Overview

During the ManageArtworks Breakfast Briefing in Mumbai, CEO Vilva Natarajan shared some wonderful insights on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in packaging artwork management. 

In the first blog of our 3-part blog series, we showcased the various use cases of AI in text management. In this second installment, we will share how AI can be used for image creation.

AI Use Cases in Packaging Artwork Image Creation 

Packaging artwork management is becoming increasingly complex, especially with increasing competition, evolving customer expectations, and emerging regulations. While most pharma and CPG firms rely on modern digital asset management solutions to simplify and streamline processes, leveraging modern AI capabilities can lead to remarkable results – especially in image creation. ‍

Modern AI and machine learning algorithms can help generate unique packaging designs that meet brand guidelines and resonate with target audiences. AI enables designers to optimize images, identify discrepancies, and ensure impactful branding and marketing by allowing rapid iterations and quickly adapting to evolving needs.

In the realm of image creation, here are some AI use cases that are truly remarkable:  ‍

• Image Design:
  ‍AI can design a first draft of packaging artwork for designers to work on. AI tools can take inspiration from similar products in the market, create images or visuals adhering to necessary brand elements, and make adjustments based on math and design principles. ‍
  ‍AI can also identify common product elements, such as colors, text, and images, detect the slightest variations in shape or size, and position images based on learning. ‍

• Pattern Detection :
  ‍Modern packaging artwork management tools with built-in AI can understand, classify, and process visual content within packaging designs. They can detect patterns, logos, images, and other graphical elements and compare them with standards and benchmarks. ‍
  ‍AI-based image recognition algorithms can also recognize patterns in packaging images and logos, allowing teams to detect irregularities such as misaligned labels, damaged packaging, or incorrect product placement.  ‍

• Logo Verification:
  ‍Logos are critical to any product packaging. Using AI, teams can check the accuracy and consistency of logos on packaging artwork. AI tools can verify whether the logo is accurate, placed correctly, and adheres to branding guidelines. ‍
  ‍AI tools can also check if other icons and symbols meet the required guidelines. For instance, they can verify if symbols for gluten-free ingredients or halal meat meet necessary FDA, FSSAI and other standards. ‍
  ‍Furthermore, teams can use AI to validate barcodes and QR codes, checking for proper alignment, legibility, and data integrity. They can detect issues like incomplete printing, distortion, or smudges that could impact barcode readability and take steps to ensure the correct data.‍

• Product Image Detection and Validation:
  ‍Accuracy is critical when it comes to product images. Using AI, teams can validate if the right images are placed in the right product. AI can analyze packaging visuals using advanced image recognition technologies to ensure consistency with brand guidelines and product specifications, ultimately improving customer trust and integrity.‍
  ‍For example, if a company produces vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream variants, AI tools can flag a strawberry image on chocolate artwork and notify teams to take appropriate action. ‍

• Text Verification :
  ‍AI’s capabilities aren’t just limited to images. Modern tools with optical character recognition can also scan and verify text within those images.  They can extract and analyze text from packaging images, ensuring accuracy in product names, ingredients, expiration dates, and regulatory labels. This helps identify discrepancies, such as misspellings or incorrect information, enhancing quality control and compliance with labeling standards. ‍
  ‍For instance, if a packaging advertises a “10% Discount” directly within the image, AI can automatically know it is a promotional pack and conduct validations based on this information. ‍

• Visuals Assessment :
  ‍Lastly, AI-based packaging artwork management tools can assess background images and visuals and ensure alignment with festive themes and branding guidelines.  ‍
  ‍For example, AI tools can analyze snowflakes and reindeer on graphical elements and background images and understand that the product is Christmas-related. These tools can then evaluate aspects like colors, graphics, and text to ensure they resonate with customers effectively.

In Summary 

Design by AI marks the future of packaging design and is set to revolutionize how brands create and adapt their packaging artworks to new trends and expectations. Modern AI tools go far beyond automating the tedious, manual process of resizing and reshaping designs for different packaging needs. They help create and validate images, detect patterns, verify logos and text, and more. 

Whether you're expanding your product portfolio, introducing new design elements, or want to reduce reworks and recalls, AI tools offer the ideal solution. They can help maintain consistency across various packaging formats, verify adherence to brand standards, identify deviations in color schemes, logos, and typography, and minimize the risk of errors. ‍

By enhancing the overall effectiveness of image creation on packaging artwork, AI aids brands in delivering visually appealing and compliant packaging solutions that capture consumer attention.‍

Stay tuned for the third and last part of our three-part series, where we will deep-dive into how AI transforms packaging artwork creative generation.