Tension Packaging & Automation, our skilled engineers and field service technicians are dedicated to your long-term success. From initial installation to ongoing maintenance, we’re with you every step of the way. 

Experience Tension at ProMat 2025 

Want to see our innovations in action? Join us at ProMat 2025, where we’ll showcase solutions like the fitPACK500TM and demonstrate how our automation systems can transform your operations. 

A Future of Endless Possibilities 

As industries evolve, so does Tension Packaging & Automation. Our forward-thinking approach ensures that we’re always one step ahead, developing technologies and partnerships to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. With Tension, you can trust that you’re not just adopting automation—you’re investing in a future of unmatched performance and efficiency. Ready to innovate, automate, and outperform? Explore our solutions at tensionautomation.com or contact a sales expert today. 

 

Getting Started with Automation: A Guide for Your Warehouse Management Solutions | Part 5, Service and Support Considerations, Installation

tensionapdev on July 26, 2024

Effective automation implementation requires comprehensive planning and support, and Tension Packaging & Automation ensures seamless transitions with expert equipment installation, robust service plans, and tailored training programs, empowering your warehouse to scale smoothly and achieve long-term operational success.

Your company has completed all the planning to analyze what automation equipment your fulfillment processes need to eliminate bottlenecks and provide a pathway to sustainable growth. Congratulations! You may correctly feel that the light at the end of the tunnel is in view. But if you’re also feeling apprehension, you’re not wrong there, either. Effective implementation is the crucial final step that helps determine whether a steep learning curve and/or service issues turn what should be a solution into a new problem. After all, buying your equipment is really only the start of your automation journey.  

How do you ensure that you’re prepared to move forward and get the most out of your new equipment? Here are the considerations that can help your plans to go live unfold as smoothly as possible. 

How Do You Go Live? 

With any new equipment or change in processes, you’ll need to be prepared for an adjustment period as your employees become familiar with new machines and how they fit into (or transform) previous ways of doing things. This is one of the reasons we recommend starting small if your company hasn’t previously done integrations or used automation equipment before. You can keep familiar processes that work and gear your automation selections toward improving what isn’t as effective, easing staff transition into new ways of doing things. Tension Packaging & Automation helps our clients create optimal go-live plans that minimize disruptions and give you a clear roadmap for getting your new systems up and running. 

What are critical questions you need the answers to when creating these plans? First, who is going to do the install? The answer will vary depending on the type and complexity of the equipment. Next, who is going to train the staff? Keep in mind that staff training is never a one-and-done proposition. You may have an outside company come in and train all the employees who will be working with new equipment when it is first installed, but what happens months or years down the road when there are new hires, or there are internal moves that pair someone with machines they haven’t worked with before?  

Factory Trained Expertise 

At Tension, we set you up for long-term knowledge and success through our team of factory trained implementation managers and service technicians who will install your newly purchased equipment. Your equipment will be placed, powered, set up, and site acceptance tested per agreement guidelines. Extensive operator training and train the trainer programs are available, and Tension is available for additional training support should you need a refresher due to seasonal work or unexpected turnover.  

Will your company have someone in the building to support the equipment? While Tension designs our equipment for rugged reliability, machines that are in constant use may require service outside of its planned maintenance. The majority of equipment concerns can be resolved over the phone. If a site visit is required, we can quickly dispatch technicians quickly to resolve issues and get the equipment operational again.  Will you have an inside mechanic available for ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting? We also provide training for in-house technicians to ensure they can work on your equipment with confidence. 

Automation Equipment Solutions Service Plans 

Service and support are a natural part of working with automation equipment. The type and level of support your company will need is as custom as the automation solution that is right for your situation. Tension has a variety of customer service plans and service agreements that enable you to choose the level of support that fits your organization’s needs. Our nationwide support staff ensures that there is always someone on call. Additionally, service and support plans offer a variety of benefits to include priority phone service, priority site visits, discounted labor rates and discounted preventative maintenance programs. 

Spare Me 

Finally, what parts will you need to keep equipment running smoothly in the warehouse? The right spare parts kit will depend on your specific system. Tension will provide a list of recommended spare parts to keep the equipment running optimally and reduce downtime so that routine fixes will not bring your fulfillment processes to a halt while you wait for parts to arrive. 

Your Automation Partner Today and Into the Future 

If your company is one of the many with little (or no) existing automation in your fulfillment processes, Tension Packaging & Automation can provide the guidance and support you need to not only take your first steps but also to create a system that can grow with you. We’re the partner you can rely on every step of the way. To learn more about how we can help you modernize your eCommerce or pharmacy fulfillment, contact us here today.

Getting Started with Automation: A Guide for Your Warehouse Management Solutions | Part 4, Equipment Recommendations: What Is the Best Option?

tensionapdev on June 25, 2024

Choosing the best automation equipment for your warehouse depends on unique operational needs, and thoughtful selection should align with integration, employee buy-in, and technical requirements—ensuring smooth, efficient, and impactful fulfillment processes tailored to your business.

If you’ve read our previous installments in this series, then you can probably already anticipate the short answer to the question “What is my best option for automation equipment?”: 

“It depends.”  

While eCommerce and pharmacy fulfillment companies may share similarities in the challenges they face, once a business has reviewed its current operations, crunched the numbers, and analyzed its order flow, it will be obvious that to be effective, the selection of automation equipment is not a one-size-fits-all solution.  

By the time a company has put together the information from Parts 1 through 3, they should have a clearer idea of what kinds of equipment will yield the biggest positive impact on optimizing order fulfillment. Next we’ll talk about buy-in and additional considerations to take into account when making decisions on which kinds of equipment to purchase. 

Getting Buy-In on Equipment 

Ideally, the workers who form the backbone of a company’s existing fulfillment processes have been a valuable source of information on what has been working and what can use improvement during the research stages of this journey. It’s essential to note that while automation drastically reduces the amount of manual labor needed for order fulfillment—particularly repetitive tasks that can result in injuries and errors—there are no human-free systems. Skilled, knowledgeable employees will always be needed to keep orders flowing and to deal with any anomalies that require intervention.  

The key is that thoughtfully chosen automation allows your workforce to be more productive in a safer, less stressful environment. The recommendations arrived at from the first three steps will naturally be different for each company. However, the right solution for your company should have immediate benefits that are obvious to your employees, whether that is an automated packer that eliminates hand packing or a tabletop bagging machine that opens the bag, labels it, and seals it after contents have been loaded. If you’re using cartons, equipment that automates weighing, void fill, and packing slip insertion speeds throughput while reducing errors. When rate shopping is a goal (or an existing bottleneck) a SLAM (scan-label-apply-manifest) system can take the headache out of minimizing shipping costs. Finally, automated sortation makes it possible to sort packages of different weights, shapes, and sizes quickly and accurately in a smaller space footprint to go to multiple carriers at multiple service levels. When employees understand the rationale and receive the training and support to ensure that the new systems work as intended (more on that coming in Part 5!), then your company will be able to get the most out of their investment in automation. 

Integrations 

Another essential question a company introducing automation technology should be asking at this point is what they are doing for integrations. First, the hardware and machinery chosen will need to operate smoothly with the software in use. This includes your warehouse management system (WMS), which controls operations from when goods enter your warehouse until they move out, and transportation management systems (TMS), shipping software that helps optimize shipping costs and efficiency.  

In addition, before anything is moved in the door, equipment integration must be planned for. How will new technology flow in the warehouse with current processes? And where will new equipment be placed? The application engineer on the project should provide drawings showing the proposed layout making it clear exactly how the process incorporating the new automation will be situated and function. 

Tech Requirements 

The last step before your company is ready to move ahead is to ensure that all the technical requirements for your selected equipment can be met. Depending on the machinery chosen, power requirements can vary, and pneumatic features may have air needs that also need to be considered. For example, a tabletop bagger may only need a standard outlet, while larger equipment may need higher voltage and amperage. The layout should be reviewed to ensure that such requirements can be met in the proper locations, and if upgrades are needed, they are planned and budgeted for. 

In addition, data needs should be taken into account for printing addresses on polybags. What printer language will the system be using—e.g., Zebra, Datamax, or SATO—and will you be set up to ensure that your equipment can communicate seamlessly? 

Your Partner in Strategic Automation 

Even when you know the right questions to ask and are sure automation is the logical next move for your fulfillment operations, making the leap can feel like daunting. The team at Tension Packaging & Automation is here to give you the expert support you need to chart the best path forward for your company and move ahead with confidence. To learn more, contact us here today.  

Getting Started with Automation: A Guide for Your Warehouse Management Solutions | Part 3, Order Flow from Pick to Ship

tensionapdev on May 24, 2024

Optimizing your warehouse’s order flow from pick to ship is critical for effective automation, and Tension Packaging & Automation helps identify and streamline processes—from order picking and packing to carrier rate shopping—reducing costs and boosting accuracy, all while supporting your business’s growth and efficiency goals.

 In the first two parts of this series, we laid out preliminary steps that set the stage for making strategic choices on how best to incorporate automation into order fulfillment to increase accurate throughput, reduce labor costs, and position businesses to accommodate continued growth. First, we went through questions a business should be asking itself about its current operations when it has become apparent that manual processes aren’t keeping up with demand. Then we moved on to looking at numbers—the budget they’re able to invest in automation solutions, their current labor costs (factoring in overtime and expenses for temporary hires), and the expected time frame to realize a full return on investment.  

The next step is to take a closer look at order flow—the steps necessary to select inventory to fulfill an order and prepare it to be handed off to the selected carrier. Order picking and packing methods vary, and understanding how your system works now and where improvements are possible is an essential part of selecting the right equipment to create a truly effective automation solution. 

Breaking Down Your Order Flow 

Order picking is the first part of the process to look at. In general, the internal goals for this step are to optimize the process by minimizing the distance workers have to travel, maximizing the use of the space you have available, minimizing picking errors to reduce returns, and minimizing on-the-job injuries. If your existing processes do a good job of this, then steps toward automation should be taken with an eye to integrating with what’s already working. If not, then incorporating automation can be an opportunity to rethink how orders are handled to make needed improvements. 

Start with these questions: How does an order get picked? Do you use a cart system, with operators going to where goods are located to select what’s needed? Or do you use conveyor delivery? Or carton delivery? Once an order has been picked, how does that order get to the pack station? And what does the packer’s job entail to get that order safely packed and ready to ship? 

Another important question to ask is do you rate shop for various shipping carriers? If the answer is no, then ask yourself: Do you need to? And do you want to? It is entirely possible that your business determined that one carrier offers the best rates for your requirements, and taking time to rate shop isn’t necessary to keep shipping costs down. Or you may simply not have rate shopped before because trying to do it manually, package by package, wasn’t practical. Automated rate shopping can help reduce shipping costs without adding a labor-intensive step to the process.  

A related question is how are you capturing DIMs (dimensional weights)? Carriers will charge more for a package with a DIM weight higher than its actual weight, because it isn’t in their best interest to take up cargo space with low-cost large, light packages. Identifying the correct dimensions is important for accurate manifesting as well as for rate shopping, and it represents another area where automation can produce savings without burdening workers. 

Packing can also benefit from solutions that improve throughput and free up valuable employee time from low-level, repetitive tasks. Right now, how many orders is a packer shipping out in a day? How is labeling done? And how is each package sorted to be delivered to the carrier? Each of these steps is another opportunity to strategically automate. 

Finally, how many shipping carriers do you typically use? Do you always work exclusively with major carriers, or do you supplement with gig carriers during peak shipping times? The answers to these kinds of questions will help determine what equipment is necessary to support your requirements now while also giving your business room to grow and improve. 

Expert Guidance in Your Automation Journey 

If your eCommerce or pharmacy fulfillment company is just beginning to make a move into automation, you may not know what is possible, let alone the best strategy for optimizing your processes. Don’t worry—the team at Tension Packaging & Automation is here to walk you through your options, analyze your requirements to create a personalized solution, and provide the support you need to get the most out of your investment. To learn more, contact us here today. 

How Hospital Pharmacy Automation Improves Patient Safety

tensionapdev on October 30, 2023

Hospital pharmacies face immense pressure to dispense medications quickly and accurately, as delays or errors can have life-threatening consequences. Automation offers a solution by streamlining processes, reducing medication errors, and improving patient safety through technologies like bar code verification and automated quality control. Tension’s pharmacy automation solutions are designed to enhance efficiency and reliability, giving your team confidence in providing the best care for critically ill patients.

In a hospital setting, pharmacy operations face the continual pressure of dispensing a wide variety of medications to patients who may be in a critical state, needing immediate medical intervention. Accuracy is naturally of the highest importance, but so is speed—slowing down to fill a prescription could cost time patients can’t afford to lose, but supplying the wrong drug or the wrong dose could be worse. In fact, as reported by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), medication errors are among the most common medical errors, with the costs of treating drug-related injuries in hospitals amounting to $3.5 billion annually. It can be devastating to reflect such a mistake might have been avoidable.

When an error occurs, it can be natural to blame the individuals involved in the incident first, but often the systems and procedures in place set the stage for avoidable problems. When people are performing repetitive manual tasks under pressure, having to switch gears between multiple steps, and pause at each stage to read over and verify information, the points at which mistakes can creep in multiply. Automation can help improve patient safety by streamlining your processes and improving accuracy, reserving critical human attention for higher-level tasks. Here’s how Tension’s pharmacy automation equipment and software can improve patient safety in hospitals:

  1. Reducing Medication Errors: How many medications have confusingly similar names? How many medications can be beneficial at one dose and harmful at another? Automated medication dispensing in hospital pharmacies eliminates errors that might occur because a medication name or dosage was misread, or because an incorrect count was dispensed. Pharmacies can rely on consistent efficiency and accuracy around the clock.
  2. Improving Patient Safety with Automated Medication Verification: Key to guaranteeing patient safety is ensuring that a prescription is verified at every step of the way. The scanning technology in our WorkFlow Software System (WFS) uses bar codes for fast, easy verification that what’s being dispensed is what was ordered, so it can ultimately be delivered to the right patient.
  3. Automated Quality Control and Testing: In addition to bar code scanning that builds accuracy into your processes, WFS is designed with single-task workstations that allow your pharmacists and technicians to focus on the task at hand. The system is designed to be efficient by eliminating scrolling and switching back and forth between functions, which not only slows fulfillment but also increases the likelihood of mistakes. Quality control is built into the entire process, instead of requiring additional steps.

When medication errors occur in the hospital, they erode patients’ trust in the healthcare system even when harm is minor and are demoralizing to hospital workers. Worse, they can result in irreversible damage in the most severe cases. Automation can dramatically improve patient safety and maximize the productivity of your hospital pharmacy, giving your team and your patients confidence in the care you provide.

Customized Solutions for Your Hospital Pharmacy

Tension Packaging & Automation is a leader in dispensing equipment and software for pharmacy operations of all sizes. We understand that every pharmacy has a unique workflow, so our solutions are designed to be customizable, scalable, and adaptable. As your needs change, we can add additional processes and capabilities to keep your system up to date with your requirements. Just as critically, we’re here to ensure that you get the full value of your investment in automation with top-notch customer service. In addition to tailoring your system to your pharmacy’s needs, we fully train your workforce so they can realize the full benefit of automated support, and we continue to provide support and service as needed, with 24/7 availability for advice, technical support, and maintenance.

When you’re dealing with seriously ill patients in a hospital setting, you want every assurance that the systems you have put in place maximize their safety. To learn more about how Tension can successfully automate your hospital pharmacy, contact us here today.

The Impact of eCommerce Packaging on Brand Image and Recognition

tensionapdev on October 24, 2023

Your eCommerce packaging is more than just a way to get products safely to customers—it’s a powerful tool for building your brand. Strategic choices like sustainable materials and personalized designs can enhance your brand image, increase customer loyalty, and create a memorable unboxing experience. Don’t let packaging be an afterthought—let it be a statement that sets your business apart.

When your eCommerce business chooses packaging for shipping products to your customers, your considerations probably start with the fundamentals—picking the right kind of packaging to get your product where it needs to go safe and undamaged, without excess cost or wasted material. But if that’s where the conversation ends, you are missing out on significant opportunities to influence your brand image and recognition through your packaging.

After all, when a consumer receives their order, what does its packaging say about your company? If their items arrive on time and intact, that’s great, but there’s so much more you could be conveying with intentional choices that align with your overall branding and marketing strategy. Compared to a retail store, eCommerce businesses have fewer touchpoints in which to create a great experience, so you shouldn’t squander the chances you do get to create a good impression and build your brand. Consider some of the choices that can send a strong message.

Sustainability

Environmental awareness is extremely popular among consumers, with a solid majority indicating that they would pay more for products with sustainable packaging. You can enhance your brand image by tapping into this customer sentiment with your choice of eCommerce packaging. Options include recyclable paper packaging or polybags that include post-consumer resin (PCR) or post-industrial content (PIC), which keep nonbiodegradable plastic waste out of landfills and protect the environment. Customers will positively associate the extra effort you take to align with their values with your brand reputation.

Personalization

Why send a generic package when your materials offer a blank slate for delivering additional messaging directly into the hands of your customers? Putting your logo or slogan on the outside of your package can boost your brand recognition and encourage customer loyalty. Custom packaging can also increase the perceived value of your product and help differentiate you from competitors. In addition, this space can be used for marketing campaigns or special promotions to increase future sales. Both poly bags and paper packaging can be custom printed, giving you options for personalization no matter what your ideal packaging is. Picture your customers’ faces lighting up when they see your logo on the package they’ve just received and realize the order they were anticipating has arrived, and you’ll see the value.

Packaging and Brand Perception

Quality packaging matters for more than just getting your products from point A to point B. Your customers will make judgments about your company based on what they see in your packaging choices. For example, good strong materials and good seals demonstrate that your company takes care in its packaging, which suggests your customers can expect equal concern in the quality of your products and the investment you put into customer service. Similarly, right-sized packaging sends a positive message—after all, we’ve all had the experience of receiving one small item in an outsized box mostly full of empty space. A package that is appropriately sized for its contents is a signal that your company spends its money and efforts wisely and efficiently.

Your Source for Custom Packaging Solutions

Tension Packaging & Automation understands that the demands of eCommerce sales are different from those of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. Our packaging expertise can help you elevate receiving a package into a satisfying brand experience that complements your overall marketing strategy. We can help you select the right packaging materials for your application (including sustainable packaging) to optimize your fulfillment operation’s workflow while protecting and promoting your brand. We can also help you choose the right customization for your packaging to produce the best return on investment for your marketing efforts.

Realizing that there’s more you could do to get the full benefit of strategic packaging choices for your brand? Don’t wait to get started. To learn more about how Tension can make your eCommerce packaging work to strengthen your brand, contact us here today.

Top 4 Benefits of Tension’s PharmaPATH™ Back-End Pharmacy Workflow Software

tensionapdev on September 28, 2023

In pharmacy operations, there’s no room for error or delays—patients depend on receiving the right medications quickly and accurately. Tension Automation’s PharmaPATH™ workflow software streamlines order fulfillment with features like dedicated task workstations, barcode verification for accuracy, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. Designed for adaptability, PharmaPATH ensures your pharmacy operates at peak efficiency while staying customizable to grow with your business.

Whether you’re running a mail order, central fill, specialty, or hospital outpatient pharmacy, there’s no room for error in filling prescription and nonprescription orders. It’s also not acceptable to sacrifice speed for accuracy—when patients are waiting on their medications, they rely on their pharmacy to supply exactly what they need when they need it.

Unfortunately, the process of taking fully confirmed order requests and turning them into prescriptions that have been accurately and quickly dispensed, verified, packaged, and manifested is full of opportunities for mistakes and inefficiencies to creep in, especially when a growing volume of orders threatens to overwhelm your current capacity. Whether you’ve automated dispensing, fulfill orders manually, or have a hybrid setup, Tension Automation’s PharmaPATH back-end pharmacy workflow software is an easy-to-use solution that optimizes efficiency and increases productivity from start to finish.

How does PharmaPATH make your job easier while giving you the peace of mind of knowing that every order is going out accurately filled? Here are the top four benefits of our software:

  1. Dedicated Task Workstations – Everybody knows that systems that require multiple tasks and processes per screen inevitably slow things down, forcing users to continually shift gears as they complete steps. Worse, attempting to speed up such layered tasks to keep up with demand can cause mistakes. Our dedicated workstations allow your pharmacy technician or pharmacist to focus on one thing at a time, resulting in reduced processing time overall. The operator is able to excel at a single task rather than juggling many.
  2. Accuracy Scans – Barcode scan verification means that accuracy is literally built into every step of the process. Reduce time lost to correcting errors.
  3. Rapid Processing Time – Scans don’t just enhance accuracy; they also only take seconds to process. (Compare that to the time it would take an operator to read and verify a label, feeling confident they’d gotten it right.) In addition, WFS is programmed for intelligent order monitoring, determining the fastest processing method for each item dispensed. In combination, these allow for higher throughput.
  4. Touchscreen-Based User Interface – Our UI is simple, intuitive, and designed to reduce training efforts, increase throughput, and eliminate mistakes. Color-coded direction buttons on the human-machine interface (HMI) direct users to the next step in the process, telling them exactly what to do. Our software eliminates the need to use a cumbersome keyboard AND mouse alongside a touchscreen.

Made for You: Adaptable and Customizable

The beauty of our back end pharmacy WorkFlow Software is not just that it speeds up accurate pharmacy order fulfillment, but that it is designed to be modified to fit your unique workflows, rather than trying to shoehorn your operations into a one-size-fits-all box. We also know that a successful operation is one that changes, so WFS can also be adapted to add additional processes as your company grows.

Tension’s PharmaPATH also includes a customizable dashboard that gives you at-a-glance visibility into your operations. Track your inventory, monitor which orders have been fulfilled, and stay on top of your output targets. This too can be customized as your business grows and evolves, depending on what data points you need to track.

Best of all, PharmaPATH is backed by Tension’s outstanding customer service. We’re here to ensure that your system is fully customized to the workflow of your pharmacy operations, to provide the necessary training to get your workforce up to speed, and to help you realize the full value of your investment. We’re also here to provide ongoing support and customization as needed so your system always keeps pace with the needs of your business.

Your Source for Pharmacy Solutions

As a leader in packaging equipment and automation systems specializing in pharmacy and eCommerce, Tension Packaging & Automation is dedicated to helping our customers optimize productivity with results-driven solutions. To find out more about how our back end pharmacy WorkFlow Software can improve the efficiency and profitability of your pharmacy operation, contact us here today.

Spotlight on Service & Support: Going the Extra Mile

tensionapdev on June 27, 2023

More than 80% of warehouses today lack automation, highlighting significant opportunities for improvement in efficiency and scalability. Tension Packaging & Automation specializes in designing, building, and supporting automation solutions for eCommerce and pharmacy operations, powered by intuitive TensionDirector software. With dedicated service, proactive training, and 24/7 support, we’re your true partner in creating reliable and stress-free automation experiences.

More than 80% of warehouses today have no automation. This statistic was presented at MHI’s (Material Handling Industry) spring meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina where Tension Packaging & Automation joined MHI’s SLAM and Solutions Community industry groups.  

MHI, the nation’s largest material handling, logistics and supply chain association, has more than 800 members and offers a powerful resource for knowledge, networking and solutions sourcing for manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Solutions Community group represents a network of thought leaders in automation, software, hardware, equipment and services that support a fully integrated supply chain. 

Who Is Tension Packaging & Automation? 

Tension Packaging & Automation is a full solutions integrated provider; we design, build, install and support warehouse automation solutions for: 

  • eCommerce Order Fulfillment Automation to include packaging, conveying, labeling, manifesting, and sorting solutions for distribution centers, 3PLs and warehouse management.  
  • Pharmacy Automation to include dispensing, verification, packaging, labels, sorting and manifesting solutions for central-fill, mail-order, specialty, hospital outpatient and pet pharmacies.  

Many of our solutions run on our innovative, intuitive TensionDirector software architecture aimed at seamlessly integrating your complete suite of automation solutions. 

We’ve Got Your Back: Your True Partner for Service, Support & Success 

Due to the complexities involved in integrating and operating warehouse automation, such projects require a high level of dedicated, responsive and thorough support through the life of the product or contract.

From installation to training and from service to support, our team is committed to providing expertise to our customers through every step. And in doing so, we strive to provide the best possible service and support in the industry — our team of experienced professionals seeks to anticipate customer needs and provide solutions that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency through: 

  • Proactivity: We support our products with on-call troubleshooting and complete training opportunities. Our team teaches your team best practices for running your new equipment, equips them with reference manuals and ensures your operators and technicians are prepared and confident to run it.  
  • Thoroughness: From troubleshooting to maintenance and repair services, our technicians are thorough in their approach, ensuring that all needs are met, and no detail is overlooked. Our team has the dedication and determination to correct the issue and to exceed customer expectations.  
  • Timeliness: We respond to service requests in an extremely timely fashion. All requests are submitted though our Service Portal where they are immediately assessed and assigned for deployment. 
  • Expertise: Our technicians specialize in equipment from sorting machines and conveyor systems to our proprietary pharmacy automation equipment and software solutions. Organizing our team by equipment subject matter experts (SMEs) enables us to quickly and effectively solve inquiries and transfer knowledge to other projects. 
  • Service with a Smile: In addition to our technical expertise, our team is conscientious, courteous, respectful and attentive to the needs of our customers. We are available 24/7 to provide advice, technical support and maintenance services. 

Overall, we pride ourselves on being your true partner; we want your company to be a success. You can rely on us for service and support through available standard and premium service plans for ongoing support needs, or you can select a flexible maintenance plan that works for you. 

Contact Us 

Whether you are considering new warehouse automation solutions or need assistance with an existing system, our team is here to help. We believe that everyone should have access to the highest quality of service and support. It is our mission to make sure your pharmacy or eCommerce warehouse automation experience is successful, reliable and stress-free. Contact us today to get the conversation started. 

How a Sortation System Can Optimize Your Order Fulfillment Services

tensionapdev on January 18, 2023

The Role of Sortation Systems in Optimizing Order Fulfillment Services

The eCommerce industry is face paced, featuring order fulfillment as a critical factor of customer satisfaction. To meet customer demands and expectations, warehouses are increasingly turning to automated sortation systems to optimize their order fulfillment process.

When it comes to shipping, fast is no longer fast enough. Consumers who were impressed with Amazon’s two-day shipping now want shorter delivery times and lower shipping charges. Twenty-minute delivery windows may soon be the new standard for delivery times as adopters of quick commerce (Q-Commerce) gain traction in the grocery segment, which could soon expand to other retail industries. A recent study also revealed that 66% of online shoppers had abandoned their carts because of shipping costs.

Creating Operational Efficiencies with Sortation

As consumers want more for less, warehouses, distribution centers and order fulfillment operations are looking for ways to be more productive. One way to offer these efficiencies is through sortation systems for order fulfillment.

Items that have been packaged on our automated packaging equipment , travels to the sorter when the package is identified and diverted with the assistance of our TensionCONNECTTM software.

How a Sortation System Can Help Your Fulfillment Operations

Sortation systems can help optimize your order fulfillment operation by improving order accuracy and speed, reducing labor costs, and ensuring versatility and use of warehouse space. By automating the sorting process, you can process a high volume of orders with minimal resources and reduce the chances of errors occurring during the fulfillment process.

Benefits to using sortation systems in your order fulfillment operations include:

  • Increased Speed: With routing that is completed in a fraction of the time compared to a manual process, a sortation system can help drastically improve item sorting rates.  
  • Improved Accuracy: A scanner automatically assigns the package to the correct carrier so your staff doesn’t have to. 
  • Decreased Labor Costs: With the added efficiencies a sortation system can provide, your staff can focus on other high-skilled areas that need their expertise. 
  • Better Use of Valuable Warehouse Space: Save floor space with a sophisticated, flexible design tailor-made for tight warehouses. 
  • Enhanced Versatility: Our sorters can handle nearly every size, shape and weight, including apparel, shoes, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, CDs, mail, books and small parcels.

What to Consider When Choosing a Sortation System

When choosing a sortation system for order fulfillment, several factors must be taken into consideration, including the type of products being sorted, the layout of the warehouse, budget, and ROI. These can have an impact on which sortation systems work best for your order fulfillment. Choosing the right sortation system for order fulfillment can greatly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction, making it a critical decision for any warehouse or distribution center.

Choose Sortation Systems Designed to Grow With You

Compact and adjustable, our sortation system fits into small or large spaces, and can adjust to different modes or fulfillment channels. This system is also designed to grow in capacity, and is flexible enough to handle a changing product mix.

We work in an environment where the only constant is change. It’s an environment where responding to a more demanding customer is vital to your business. With increased fulfillment demands, an automated sortation system may just be the key to lasting success.

Contact Tension

Tension Packaging & Automation is a leader in complete packaging and automation solutions for the eCommerce and pharmacy automation industries. Our line of packaging equipment seamlessly integrates with sortation systems and related software to help rate-shop and select the best carrier at the best price.

Contact Tension today to discuss how we can help set up your eCommerce or pharmacy order fulfillment operation for success with the help of our sortation systems.

Product Spotlight: Tension PharmaPATH™ Back-End Pharmacy Workflow Software

tensionapdev on November 9, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vital role pharmacies play in healthcare, driving demand for efficient management tools like Tension’s PharmaPATHTM Back-End Pharmacy Workflow Software. Designed to streamline operations, PharmaPATH integrates seamlessly with front-end systems, ensuring accuracy, adaptability, and maximum performance for mail order, specialty, and central fill pharmacies. Transform your pharmacy workflows with intuitive, high-performing solutions from Tension.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role pharmacies play in American healthcare. As the demand for high-value pharmacist services such as vaccinations, medication therapies, and drug management for acute illness remains strong, so does the need for effective pharmacy management software and workflow tools.

Pharmacy workflows can assign pharmacy technicians various tasks in the pharmacy, allowing pharmacists more bandwidth to provide high-value services and ultimately deliver more satisfying patient experiences.

Infuse intuitive, efficient, and intelligent pharmacy software solutions in your pharmacy with Tension’s PharmaPATHTM Back-End Pharmacy Workflow Software.

What is PharmaPATH Software?

Through an interface with front-end pharmacy software systems, the PharmaPATH is a back-end pharmacy workflow management software system that accepts order requests that have been fully adjudicated and confirmed ready for processing. Then, it facilitates the prescription through dispensing, pharmacist verification (PV), packaging and manifesting.

WFS helps all types of pharmacies, including mail order, central fill, and specialty pharmacies, seamlessly manage the back-end processing of prescription and non-prescription items.

PharmaPATH Workflow Software Benefits

PharmaPATH software is well-suited for automated pharmacy dispensing systems:

  • Easy to Use – Dedicated workstations allow operators to focus on the task at hand in your automated pharmacy.
  • Streamlined – Process a prescription in a fraction of the time it takes to process a prescription with a manual process.
  • Adaptable – Easily integrates with front end pharmacy technology applications. This back-end workflow software system can be modified to fit your unique workflows or customized to meet your specific pharmacy needs.
  • Accurate – Accuracy is built into every step of the process with barcode scan verification of products, patient labels, documentation, and packaging.
  • Intuitive – Intuitive user interfaces are efficiency-focused and designed to reduce training efforts, increase throughput and eliminate mistakes in your pharmacy operations.
  • Performer – The entire workflow is designed toward maximum throughput and performance without sacrificing quality.
  • Intelligent – Intelligent order induction for the pharmacy dispensing software determines the best processing method for each item dispensed.

Who Needs PharmaPATH Software?

Tension’s PharmaPATH software is ideal for pharmacies that need an easier-to-learn and intuitive processing system for their pharmacy workflow.

Pharmacy managers seeking to increase accuracy and performance in their pharmacy operations can benefit from Tension’s PharmaPATH, as it offers an environment that minimizes operator error as medications are scanned, logged and tracked in efficient, dedicated workstations.

Pharmacy technicians/operators will also appreciate the ergonomic, minimalistic approach and ascetically pleasing user interfaces.

Because it is so versatile and easy to use, Tension’s PharmaPATH software can be integrated into any pharmacy looking for a new workflow management system or an upgrade to improve existing processes. From specialty to pet & livestock to long term care to mail order pharmacies, Tension has the innovative tools you need to revolutionize your pharmacy operations.

Want More Information?

Download our case study to learn how one Tension customer implemented our PharmaPATH Back-End Pharmacy Workflow Software System to launch their online pharmacy. Click here to access the case study.

Contact Us

Give your pharmacy operations a boost with Tension’s PharmaPATH pharmacy management software. Contact us to get started today, or check our product page for more details.