A Fortune 500 FMCG company wanted to improve its end-to-end packaging artwork and pre-press workflow. The objective was to conduct a structured assessment to identify opportunities for outsourcing, automation, and process improvement across two key stages: Preprint Stage (covering artwork design and pre-press preparation) & Reprographic Stage (covering technical validation of printing processes)
The underlying issue reflected a broader industry challenge: improving operational agility, managing costs, and maintaining quality standards by defining the appropriate balance between in-house work, external providers, and technology use.
The project involved several challenges:
- Mapping a wide range of potential external service providers and software tools across multiple regions.
- Creating an evaluation framework to compare these entities on quality, cost, and agility without access to confidential commercial information.
- Verifying claims to differentiate between promoted capabilities and solutions with demonstrated implementation.
- Producing a clear roadmap that specified what activities to outsource, what to automate internally, and where a combined approach was appropriate.
Carrying out a structured, three-phased approach
Phase 1 – Market Mapping
A multi-method research approach was used to identify a long list of relevant entities. This included reviewing global supplier databases, analyzing patent and innovation activity, tracking industry forums and events, and using AI-supported search tools to identify both established and emerging options.
Phase 2 – Evaluation and Shortlisting
A tailored evaluation matrix aligned with the client’s objectives was developed. Each service provider and software solution was assessed using secondary research and limited primary validation. Entities were grouped into tiers (Explore, Monitor, Deprioritize) based on alignment with the client’s needs.
Phase 3 – Roadmap Development
The findings were translated into practical recommendations. A shift toward a more linear process flow was proposed to reduce complexity. The final roadmap outlined:
- Outsourcing: Categories of service providers suited for external engagement, particularly for creative design, innovation-related work, and advanced technical validation.
- Technology Adoption: Types of software platforms suitable for internal use to automate repetitive activities, support quality checks, and centralize artwork management.
- Hybrid Models: Process stages where collaboration between internal teams and external specialists was likely to be most effective.
Providing client a phased roadmap rather than a standalone list of suppliers or tools
GreyB’s approach offered several differentiators:
- Combined landscape analysis: Service providers and technology tools were assessed together within a single framework.
- Capability validation: Emphasis was placed on confirming actual capabilities through primary search rather than relying solely on stated claims.
- Implementation focus: The output was a phased roadmap rather than a standalone list of suppliers or tools.
A faster, cost-efficient artwork process with stronger quality control
The engagement resulted in a structured reference for decision-making, including:
- A tiered list of relevant partner categories and technology types.
- A process-level roadmap defining responsibility by stage (outsource, in-house, hybrid).
- Documented benchmarks and case references indicating potential improvements in cycle time, first-pass accuracy, and operating costs.
- A clearer basis for improving consistency and efficiency in packaging artwork operations.
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