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By Tony Gregory
Before buying a bottle unscrambler or investing in packaging automation, most companies ask the obvious questions:
How fast is the machine? What’s the price? How soon can we get it?
But there’s one question that’s just as important — and often overlooked:
Who will install, start up, and maintain this equipment — your own field engineers or subcontracted technicians?
This simple question can dramatically impact your production line’s uptime, efficiency, and long-term performance.
When choosing the best bottle unscrambler manufacturer — whether in Europe or the USA — the technical team behind the machine matters as much as the machine itself.
Why It Matters Who Works on Your Machine
Subcontracted Technicians: Broad Experience, Limited Depth
Subcontracted technicians often have solid technical backgrounds and experience across many brands. But that’s also their limitation.
They:
- Jump between manufacturers every week
- Follow generic installation protocols
- May lack deep familiarity with your specific machine
- Are unfamiliar with your industry requirements
This can lead to misdiagnosis, longer downtimes, and recurring issues — especially in high-speed bottle unscrambler systems, pharmaceutical bottle unscrambler installations, or cosmetic packaging machinery setups.
In-House Field Engineers: Deep Knowledge, Real Results
A technician who has worked 5, 10, or even 20 years with the same manufacturer brings:
- Unmatched insight into the machine’s behavior
- Faster recognition of faults and root causes
- Better spare parts planning
- Stronger on-site training for your team
Whether it’s a rotary bottle unscrambler, air conveyor system, or puck handling system, these technicians know the equipment inside and out.
What You Should Ask Before Buying Packaging Machinery
Before making a major investment, ask these 4 essential questions:
- Will the installation and startup be handled by your own engineers?
Ensure that the supplier uses factory-trained staff, not subcontractors, for all critical service tasks. - How experienced are your field technicians?
A long-term engineer recognizes problems faster and provides more effective solutions than someone unfamiliar with the machine. - Will the same team handle future maintenance or refurbishments?
Continuity is crucial. A technician who knows your machine’s history is far more efficient. - Do you offer real-world operator training?
Your machine is only as good as the people operating it. Ask if their engineers will provide hands-on, on-site training.
What’s at Risk with Subcontracted Technicians?
Subcontracting service may seem efficient — but it comes with hidden costs:
- More downtime due to unfamiliarity
- Repeat issues from incorrect diagnoses
- Spare part delays from lack of foresight
- Generic training instead of practical insights
These issues can be costly, especially in food and beverage or chemical packaging lines, where precision and uptime are vital.
Why Manufacturers with In-House Technicians Are a Safer Bet
A company with its own dedicated engineers gives you:
- Faster machine installation and startup
- Proactive maintenance planning
- Smarter spare part recommendations
- Expert training and long-term support
When a problem occurs, they know what to do — because they’ve seen it before, and solved it before.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Compare Machines — Compare Support Teams
When choosing a packaging automation line, remember:
You’re not just buying a machine. You’re buying the service behind it.
Before you sign a deal, ask:
“Will your own experienced field engineers install, maintain, and refurbish this machine?”
This one question can save you weeks of downtime and thousands in service costs — and it’s a sign that you’re working with a proven unscrambling technology partner you can trust.