To enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, Blikbuy, a cross-border purchasing platform, has adopted a data-driven approach using spreadsheets to manage and optimize packaging processes. By systematically tracking expenses and analyzing packaging workflows, the platform achieves cost control while ensuring delivery safety.

1. Packaging Data Tracking in Spreadsheets

• Material Costs: Spreadsheets document expenses for boxes (by size/grade), tapes, cushioning materials (bubble wrap, foam), and labels for each product category.
• Labor Costs: Time spent per packaging unit and worker productivity rates are recorded for process benchmarking.
• Additional Fees: Custom packaging design charges (e.g., branded boxes) and external service costs are tracked separately.

Example: A spreadsheet template assigns columns for "Product SKU," "Box Type Unit Cost ($)," and "Avg. Labor Minutes per Package." Formulas auto-calculate totals per 100 orders.

2. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

By comparing packaging designs through spreadsheets, Blikbuy identified key savings:

Key Findings: Downsizing box dimensions for lightweight items reduced filler use by 38%, while standardized tape lengths minimized waste.

3. Continuous Improvement Framework

1. Monthly Audits: Spreadsheet dashboards highlight cost deviations (e.g., spike in cardboard expenses).
2. A/B Testing: New packaging methods (e.g., paper vs. biodegradable fillers) are trialed with cost/sustainability comparisons.
3. Supplier Negotiation: Bulk purchase discounts are calculated based on volume thresholds in the data.

Outcome: Automated spreadsheet alerts now notify managers when per-unit costs exceed category benchmarks by over 10%.