Rain Check, Artwork Quality Check in FMCG.
.png)
Despite what FMCG stands for - Fast-Moving Consumer Goods - implying rapid progress and efficiency, it may come as a surprise that a critical component of product quality control remains surprisingly antiquated and labor-intensive: artwork quality checks. Let’s uncover the challenges inherent in manual artwork inspections, understand the gravity of the risks associated with potential errors, and solutions for FMCG companies ensure the quality of their packaging
The Status Quo
For most FMCG industries, packaging materials are outsourced, necessitating a separate quality check step before the packing process can proceed. Unfortunately, the quality check for artwork is still largely a manual process, taking an average of 15-20 minutes per Stock Keeping Unit (SKU). These manual inspections involve scrutinising every aspect of the packaging, including text and design elements, for defects.
The result? A time-consuming process that is prone to human error. According to industry data, manual artwork inspections account for a staggering 30% of quality control time in FMCG production lines, significantly impacting productivity and operational costs.
The Gravity of the Problem:
The consequences of errors in artwork quality checks cannot be underestimated. They can lead to packaging defects that compromise the product's appearance, legality, or branding. The potential ramifications include:
1. Compliance Issues: Errors can result in non-compliance with labelling regulations, leading to costly legal and regulatory consequences.
2. Brand Reputation: Poor packaging quality can tarnish a brand's image, eroding consumer trust and loyalty.
3. Production Delays: Manual inspections slow down the production line, affecting delivery timelines and operational efficiency.
4. Financial Losses: Reprinting and repackaging due to errors can incur substantial costs.
The Current Solutions
Traditionally, companies have turned to heavy machine vision systems to automate artwork inspections. While effective in many ways, these solutions have their own set of challenges:
1. High Cost: Implementing machine vision systems requires a significant financial investment.
2. Lack of Customization: Adapting these systems to accommodate frequent design changes can be complex and expensive.
3. Dependence on Experts: Operating and maintaining machine vision systems often necessitates the presence of subject matter experts on-site, adding to operational costs.
Enter Fabrik:
Fabrik presents a straightforward and accessible solution for design quality inspection, simplifying a process that has long been a challenge in the FMCG industry. We combine the capabilities of computer vision, OCR and AI to offer several key advantages:
Precise Verification: Fabrik's technology ensures a meticulous examination of every aspect of the artwork, significantly reducing the potential for errors.
Object Detection: It swiftly and accurately identifies defects within design elements, enhancing quality control measures.
Barcode/QR Code Reading: Fabrik's capabilities extend to barcode and QR code reading, ensuring precise product identification
What truly distinguishes Fabrik is its accessibility. This solution can be seamlessly integrated into mobile devices, eliminating the need for costly and cumbersome machinery, thereby reducing operational expenses. With Fabrik, FMCG companies can streamline their quality control processes, minimize errors, optimize efficiency, and safeguard their brand reputation.
In an industry where operational efficiency reigns supreme, Fabrik emerges as a pioneer in revolutionizing FMCG artwork quality inspections. By offering a simplified, precise, and user-friendly alternative to manual inspections and complex machine vision systems, Fabrik not only conserves valuable time and resources but also guarantees that the products lining store shelves uphold the most stringent quality standards. It's not just a change; it's a transformation in FMCG quality control. Welcome to a future where excellence in packaging is assured – welcome to Fabrik.
