How automated artwork transforms packaging design workflow

In this article, we’ll explore how automated artwork is reshaping the way packaging assets are created and managed. Whether you're a brand manager, packaging designer, or compliance officer, you’ll discover how automation—especially with Cway® software—can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and accelerate product launches.

Why Automated Artwork Matters for Modern Packaging Teams

In the fast-paced world of consumer goods, packaging isn't just a box—it's a brand statement, a legal requirement, and a marketing tool. Yet, many teams still rely on manual processes to manage artwork files, gather approvals, and track revisions. This leads to delayed launches, miscommunications, and costly rework. Here's why automated artwork is becoming essential:

1. Faster Time to Market

Speed is everything when you're trying to stay ahead of trends or respond to changing regulations. Automated artwork systems drastically cut down time spent on repetitive tasks like routing files for approval, managing revisions, or chasing stakeholders.

For example, with Cway® software, teams can automate entire approval workflows—ensuring each step is completed in order and on time without manual follow-ups. This not only boosts speed but also ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Reduced Risk of Human Error

Packaging errors can be expensive. A misprint, a missing allergen declaration, or an outdated logo can result in recalls, legal issues, or brand damage. Automated artwork reduces these risks by integrating validation steps directly into the workflow.

Cway® platform helps ensure artwork adheres to brand and regulatory guidelines every time. Optimised workflows and version control eliminate many of the human errors that plague manual processes.

3. Improved Collaboration Across Teams and Partners

Packaging development involves many players—brand managers, designers, regulatory teams, printers, and marketing stakeholders. Without a central platform, collaboration can become fragmented and chaotic.

Cway® centralizes communication, making it easy for all stakeholders to review, comment, and approve artwork in one place. Everyone sees the same file, the latest version, and a complete audit trail. This transparency builds trust and reduces the need for endless email threads.

4. Consistent Brand Presentation

Every SKU, campaign, and region must reflect your brand identity. Manual artwork creation often leads to inconsistencies across packaging variants, especially when working across multiple markets.

With automated artwork, you can lock in brand elements using templates and asset libraries. Cway® ensures that every piece of packaging adheres to your visual identity—whether it's a toothpaste box in Europe or a snack wrapper in North America.

5. Easier Compliance and Audit Readiness

Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable in industries like food, pharma, and cosmetics. Keeping up with labeling laws, ingredient disclosures, and multilingual packaging can be a nightmare without automation.

Cway® helps compliance managers sleep better by embedding checkpoints throughout the artwork process. You can define validation rules, track who approved what, and instantly retrieve documentation for audits.

6. Scalability for Growing Brands

As your product portfolio expands, manual processes buckle under the pressure. What works for 5 SKUs becomes unmanageable at 150. Automated artwork tools like Cway® scale effortlessly, helping your team handle more work without adding more headcount.

Whether you’re launching a new product line or refreshing your packaging globally, automation helps you move faster, stay accurate, and maintain brand integrity.

Who Benefits from Automated Artwork?

• Brand Managers: Maintain consistency and speed up launches

• Packaging Designers: Focus on creativity, not file management

• Compliance Managers: Ensure legal requirements are built into every step

• Print Vendors: Receive approved, print-ready files on time

Cway® helps each stakeholder work smarter and stay aligned throughout the packaging lifecycle.

Real-World Example: Cway® in Action

Manual packaging workflows are holding teams back. When approvals happen over email, files live in personal folders, and there's no central version control, even the smallest change can become a bottleneck. Automated artwork fixes this by transforming how brands manage packaging—from first draft to final approval.

Let’s look at how Cway® software is already making a difference for teams across industries:

Faster Time to Market: From 10 Hours to Just One

At Doggy AB, one of the Nordic region’s top pet food producers, marketing lead Lisa Müller described how artwork projects that used to take 10 hours now take just one hour with Cway®. The switch from printed PDFs and manual notes to digital, structured collaboration made a huge difference.

“If a project used to take 10 hours, now it might take just one. That’s the kind of time-saving we’re talking about.” – Lisa Müller, Doggy AB

Fewer Mistakes, Better Version Control

At Fria Bröd, a European food company, multiple departments including marketing, legal, and quality rely on Cway® daily. Before, PDF approvals via email led to frequent version mix-ups. Now, everyone accesses the same file in one place.

“Cway has brought clarity, speed, and structure. We save time, reduce mistakes, and make sure everyone has the same information.”
— Sofia Wallsten, Product Manager, Fria Bröd

Improved Cross-Department Collaboration

Santa Maria, part of the Paulig Group, coordinates artwork across marketing, legal, R&D, and external suppliers. Before Cway®, version confusion and email overload slowed things down. Now, collaboration is seamless, and approvals happen in one shared workspace.

“Everyone sees the same version. It’s faster, clearer, and much easier to manage now.” – Susanna Gustafsson, Santa Maria

Built-in Compliance and Audit-Readiness

In highly regulated industries, automated artwork helps ensure compliance and traceability. Kavli AB, a Swedish FMCG company, now manages all packaging content in one centralized Cway® system. According to Marie Lannebrink:

“We’ve cut our artwork project time by almost 50%, saving both hours and budget on every launch.”

Audit trails, version history, and approval logs are built-in, making it easy to prove compliance.

Final Thought

Automated artwork isn't just a tool—it's a strategic advantage. With Cway®, teams work smarter, faster, and with confidence. Whether you're launching five products or fifty, automation ensures your packaging process can keep up with your ambitions.