In labeling and artwork management, every stage of the process demands attention to detail, from initial design to final compliance checks. However, despite the focus often placed on the design, approval, and regulatory phases, the printing stage—the final hurdle—often remains fraught with challenges. Errors and inefficiencies during printing can derail an otherwise flawless process, leading to delays, reprints, and in some cases, costly product recalls.

What many companies fail to recognize is that these printing challenges are not inevitable. They are often the result of fragmented, outdated workflows. By streamlining the entire process with an end-to-end solution, organizations can eliminate these pain points and ensure the smooth transition from digital design to physical print.

Common Printing Problems

Here are some of the most common problems when it comes to setbacks and obstacles in the printing process.

Inconsistent File Formats

One of the most common issues arises when artwork files are sent to print in formats that aren't compatible with the printer's systems. Variations in file types and resolutions can lead to misprints, wasted resources, or the need for costly manual adjustments at the last minute. These problems arise from fragmented systems that do not standardize formats across the process.

Last-Minute Changes

Regulatory updates or internal decision-making often require last-minute changes to the label, and when these updates come too late in the process, they force rushed print jobs. This increases the risk of errors, such as incorrect product information, which can lead to non-compliance or even product recalls.

Manual Approvals and Proofs

Many organizations still rely on manual processes for approving artwork proofs before printing. This manual method is time-consuming and prone to human error, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved, or when approvals are needed across different departments or external partners. Miscommunication or overlooked details during these reviews can result in faulty prints that go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Data Misalignment and Compliance Issues

Inaccurate or outdated data in the artwork itself, such as incorrect barcodes, product codes, or legal information, can result in non-compliant labeling. If these discrepancies aren’t caught before printing, they can lead to costly recalls, customer dissatisfaction, and even regulatory penalties.

Communication Gaps Between Teams

A lack of coordination between the artwork management team and the printing department can lead to major miscommunication. Whether it's missing critical information about color specifications or misunderstanding deadlines, poor communication often causes avoidable errors that complicate the printing process.

Why End-to-End Software is the Solution

These challenges arise because many companies rely on siloed tools and manual processes that disconnect different parts of the labeling and artwork journey. By using disjointed systems, businesses increase the likelihood of mistakes that only manifest during the final print stage. However, by adopting an end-to-end solution that connects every stage of the process—design, approvals, data management, compliance, and printing—organizations can ensure that these pain points are eliminated.

A Cloud-Based, End-to-End Solution Provides:

A Single Source of Truth: Everyone involved, from the artwork team to external suppliers, works from the same system, ensuring that any updates are automatically reflected across all stages of the process. This ensures consistency and reduces the chance of last-minute surprises.

Streamlined Approvals: Automating the approval process means fewer manual errors and delays. An end-to-end solution ensures that all stakeholders can review and approve artwork in a timely and coordinated manner, preventing hold-ups at the printing stage.

Better Communication: With a connected, cloud-based system, there are no communication silos, no matter where you are in the world. Design teams and print departments have access to the same data, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and making it easier to resolve any issues that arise before the printing process begins.

Fewer Last-Minute Changes: Because all relevant departments and external stakeholders are involved earlier in the process through automated workflows, changes can be made well in advance of the printing deadline. This reduces the need for rushed, high-risk print jobs.

Kallik’s Veraciti: A Fully Cloud-Based End-to-End Solution

Kallik’s Veraciti is an end-to-end labeling and artwork management solution that covers the entire process, from design to print, eliminating the pain points often encountered in the final stage. What sets Veraciti apart is its innovative and flexible approval workflows, a feature designed to adapt to the needs of each project.

Veraciti is unique in its ability to allow users to configure their approval workflows, selecting the most efficient approach for the task at hand. Whether you need to send approvals to every stakeholder simultaneously to allow parallel reviews or prefer a more sequential approach, Veraciti gives you the flexibility to choose. With the ability to group individuals or departments together, you can easily tailor the workflow to suit your organization’s unique needs.

Even more impressive is Veraciti’s capability to include both internal and external stakeholders in the approval process. This means you can collaborate seamlessly with partners, suppliers, or regulatory bodies outside your organization without the usual delays associated with external approvals.

By streamlining this part of the process, Veraciti ensures that when it’s time to print, you’re working from a finalized, approved, and compliant version of your label. No last-minute surprises, no unnecessary delays.

Want to Know More?

To see how Kallik’s Veraciti can revolutionize your labeling and artwork management, particularly the often-problematic printing stage, click here to book a demo today. Discover how a cloud-based, end-to-end solution can simplify your process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency from start to finish.