A packaging system includes a cushioning conversion machine for converting
stock material into relatively low density cushioning material or dunnage
and a packaging system controller. The packaging system controller
provides packaging instructions related to a part or parts to be packaged
and instructs the cushioning conversion machine to produce the cushioning
material. In one aspect of the present invention the packaging system
controller provides packaging instructions by retrieving a predetermined
set of packaging instructions associated with a particular part. In
another aspect of the present invention the packaging system controller
provides packaging instructions by determining an optimized packaging
methodology using one or more characteristics of the part or parts to be
packaged. The packaging system also provides for automated inventory
control and productivity monitoring.
