Apr 24, 2026 by Matt Nichol
For manufacturers, EOFY is when those “we should fix this” conversations can finally turn into action.
Budgets are being finalised, priorities are clearer, and projects that have been waiting for the right moment suddenly have a path forward.
The question is: which projects will get the green light and which will be left behind for another year?
The difference comes down to how well you can justify the investment for your production line.
Image credit: Alfexe
Most production issues don’t fail loudly. They show up in small, daily compromises, such as operators manually correcting codes, rework due to labelling errors, unplanned downtime, and compliance risks increasing.
Individually, these feel manageable; but collectively, they drain margin, productivity and confidence.
For example:
These aren’t one-off events; they’re daily friction points that quietly add up. That’s why it’s important to use EOFY to invest in meaningful changes, whether that’s automating processes or upgrading equipment.
Not all capital spend is equal. The projects that get approved and deliver value fastest tend to fall into three categories:
If your line is exposed to labelling errors, traceability gaps or audit risk, EOFY is the time to fix it.
Common issues include:
In regulated industries such food and beverage, even small errors can escalate quickly from failed audits to product withdrawals or recalls.
Fixing these issues isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about protecting brand trust and retailer relationships.
Image credit: Zhanna Hapanovich
Small inefficiencies compound quickly in high-volume environments.
This might be overfilling to stay compliant, manual coding corrections, frequent line stops, or ink, label and packaging waste.
In practice, this often looks like:
These are often the easiest ROI cases to build because the waste is already happening, every single day.
Sometimes the issue isn’t one piece of equipment, it’s how systems connect.
Disconnected coding, labelling and data systems create friction: slower changeovers increased operator intervention and higher error rates.
For example:
Targeted upgrades, such as integrating coding and package code management systems, can:
In fact, there are lots of ways to reduce waste in your coding and labelling process, without requiring a full line overhaul.
Image credit: Sommart
Most manufacturers already know what needs fixing. The real challenge is getting it approved.
Common blockers include:
That’s why it’s important to frame proposed projects in a way that gets traction.
One of the fastest ways to get a project approved is to position it as a financial decision, not just an operational one.
Bring your CFO in early and frame your case in financial terms.
Your CFO is focused on data, risk and return. That means clearly showing:
For example:
CFOs also care about predictability. Unplanned downtime, manual processes and disconnected systems create variability and unforecasted costs, making operations harder to manage and scale.
By contrast, investing in automation, integration or reliable equipment delivers more consistent output, fewer surprises and better data for decision-making.
Image credit: Jittawit
If you can measure it, you can justify fixing it.
Put numbers around the problem:
Tools such as Matthews’ iDSnet can support this by providing real-time production data and visibility across your line, helping you quantify inefficiencies and build a stronger business case.
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Capex gets approved when payback is clear.
Frame your case around:
Projects that reduce rework, eliminate giveaway, or improve uptime can pay for themselves faster, making them far easier to approve than large, long-term investments.
Also consider asset lifecycle. Equipment nearing end-of-life often brings rising maintenance costs and higher downtime risk – what reliability engineers refer to as the “bathtub curve”.
Decision-makers need confidence that implementation won’t disrupt production.
That means:
It’s also worth considering upcoming regulatory or retailer requirements. Investing early can reduce future compliance risk and avoid rushed, reactive upgrades later.
The easier and safer the project feels, the faster it moves.
Capex isn’t the only path. If you don’t have the capital upfront to purchase the new coding, labelling and packaging equipment, leasing and financing can be an attractive alternative.
Leasing and financing options can:
You may also be eligible for rebates, sustainability grants, R&D tax incentives, or funding for automation upgrades, helping offset capital costs and improve the business case. Use the Grants and Programs finder to see what’s available.
Image credit: Natalya Kosarevich
Another year of waiting to invest is another year of waste, risk and inefficiency built into your operation. EOFY is your opportunity to reset that.
At Matthews Australasia, we help you define the problem, quantify the impact, and deliver a solution that works from day one.
With integrated solutions, proven ROI use cases and local support, we reduce the complexity of justification, and the risk of getting it wrong.
