Introduction

With the new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to rethink how you’re handling packaging artwork. Sticking with outdated methods might keep your brand from taking full advantage of all the opportunities out there. But finding the right software? That can feel a bit overwhelming, with so many options to choose from.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the top five packaging artwork management software options. As expectations around compliance and brand experience keep evolving, having the right tool can make all the difference. So, dive in and explore the top choices in the industry to find the perfect fit for your brand.

1. ManageArtworks - End-to-End Packaging and Artwork Management‍

ManageArtworks is an all-in-one artwork management solution that helps brands take their packaging projects from concept to print with speed and precision. Designed for industries like CPG and Pharmaceuticals, the platform centralizes workflows, streamlines compliance, and fosters team collaboration, so packaging artwork management becomes faster and error-free.

Key Features

• Copy Manager: Ensures consistent, compliant text content across all packaging with centralized copy management.

• Dieline library: Offers a comprehensive library of over 3,000 ready-to-use editable dielines.  

• Adobe Plugin: Seamlessly integrates with Adobe illustrator and Photoshop for designing, proofing, and editing without tool switching.

• AI powered Proofing: Detects errors and ensures packaging content is accurate, compliant, and error free through detailed comparison and review tools.

• Digital Asset Library: Securely stores assets with controlled access, versioning, and easy retrieval for team collaboration.

• 3D and Packshots: Produces realistic 3D mockups and photorealistic pack shots that can be rotated and zoomed to view your design from all angles.

• Specification Manager: Standardizes packaging specs for consistent, compliant materials and dimensions across projects.

• Print Inspection: Detects print issues preproduction to reduce costly reprints and improve quality control.

• Artwork Review: Centralized review space for easy feedback, tracking changes, and fast artwork approvals.

ManageArtworks is designed to cater to companies of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. As your company grows, scalable plans and features ensure the platform continues to meet your evolving packaging artwork needs.

2. Esko - Packaging and Artwork Management Solution‍

Esko offers a suite of solutions designed to simplify and organize packaging workflows. From design and prepress to production, it provides tools that enhance collaboration, improve accuracy, and accelerate product launches. With its features, Esko ensures that packaging teams can handle complex projects with ease and confidence.

Key Features

• Approval Manager: Enables seamless review, annotation, and approval of packaging artwork on a centralized platform, speeding up approval cycles.  

• Collaboration Tools: Keeps teams aligned with a single source of truth for tasks, statuses, and updates, fostering efficient communication.  

• 3D Mockups and Packshots: Generates realistic 3D mockups and photorealistic packshots to enhance design evaluations and approval processes.

• Prepress Tools: Simplifies preflighting, color conversion, and trapping to minimize errors and optimize time efficiency.

• Detailed Viewer: Facilitates comparisons, highlighting text changes, rejection reasons, and other details in an intuitive interface.  

• Workflow Integration: Connects with presses, label printers, and other tools in your tech stack for a unified workflow.

• Reporting and Insights: Provides actionable reporting to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and support informed decision-making.  

Esko offers advanced features, but its complexity can make it challenging for new users to learn, with limited tutorials adding to the difficulty. Additionally, it may not be the best fit for companies with tighter budgets.

3. Perigord (GLAMS) - Labeling and Artwork Management System

GLAMS, or Global Labeling Artwork Management System, is a robust solution tailored to help organizations efficiently manage artwork and labeling processes. Designed to simplify the creation, review, and approval of artwork, it ensures compliance while promoting collaboration and streamlining operations. Specifically built for the life sciences industry, GLAMS addresses the unique needs of this sector, ensuring high standards are consistently met.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Artwork Lifecycle: The system manages all stages of artwork creation, versioning, and archiving, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

• Workflow Creation: It allows users to build custom workflows that streamline the collaboration process, enabling faster reviews and approvals across teams.

• Regulatory Compliance: The system ensures that all artwork adheres to necessary guidelines, minimizing compliance risks.

• Centralized Asset Management: Stores and tracks approved artwork, logos, and documents for easy access and reuse.

• Advanced Reporting and Analytics: It can generate comprehensive reports providing valuable insights for continuous improvement.

GLAMS is designed specifically for the life sciences sector, which may restrict its adaptability for other industries. Key features like a dieline library, 3D visualization, and pack shot generation are absent, potentially limiting its utility for diverse artwork and labeling requirements.

4. Loftware - Enterprise Labeling and Artwork Management solution

Loftware offers scalable enterprise labeling solutions tailored for large-scale operations. Its robust tools streamline label creation, management, and printing processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These solutions are ideal for businesses seeking efficiency and reliability in managing complex labeling requirements.

‍Key features

• Centralized Artwork Storage: Provides a single platform to organize and manage all artwork assets, enhancing accessibility and collaboration.

• Streamlined Packaging Processes: Simplifies the creation and delivery of print-ready materials, reducing manual effort and ensuring timely outputs.

• Version Control: Maintains a comprehensive history of all artwork versions, allowing teams to track changes and avoid versioning errors.

• Compliance Assurance: Ensures adherence to brand and regulatory standards for packaging materials, minimizing compliance risks.

• Approval Process Management: Enhances collaboration and visibility through an organized approval process, improving overall efficiency.

• Workflow Control: Streamlines projects by centralizing feedback from both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a cohesive review process.

Loftware’s robust features can be challenging for businesses due to high costs and complex implementation. Its steep learning curve and reliance on support may not suit teams seeking simpler solutions.

5. Global Vision - Proofing Software for Regulated Industries‍

Global Vision offers specialized proofing and quality inspection tools tailored for regulated industries. Its advanced verification solutions for text, print, and artwork help ensure error-free packaging while maintaining brand consistency and compliance. These tools are ideal for businesses prioritizing precision and quality control.

Key Features  

• Text Compare: Identifies discrepancies in text-heavy documents by comparing them with character-level accuracy.  

• Graphics Compare: Streamlines artwork verification with faster, more precise detection of differences in graphic elements.  

• Spelling Inspection: Ensures flawless content by verifying spelling in multiple languages, including support for medical and custom dictionaries.  

• Barcode Inspection: Decodes and grades barcodes to detect potential defects, ensuring they meet readability and compliance standards.  

• Braille Inspection: Verifies braille content in 44 languages and checks adherence to the Marburg Medium Braille Font Standard for accessibility compliance.  

• Print Inspection: Compares hardcopy samples to digital files for inspections, ensuring print accuracy and safeguarding against all types of errors.  

Global Vision is a standalone proofing software for quality inspection and error detection. However, its narrow focus on proofing limits its functionality for teams seeking a comprehensive artwork management solution, potentially leaving critical needs unmet.

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