Episode 18: Cartridge Filling Innovation, Automation, and Customer-Centric Design
We had the honor of being featured on SciPhy Systems’ “Plants to Plants” interview series, where we delved deep into the evolution and impact of our cartridge filling automation technology.
Vape-Jet’s Journey
Our inception is a story of innovation born from necessity. Witnessing firsthand the labor-intensive process of manual cartridge filling, our CEO, Developer and Founder Ryan Hoitt recognized a glaring need for efficiency and precision. This led to the creation of Vape-Jet, our answer to the industry’s need for flexible automated solutions. Through our development, we have stayed laser-focused on continually evolving our cartridge filling machines, making significant strides in reducing labor while increasing output.
Revolutionizing the Industry with Machine Vision
The main differentiator of our fully automatic cartridge filling machine is the integration of advanced camera and machine vision systems. This technology has been a game-changer, eliminating major manual labor steps and streamlining the entire process. Our approach allows for real-time adjustments and ensures unparalleled accuracy, setting a new standard in the industry.
“What really was the key differentiator was that camera and machine vision system, which eliminated a major labor step, even though it’s an automated machine. If you have to spend two to three minutes per tray transferring everything over, you’re just shifting your labor from one place to another. So what really differentiated us from the competition was the ability to get the box from UPS dropping off the box, opening up the box, slicing it open, grabbing the tray, putting it directly on the machine, and not have that be pre-programmed in. Have that be figured out on the fly by the system.” – Ryan Hoitt
Navigating Industry Shifts
The cannabis landscape is ever-evolving, with consumer preferences shifting towards more sophisticated products like live resins and rosin. Vape-Jet’s cartridge filling automation systems are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing us to swiftly respond to changing market demands and maintain our position at the forefront of the industry.
“We do see the live resin market really picking up and doing well, especially in the established states. You’re seeing the distillate carts do really well in new markets. People are discovering, people are finding out the brands they like, they’re discovering the product. But over time, what we do see–the California’s, the Oregon’s, the Washington’s, the Colorado’s–definitely see more of a focus on craft and live and not taking stuff all the way down to distillate.” – Ryan Hoitt
Automation: A Solution to Customer Challenges
In facing labor shortages and high turnover, our automated solutions have proven invaluable. By reducing dependency on manual labor, Vape-Jet’s cartridge filling automation not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also sets the stage for sustainable growth and scalability within the cannabis sector.
“The key thing for us when we look at companies that have adopted automation versus companies that rely on the brute force of labor hours, is labor shortage. Turnover is a big risk; you might have somebody that could fill a lot of cartridges very quickly and is highly skilled. But your chances of losing that person and then losing their expertise, and falling behind on your production targets, is always a higher risk. And when you have a machine that has great support that’s fully automated and just requires a person to supervise it, and to change out trays and can do something else at the same time–packaging probably–then you’ve greatly reduced your risk. So not onl are you actually saving money because you’re no longer paying for a person, but you’re also dramatically reduce the chance of turnover and the costs of re-skilling, a huge, huge factor for a lot of companies either makes the business or breaks the business.” – Emmett McGregor
Looking Ahead: The Future of Automation in Cannabis
As we continue to evolve and adapt, our focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this industry. The insights shared during our discussion on “Plants to Plants” are just a glimpse into the future we envision—a future where efficiency, precision, and customer-centric design lead the way.
Vape-Jet’s filling solutions, alongside other forward-thinking companies like SciPhy Systems, are shaping a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future. For a closer look at how SciPhy Systems can transform your cannabis processing capabilities, visit their website and join us in embracing the next wave of cannabis industry evolution.
We’re committed to not only meeting but exceeding the needs of today’s producers and consumers. Stay ahead of the curve with Vape-Jet’s fully automatic and semi-automatic vape filling machines. Explore how our innovative solutions can streamline your operations and elevate your product offerings.
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