Packaging artwork goes beyond visual appeal as it plays a critical role in compliance, communication, and brand integrity. It’s a complex process with many stakeholders and a surprising number of things that can go wrong. Without a robust artwork management software, there is a high likelihood of files being misplaced approvals getting delayed, and feedback getting lost in endless email chains. And before you know it, you’re dealing with (costly) mistakes that could’ve been avoided.

Read on to uncover the top 5 challenges brands often face without the right artwork management software. 

The Drawbacks of Not Using Artwork Management Software

Siloed tools and fragmented processes drain artwork management teams thin and dry. Here are five of the most common (and distressing) issues companies face when they don’t use dedicated artwork management software:

Increased Risk of Errors: When teams are working in silos—using email, chat, or random folders to share files—errors are almost inevitable. Critical updates may be missed, change requests can be overlooked, and unapproved label might reach the printer.  In regulated industries like pharma or CPG, even a minor oversight can lead to recalls, fines, or safety risks. A centralized platform eliminates these risks by streamlining communication, tracking every change with version control, and ensuring only approved files move forward.

Inefficient Asset Tracking: Tracking artwork assets across teams and projects can quickly become chaotic without a centralized system. Multiple file versions, scattered storage locations, and inconsistent naming conventions make it hard to identify the latest approved artwork. This leads to confusion, delays, and potential compliance risks. Artwork management software brings order by organizing all assets in one place—with full version history, role-based permissions, approval status, and structured hierarchies.

Version Control Issues: In the absence of a centralized system, teams often work on different versions of the same file. There is also a high chance of someone approving the wrong version altogether. The presence of varied stakeholders from marketing, legal, regulatory, and packaging sometimes causes printers to end up with the wrong version. A sound artwork management system keeps everyone aligned. Teams can always download the latest version and fully understand what was changed and why.‍

Brand Inconsistency: When different teams use disparate versions of logos, fonts, and taglines, brand consistency and reputation suffer. Until this is addressed, customers may have unpleasant experiences. An AI-enabled artwork management software can ensure all labels and packaging elements adhere to specifications and display a consistent appearance and feel.

‍Regulatory Risks: Keeping up with changing regulations in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals can be tricky. When done manually, the challenges only get multiplied. Investing in a strong system to monitor updates and ensure that changes are made correctly helps ensure compliant packaging, reducing the chances of product holds, recalls, or penalties.

What ManageArtworks Brings to the Table

Artwork management software like ManageArtworks helps brands stay ahead with automated workflows, audit trails, and approval logs. It enables large and dispersed teams to easily organize artwork copies, streamlining the entire process from design to shelf. 

• Enhanced Collaboration: As a centralized platform, ManageArtworks ensures that everyone, from marketing to compliance, works on the correct files and versions. It minimizes back-and-forth and the time & effort spent locating files in email threads.

• Faster iterations and Approvals: Automated workflow management and digital proofing functions keep the projects moving quickly and correctly. With ManageArtworks, teams no longer worry about approving the wrong versions. Since versions automatically get updated, stakeholders can approve changes without confusion.

• Quicker Time to Market: ManageArtworks minimizes the complexity of artwork management, reducing the number of iterations. Serial and parallel workflows accelerate proofing and the artwork approval process, thus expediting product launches. 

• Fewer Mistakes: With a tool like ManageArtworks, teams can enjoy a built-in version control and feedback tracking system to catch issues early, before they become costly problems. Approval logs provide much-needed visibility into changes and versions, ensuring only the correct, approved version is sent ahead for printing. 

• Consistent, Reliable Branding: AI-powered capabilities automatically scan and monitor the regulatory landscape to ensure all legal requirements are fulfilled. This lowers the chance of recalls and preserves brand consistency across all products and markets. 

Conclusion

Artwork organization is a huge task, especially for businesses with hundreds of products. Mistakes, delays, and inconsistent brand messaging will likely occur without the right tools. 

ManageArtworks streamlines this complex process of artwork management. With automated workflows, AI proofing, and audit trails, it reduces risk and saves time while maintaining brand consistency and reputation. 

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