Why packaging artwork process consulting saves brands millions

Packaging mistakes cost global brands billions every year — in recalls, redesigns, delays, and lost shelf space. That's why more and more companies are turning to packaging artwork process consulting to stay ahead. For organizations in the FMCG and consumer goods space, getting artwork right isn’t just a task — it’s a competitive advantage.

One of the most experienced partners in this space is Collabra, the market leader in artwork management across Scandinavia. Through years of hands-on consulting, technical expertise, and process-driven thinking, Collabra has helped leading brands streamline and optimize their entire artwork journey — all while using the powerful capabilities of Cway®.

What is Packaging Artwork Process Consulting?

Packaging artwork process consulting is a specialized service that helps brands design, manage, and deliver packaging artwork more efficiently, accurately, and at scale — especially when working across teams, markets, and product ranges.

It’s not just about visuals — it’s about structure, strategy, and the right tools. In fast-paced product environments, where a single delay or packaging error can derail an entire launch, this kind of consulting brings clarity to a complex process.

Whether you’re using a design project management tool or starting from scratch, having expert guidance ensures that your packaging workflow is built for speed, compliance, and scalability.

You can think of it as:

• Optimizing how packaging projects move from idea to shelf
• Expert guidance in structuring your artwork development workflow
• Bringing order, compliance, and speed to your packaging operations
• A smarter, scalable way to manage packaging artwork across teams and markets
  
  

What’s Included?

Artwork development process consulting typically covers everything involved in managing packaging design and artwork files, including:

• Structuring the development workflow
  Creating repeatable processes for how new artworks are created, approved, and finalized.

• Defining roles and responsibilities
  Making sure everyone knows who does what — from marketing, design, regulatory, and print.

• Identifying bottlenecks
  Finding what slows your teams down — like endless feedback loops or lack of visibility — and eliminating them.

• Ensuring compliance
  Making sure all packaging meets legal, nutritional, and technical requirements across markets.

• Print preparation
  Avoiding rework or reprints by making sure artworks are fully ready for the right print techniques and suppliers.

• Versioning and localization
  Helping teams manage multiple SKUs, languages, and regions — without mixing things up.

• Reducing time-to-market
  Streamlining every step to launch faster and reduce costly last-minute changes.

Collabra: Experts in Packaging Artwork Consulting

Collabra brings deep experience in managing artwork creation at scale — from developing new product lines to refreshing hundreds of SKUs across multiple markets. Their team works with top-tier companies like Arla, Essity, Foodmark, and Mills, supporting everything from design and compliance to print readiness and global print intake coordination.

Their consulting services include:

• Structuring and optimizing packaging workflows

• Updating existing product lines with new data or design

• Ensuring artwork is technically prepared for every print method

• Creating prototypes for marketing and pre-launch evaluation

• Managing global rollout timelines across teams and departments

Whether clients are starting from scratch or improving an existing process, Collabra’s consultants are trusted for their speed, accuracy, and packaging-specific know-how.

The Role of the Right Software in Packaging Artwork Workflow Optimization

Even the best consulting can't deliver lasting impact without the right tools in place. That’s where Cway® comes in. It’s more than just a system — it’s the digital backbone of a well-structured packaging artwork process.

While consultants define the strategy, workflows, and roles, Cway® makes them real, trackable, and scalable across the entire organization.

Here's how Cway® supports and enhances packaging artwork process consulting

Centralized Artwork Management

Cway® brings all your artworks — past, present, and in development — into one place. No more searching through email threads or shared drives. Every file, version, and comment is available exactly where it should be.

Built-In Project Workflows

Consultants help define the right approval flow — Cway® automates it. With role-based tasks, deadlines, and status tracking, the system keeps everyone aligned and accountable.

Real-Time Collaboration

Multiple stakeholders across departments or geographies can review, comment, and request changes in one interface — speeding up feedback loops and avoiding version chaos.

Visual Accuracy & Comparison

The Cway® Viewer allows teams to view, zoom, and compare any artwork, including layered files, PDFs, and even 3D pack shots — helping identify changes and avoid mistakes before they reach print.

Effortless File Sharing with Quick Share App

Need to send files to an external printer or partner? Drag, drop, and send — no conversion or size limitations needed. Cway® handles it instantly and securely.

Smart Asset Reuse with the Media Center App (DAM)

Store approved artworks, templates, and components for future use without duplication. This makes implementing standardized processes and building brand consistency effortless.

From Strategy to Execution — All in One Platform

Cway® gives structure to complex workflows and simplifies how teams collaborate on packaging — internally and across the supply chain.

• Teams follow structured, repeatable processes

• Projects move faster with fewer blockers

• Every version and decision is traceable

• Brand consistency and compliance are easier to maintain

• Launches hit the market on time and on-brand

Real-World Examples: From Complexity to Clarity

Arla – Packaging That Prints as Intended

Challenge: Arla noticed customers were confusing vanilla and strawberry yogurt due to packaging colors that appeared too similar on shelf. The digital design didn’t match the printed result — leading to potential customer frustration.

Collabra’s impact: With deep print expertise, Collabra identified the issue early in the design phase — tracing it to color saturation caused by the TetraPak print process. The team adjusted the artwork to ensure the vanilla color printed correctly, avoiding further confusion.

Cway®’s role: The artwork was reviewed and approved within Cway®, allowing all stakeholders to see the problem visually, suggest changes, and approve the fix — all within the same platform.

Result: Fewer customer complaints, no reprints, and packaging aligned with the product.

Mills – CGI Process Simplified and Accelerated

Challenge: Mills faced a slow, fragmented process for CGI creation involving manual file transfers, external vendors, and vague approval timelines.

Collabra’s impact: Collabra restructured the process and took over CGI production — eliminating external dependencies and delays.

Cway®’s role: The new workflow was built directly into Cway®:

• CGIs were created automatically once artwork was approved

• Approvals happened in-platform

• Files were stored and shared via the Cway® MediaCenter

Result: Streamlined CGI creation, faster approvals, and consistent, automated delivery — saving time and reducing launch stress.

Together, Collabra’s consulting expertise and Cway®’s technology transform packaging workflows into smooth, reliable, and scalable systems — ready for today’s fast-paced product environment.

Smarter Processes. Faster Results.

Packaging artwork process consulting isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about protecting your brand, avoiding costly errors, and empowering your teams with the right tools and guidance.

With Collabra’s expertise and the Cway® platform, companies gain full control over their artwork operations — from the very first sketch to the final printed product.