HURST, Texas. U.S.A (Dec. 13, 2007)- Members of the packaging industry who are wondering where their field is moving: take note. A new report from EDSF, the international, non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries, looks at developments affecting the packaging industry. Titled "Trends and Innovations in Packaging including Links to JDF-compliant Hardware and Software Applications," the report is available now as a free download at www.edsf.org.
The report is a result of the EDSF research grant and mentor program. An EDSF grant was awarded to The School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada, where Christopher Kular, professor, and students collaborated to conduct the research.
This research paper examines the effect of the Job Definition Format (JDF) standard on packaging workflows and technology, and describes how JDF is currently being applied in the industry. Additionally, major packaging trends and innovations such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and temperature sensitive inks are explored.
"Our survey results revealed the need for a clearly defined strategic plan prior to implementing any new technology into an existing packaging workflow," said Kular. "The barriers to JDF implementation in packaging should be considered to ensure maximum return on investment. Sixty-one percent of the respondents cited 'lack of knowledgeable personnel' as a significant barrier to success. 'Lack of time' at 39 percent, 'cost of equipment' at 30 percent and 'cost of training and cost of IT' followed this at 26 percent each. Due to the significance of these resource investments and the long-term impact on profit and repeat business, a company must communicate the benefits of implementation and the consequences of not implementing to all employees in the packaging supply-chain. The company must also provide professional education and training programs based on continual improvement. With these goals in place, packaging industries will continue to benefit from highly skilled and motivated individuals who understand and apply efficient workflow practices."
Key Findings and Implications:
- After several months of investigative research, the survey findings revealed that far fewer packaging companies than anticipated were close to JDF process integration. Most industry executives interviewed indicated that there was a great deal of research and strategic planning still to be done before they would invest heavily in capital expenditures relating to JDF hardware and software applications.
- Significant resource investment (including a significant learning curve) will be required to implement JDF in the packaging industry.
- Increased governmental regulations are having a significant impact on package design, content and consumer information.
- Sustainability in packaging is providing a solid foundation for future awareness of health and safety concerns and environmental issues. Its benefits are providing long-term growth opportunities for package printers.
- Packaging applications such as RFID and temperature sensitive inks are two examples of intelligent packaging trends, which are becoming increasingly popular in the packaging industry.
- Real-time scheduling and workflow automation are providing value-added benefits for package printers.
For a downloadable PDF of this report, visit www.edsf.org and click "Research and Publications" for the EDSF Industry Library. The report is listed under "EDSF White Papers."