3 min read

Packaging artwork management software vs. generic tools

Picture of Ekaterina Skalatskaia Ekaterina Skalatskaia : April 1, 2025 at 1:21 PM

Artwork management Artwork approval
Packaging artwork management software vs. generic tools
Why packaging artwork management software beats generic tools | Cway
2:21

When it comes to managing packaging design, standard document systems simply don’t keep up. In today’s global, fast-moving markets, teams need packaging artwork management software built for the complexities of modern workflows—like artwork development, regulatory compliance, and vendor coordination.

The Problem with Off-the-Shelf Document Systems

Generic tools aren’t made for the detail-driven world of packaging artwork. They typically lack:

  • Built-in artwork workflows

  • Version control and traceability

  • Regulatory checkpoints

  • Support for multi-market rollouts 

If your team is managing packaging across regions or working with multiple vendors, a one-size-fits-all solution just won’t cut it.

2025 Updates: Why the Gap Has Grown

Since early 2024, the demands on packaging teams have intensified:

  • More frequent SKU updates due to market volatility

  • Stricter labeling regulations across the EU, LATAM, and APAC

  • Increased reliance on remote and distributed teams

  • Greater expectations for speed-to-market from retail buyers

Generic tools simply haven’t evolved to keep pace. Meanwhile, packaging artwork management solutions like Cway are continually updated to reflect these new realities—with smart workflow triggers, native compliance support, and global collaboration capabilities.

Comparison: Cway vs. Generic Tools

Feature

Generic Tools (e.g. Google Drive, SharePoint)

Cway Artwork Management Software

Artwork-specific workflows

❌ Manual setup

✅ Pre-configured & customizable

Version control

⚠️ Limited, often unclear

✅ Full audit trail, version locking

Approval tracking

❌ Email-dependent

✅ Centralized, timestamped approvals

Regulatory compliance checkpoints

❌ Absent

✅ Built-in to workflows

Role-based access

⚠️ Manual, error-prone

✅ Structured, permissions-based

Packaging-specific metrics

❌ None

✅ Built-in analytics via Pulse

External agency coordination

❌ File-based only

✅ Real-time, in-platform

 

What Cway Delivers as a Packaging Artwork Management Solution

Cway as leading packaging artwork management software is designed specifically for the end-to-end artwork development process. Here’s how it transforms your packaging workflow:

Workflow Automation

Cway standardizes approval flows and task assignments, helping teams stay aligned and on schedule.

End-to-End Traceability

Every version, comment, and decision is tracked—ideal for audits and regulatory confidence.

Seamless Collaboration Across Borders

Cway is built to support global vendors and teams with multilingual, multi-timezone capabilities.

Real Results from Cway Customers

 

Fria Bröd

Manages artwork across marketing, legal, and R&D teams using Cway every day.
“It saves us time, reduces errors, and keeps everyone aligned.” Sofia Wallsten

Santa Maria (Paulig Group)

Cway supports daily approvals and proofing for Tex-Mex packaging lines.
“We save hours on every project, and everyone sees the same version.” Susanna Gustafsson

Kavli AB

Cut artwork project time by nearly 50% and reduced external design costs.
“Cway is the single source of truth every brand team needs.” Marie Lannebrink

 

See What Cway Can Do

 

Trusted by Leaders, Built for Scale

Trusted by brands like Santa Maria, Fria Bröd, and Kavli, Cway is used by leading food and FMCG companies to manage artwork with:

  • Compliance-ready workflows

  • Clear stakeholder visibility

  • Role-based access & permissions

Whether you're coordinating new launches or managing high-volume updates, Cway is the scalable solution for your packaging artwork management process.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Packaging timelines are tighter, compliance risks are higher, and product portfolios are more complex than ever. Outdated tools can’t keep up.

Cway’s packaging artwork management software meets the demands of modern packaging teams—offering speed, structure, and full traceability from concept to shelf. Whether you’re operating in Colombia, the Congo, or beyond, Cway helps you work faster, safer, and smarter.

Join the brands already succeeding with Cway—and move your artwork process forward.


 

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