Artwork workflow management should take a concept from design to print as easily as possible. Effective artwork workflow processes speed up approval workflows, streamline the prepress stage to deliver right-first-time print production.
For Packaging Managers juggling packaging SKUs, tight deadlines, and numerous stakeholders (both internal and external), out-of-date artwork approval processes can be a real headache.
Multiple departments contribute to the design, modification and approval of a packaging item during the artwork approval cycle. Marketing teams, corporate communications, legal and compliance are all involved. External stakeholders – such as design agencies and printers – are also part of the process.
There are a vast number of details to check, amend and approve and the risk of expensive errors can be high if workflow is managed in a fragmented or ad hoc way.
Artwork workflow management can be defined as the steps and processes in place to effectively transform a conceptual design into an item of printed packaging. Packaging Managers or Marketing Managers often oversee this workflow and must collate and track the vast amount of information involved.
Good artwork workflow management is mission-critical for streamlined design-to-print processes that avoid pitfalls like:
An artwork workflow has a series of defined stages. Here is a general outline of a typical artwork workflow:
The project is created with a brief, deadline, and name. A standardised brief template can be useful at this stage.
An initial design is created from the brief. This work is often undertaken by an external design agency.
The design is distributed to internal departments for proofreading, checking, feedback and potential amendments. These are collated, the changes made and the design is re-issued for checking.
Each stakeholder gives the go ahead for the part of the design they are responsible for.
Prepress operators check and adapt the file in preparation for printing
If necessary, printing plates are created according to the printing machinery to be used.
The packaging is printed.
A smooth artwork workflow management process benefits Packaging Managers improving efficiency, lowering the risk of misprints and building collaboration into the process.
Time is of the essence in the packaging printing industry. Optimised workflows enable projects to be completed more quickly by:
Workflow management includes quality control systems to reduce errors and improve quality for Packaging Managers working against the clock. Keeping errors to a minimum is central to good workflows and improving quality. Any of the following can trigger the need for expensive reprints or unattractive last-minute over-labelling :
Here are some features of centralised workflows :
Effective workflows also nurture collaboration and communication, allowing departments to view the project as a whole, rather than working in isolation. While each may be responsible for certain aspects of a design, a good workflow makes an online space where colleagues can consider and discuss ideas. These conversations often spark creative solutions to problems.
Transparent task lists alongside clear roles and responsibilities help develop an understanding of the challenges faced by each department. This helps improve stakeholder and employee engagement.
Nowadays the best artwork workflow management draws on artwork approval software solutions to reduce manual tasks, implement standardised processes and streamline prepress and print production.
Artwork management tools transform previously manual processes resulting in multiple benefits :
Specialist workflow solutions like Millnet :
Many solutions offer free trial periods so you can experience the tool for yourself.
Standardised workflows strengthen every part of your artwork cycle and can be duplicated across SKUs. Personalised according to each company’s needs, they remove sticking points across services.
They above all alleviate the need for Packaging Project Managers to remember every critical detail and provide a centralised pathway for packaging production.
To create a consistent and repeatable design-to-print process follow these steps or adapt a template from your artwork software :
Efficient artwork workflow makes for a fluid prepress and print preparation stage. At prepress files are adapted to be ready for printing and printing plates are produced. Errors after this point are difficult to resolve without incurring unwanted costs and delays which are disastrous for the bottom line.
Millnet is a specialist artwork workflow management software created to support Print Managers. It provides a centralised, collaborative workflow alongside time-saving automated checking tools for increased security.
Here are some of its main features :
An overview of projects including jobs completed and tasks to be done.
The ability to prioritise tasks and monitor workflow.
Centralised, streamlined workflow saving hours of manual, tedious work and reduces the risk of omissions for right-first-time print production.
All departments to input their feedback easily and transparently.
External stakeholders to interact with the software (at specific points in the process, with limited access)
Colour consistency to avoid negatively impacting the brand
The ability to compare versions at a glance
Proofs are available online (not stored with suppliers).
Proofs are accessible when a member of staff is on holiday or has left the company.
You’re in control of the information internal and external parties can access.
With more than 700 registered printers, files don’t leave the platform from design to printing. Enjoy a fully traceable, complete journey.
Optimising artwork workflows is a no-brainer for Packaging Managers looking to boost their efficiency and productivity. Digital tools like Millnet are built to make this as easy as possible at scale.
Choosing the right digital solution is a worthwhile investment with a clear ROI in terms of reprints avoided, improved quality and staff time saved.
Try a free Millnet demo today!