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Packaging is one of the most valuable elements of the products we use every day. I would argue the package is the product in many cases. It serves numerous unique functions from protection and containment to preservation and branding. In order to develop packaging that can serve these purposes companies must be aligned with suppliers, manufacturers, and any other stakeholders to develop high-quality packaging from the ground up.
Whether you are developing your own packaging or working with packaging suppliers it is critical that all stakeholders are aligned on packaging goals. However, the unfortunate truth is that most companies don’t have best practices in place for packaging specification management - or worse they don’t have a management process at all. From inaccurate packaging data to poor change management processes companies across the globe are facing similar challenges.
1. Lack of Centralized Data Management
The lack of centralized data management processes remains the root cause of many companies' packaging challenges. Without purpose-built data management systems, packaging specifications are typically scattered or siloed across spreadsheets and legacy systems, causing inefficiencies and errors during packaging production.
If teams across an organization’s supply chain are managing data inconsistently then streamlining the packaging management process will be near impossible. Data that is inaccessible, inconsistent, and untraceable is data that will hinder your organization in meeting its goals.
2. Poor Change Management Processes
With consumer demands constantly fluctuating and sustainability regulations on the rise companies should be adapting packaging to meet these expectations. However in order to make these changes companies need a comprehensive change management process in place. Failure to manage changes in packaging specifications can lead to compliance issues, wasted resources, product recalls, and other unfortunate events.
Documentation and version control are critical when it comes to packaging change management. Without the ability to trace packaging specifications that are both centralized and up-to-date, teams can become misaligned - leading to packaging production and quality issues.
3. Failure to Regularly Update Specifications for Compliance and Sustainability
Coupled with inadequate data management systems and poor change management processes comes failure to meet regulatory compliance and sustainability expectations. Around the globe, companies are expected to meet sustainability requirements and compliance checks but without access to up-to-date specifications doing so is nearly impossible.
In the absence of adequate data management systems companies will face non-compliance or other challenges with reporting - resulting in additional fines and even legal consequences. This can have a trickle-down effect, impacting supplier collaboration and relationships. Without updated specification management systems it can be challenging to share and receive the supplier data needed to report out.
Packaging Specification Management: The Path To Success
The truth is that managing specifications can be challenging but with the right tools for data management companies can streamline this process and implement positive change across their organizations. To meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements companies need effective change management processes that require centralized and digitized specifications - something many organizations don’t have.
With Specright’s cloud-based Specification Data Management (SDM) platform, companies can easily manage packaging specifications in one place - accessible to all internal and external team members. By enabling teams to consolidate packaging data in one single platform companies are empowered to spend less time chasing data and more time making amazing things.
Enhance your supply chain operations, elevate your packaging, and create an environment of collaboration with Specright today. Learn more about Specright’s Packaging Management Software or request a demo today.
