Packaging artwork management software enables brands to shorten their packaging artwork approval processes, but it does much more besides.
- With an artwork management solution Packaging Managers can expect:
- Enhanced communication
- Faster approvals
- Easy and secure access to digital assets, proofs and print-ready files
- Right-first-time packaging artwork
- Reduced time-to-market
Millnet is a cutting-edge workflow solution developed by Miller Graphics specifically for businesses designing and producing packaging. Millnet’s adaptable packaging artwork platform locks in brand consistency and increases productivity via:
- Collaborative centralised workflows
- Regularly updated automation tools that carry out routine tasks
- An adaptable modular structure adaptable
Understanding Packaging Artwork Management
Packaging artwork workflows involve the contribution, feedback and approval of numerous internal departments like legal, marketing and quality assurance. External stakeholders like design agencies and printers are also in the loop.
On average, without a system, teams spend three hours a day on artwork management for every 1000 SKUs – that’s 700 hours a year – so it’s vital Packaging Managers monitor packaging artwork workflows closely to avoid spiralling costs. Managers can reduce pressure and accomplish more high-value work more quickly by building in artwork approval processes for their packaging files.
The Role of Artwork in Packaging
Appealing packaging can power a brand, but – as well as marketing content – consumers need to be able to locate the following on an item of food packaging:
- Ingredient lists
- Allergen information
- Nutritional information and graphics
- Recycling advice and graphics
- Translations
- Regulatory and legal information
Almost each of these must be approved by a different department!
Challenges in Packaging Artwork Management
Given the number of people and processes involved, it’s inevitable that without clear workflows packaging artwork management can become challenging:
- Overlong or confused artwork approval processes lead to delays in products reaching the shelves.
- Fragmented communication flows lead to omissions and errors which require costly reprints.
There are multiple repercussions for Packaging Managers juggling SKUs:
- Inconsistent colour distances packaging from the brand
- Design errors stop packaging from sitting properly within its product range
- Confusion around dimensions leads to trim marks or print edges showing
- Incorrect regulatory information renders packaging non-compliant
- Mistakes in unapproved translations negatively impact the brand
- Spelling and grammatical errors appear unprofessional
- Out-of-date logos mean packaging doesn’t fit with branding guidelines
A packaging artwork management software
Millnet packaging artwork management software helps Packaging Managers feel confident about going to print.
What is Millnet ?
Millnet is a dedicated packaging artwork management software that centralises artwork workflow to save companies time and money as well as improve productivity.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features of Millnet:
- Custom dashboard : check the status of all your projects and monitor workflow at a glance.
- Online approval and version control: shorten workflows and reduce printing errors.
- Centralised real-time annotation: enjoy transparent feedback and stakeholder accountability.
- External stakeholders' permissions: define when and how printers and design agencies interact with the software.
- Colour separation management: lock in colour consistency.
- Version comparison feature: compare packaging artworks’ versions side by side.
- Online proofs and printing files: available 24/7 in a couple of clicks.
- Customisable user permissions: control the information internal and external parties can access.
- Single source of truth: no need for graphic files to leave the platform through the design-to-print process. Printers access printing files on the platform.
Benefits of using Millnet
Millnet improves efficiency and collaboration, shortens time-to-market and can be customised to your business needs.
Enhanced Efficiency and Collaboration
Millnet deploys state-of-the-art technology to foster improved collaboration between internal and external teams. Colleagues discuss artworks in a central digital location so departments cease working in isolation, instead communication and creativity levels improve for right-first- time artwork packaging.
Custom user permissions also aid relations with external providers. Design agencies upload design files directly to Millnet and printers access approved files from the software too.
Millnet’s easy-to-use interface makes for a smooth implementation period and an intuitive user experience. Users receive face-to-face and remote training sessions. The modular structure of the software allows businesses to customise it to their specific needs. The following modules can be added to our central Workflow and Approval module to enhance results:
- Artwork online: generate your packs in a few clicks thanks to pre-defined pack templates, and pre-applied brand guidelines. Enjoy reduced lead times with right-first-time range extension artwork files that are ready for print.
- Content Management: dynamic content management. Export your validated product information to all your packages and reduce the time spent and rework cycles costs.
- Reports and dashboard: extract data into meaningful reports and benefit from a real-time overview of projects
Streamlined Approval Processes
Fragmented approval processes cause businesses to lose money and their staff to waste time. Centralising your packaging projects onto a single platform will optimise packaging production processes from design to print.
Millnet users experience:
- A drastic reduction in the number of misprints through the elimination of error.
- Improved inter-departmental communication and collaboration.
- Reduced staff stress levels.
- ter employee workloads.
Millnet users enjoy:
- Easy-to-use dashboard showing project status and tasks to do.
- Frequently updated automation tools that reduce time-consuming tasks with little added value.
- How packaging PDFs are stored on the Millnet platform reducing the risk of printing out-of-date versions.
Paul Cochin
Export Private Label Manager at Rians Dairy
"The added value Millnet provides is significant - not just from a technical perspective but on a human level too via better information flows."
The benefits of using Millnet for your packaging artwork management software are clear; its centralised structure and automated functions smooth out the process to save time and money.
Improvements also come at a human level; enhanced communication sparks understanding and creativity, and staff can invest time on value-added tasks rather than manual checks.
If you’re a Packaging Manager who wants to work confidently at scale, adopting Millnet could transform your work and benefit your company.
92% of Millnet customers believe the software has made their artwork management easier. Source: 2022 survey.
Enjoy a free demo today or contact one of our packaging experts.
