In the era of digitalization, consumer-driven products are essential for the success of any sort of business. But with enormous sums of market data, it’s quite hard to decide on the key strategies or make judgments for a successful product. The same goes for custom packaging products.
With trends shifting rapidly, gaining the upper hand requires clear vision and implication. This is where AI or artificial packaging comes to the rescue. But the question remains, “How is it possible?” Let’s find out.
The Concept Behind the Word “AI”
AI refers to a computer’s ability to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, like reasoning, learning, or problem-solving.
With the release of ChatGPT on November 30, 2022, by OpenAI, the word AI has become a household name. It gained millions of users in the opening days because users haven’t seen a computer that can answer questions at a rapid speed. Whether it’s image generation by Midjourney, video generation by Sora or mockups by Pacdora, its application varies per industry’s needs.
Complexities In Custom Packaging and How AI Can Solve Them?
The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.
—BILL GATES, CO-FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF MICROSOFT
As with every industry, packaging also has systemized processes. One example is the packaging solution cycle. It’s a six-step process from the client’s packaging idea to the production of that package. AI provides a promising solution to improving these steps. Let’s catch the harmonious rhythm between AI’s supply capabilities and demand from the packaging processes.
- Client Meetings: Streamlining Communication Needs
Client meetings for custom packaging can be a back-and-forth process, often filled with technical jargon and interpreting visual references. AI can bridge this gap by:
- Providing interactive design tools to allow clients to directly interact with prototype templates, customizing elements like size, color, and graphics in real-time. In return, it accelerates the decision-making processes, which foster an innovative environment.
- Highlighting data-driven recommendations. It analyzes past projects and client preferences to suggest relevant design options and material choices. This ensures proposals are tailored to specific client needs.
- Automating Quoting Systems, as it provides instant price estimates based on client selections. This eliminates manual calculations and negotiation delays, leading to faster project approvals.
- Design Concerns: Fostering Creativity and Functionality
Balancing brand identity with product protection and functionality? Surely, it’s a mind-boggling thing to comprehend! Luckily, AI can be a valuable asset.
- AI can simulate how packaging interacts with the product under various conditions, such as stacking or shipping. This helps identify potential weak points and optimize designs for superior functionality.
- It can be programmed to flag potential regulatory concerns related to material usage or labeling requirements, preventing costly delays and ensuring designs adhere to relevant standards.
- Improving Prototyping: From Mockups to Dieline Samples with Efficiency
Creating physical prototypes is a traditional approach but can be time-consuming and expensive. But guess what? AI comes to the rescue by:
- Integrating 3D printing
It can connect with 3D printers, allowing for rapid prototyping based on finalized designs. This facilitates faster iteration cycles and reduces dependence on external prototyping services.
- Generating virtual reality environments
This allows clients to virtually interact with packaging designs in a realistic setting. One can evaluate design elements like size, functionality, and user interaction before committing to physical prototypes.
- Optimizing Production: Minimizing Waste and Maximizing Efficiency
Balancing efficient production with minimal material waste is a significant hurdle in custom packaging. It’s a significant drawback, and the question remains: how can AI optimize this process?
- AI models can analyze historical production data and predict future demand for custom packaging. The result is optimized scheduling and resource allocation, thus eliminating bottlenecks during production.
- AI-powered robotic arms are being used to handle and cut materials with precision, getting rid of human error and material waste. It facilitates the production line and ensures consistency in final product quality.
- In risk management, forecasting based on AI algorithms can monitor equipment performance and predict potential maintenance issues before they occur. This handles downtime and promises a smooth production flow for custom packaging orders.
- Tracking Logistics: Real-Time Delivery Visibility
Tracking the movement of custom packaging through the supply chain can be tricky. AI, being a masterful resource, can streamline logistics by:
- Tracking real-time shipment
It integrates with GPS and sensor technology to provide the location and condition of custom packaging shipments.
- Optimizing inventory
As we’ve learned, AI models can predict and forecast processes. It gives businesses the leverage to optimize inventory levels for custom packaging materials.
- Automating route track
With the capability to interact with the GPS system, AI can analyze real-time traffic data and suggest the most efficient delivery routes for transporting custom packaging materials and finished products. Indeed, it cuts down the transportation costs and improves delivery times.
- Getting Feedback: Gathering Insights and Refining the Process Continuously
No business plan survives if there’s no contact with customers. This shows how important the feedback is, but there’s a problem.
- AI models can monitor social media mentions and online reviews to gather customer insights on custom packaging experiences. Businesses may specify areas for improvement and adapt to evolving customer preferences.
- AI’s ability to A/B test is an effective framework, letting brands gather data-driven insights into which designs resonate best with their audience.
So, What’s the Key Message here?
As ELBERT HUBBARD once said: One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.
It’s clear that AI is a tool that can help improve the craft of skilled craftsmen further. Remember, AI doesn’t replace your creativity; it acts as a tool that expands your design possibilities. By harnessing the capabilities of AI alongside your own design expertise, you will move faster and smarter in your design process.
Do you need expert design services for your custom packaging? Half Price Packaging experts are eager to collaborate on your design project. From brainstorming initial ideas and exploring variations to refining the final details, they’ll troubleshoot every design step. This ensures your packaging is not only visually appealing but also strategically designed.