Abstract: A method for operating a packaging line including a packaging machine having an insertion station in which one portion is deposited on or in packaging means, a cutting machine for cutting slices from a product, including a discharge conveyor unit capable of forming the slices into portions, and an insertion/feed unit downstream in a passage direction of the cutting machine for buffering and feeding the portions to the insertion station by conveyor belts. Portions are assembled by the insertion/feed unit to a complete format having a predetermined number of portions and the complete format is fed to the insertion station by an insertion belt of the insertion/feed unit. The method includes initially assembling, on a last and/or penultimate conveyor belt of the insertion/feed unit before the insertion belt, an incomplete format, and forming the complete format from the incomplete format only upon transfer of the portions to the insertion belt.

Abstract: A method for operating a packaging line including a packaging machine having an insertion station in which one portion is deposited on or in packaging means, a cutting machine for cutting slices from a product, including a discharge conveyor unit capable of forming the slices into portions, and an insertion/feed unit downstream in a passage direction of the cutting machine for buffering and feeding the portions to the insertion station by conveyor belts. Portions are assembled by the insertion/feed unit to a complete format having a predetermined number of portions and the complete format is fed to the insertion station by an insertion belt of the insertion/feed unit. The method includes initially assembling, on a last and/or penultimate conveyor belt of the insertion/feed unit before the insertion belt, an incomplete format, and forming the complete format from the incomplete format only upon transfer of the portions to the insertion belt.