Courtesy of Cosmetic/Personal Care Packaging On-Line, June 2003

Business Beat
By Jennifer Kwok

Software Streamlines Design Process, Wins Award

New software called Design2Launch (D2L) won the 2003 Connecticut Catalyst Award at TecExpo 2003, the technology trade show held April 10 and produced by the Connecticut Technology Council. Judges felt the software firm "developed a product that has significantly changed, revolutionized, and streamlined a system."

D2L was created to help speed the time-to-market for new product launches and save money by removing some steps in the packaging approval process.
It facilitates communication among all parties involved in design, including package designers, engineers, marketers, and suppliers.

It can be hard to coordinate designs when an engineer is working on a CAD file and the graphic designer wants to make changes on a Mac. D2L supports more than 200 file formats.

On screen, a package designer can apply materials, labels, and graphics to a virtual package. Color is achievable with each type of material. The software allows you to create a reality-based, photorealistic visual model. That model can be used for initial approvals, reducing the need for physical proofs and prototypes.

Many leading companies are considering subscribing to the software or have signed on already. "It's a fantastic tool because it takes into account every aspect of the approval process and enables you to effectively communicate much faster, when it seems like everyone is speaking a different language," says Kevin Marshall. Marshall is in the process of integrating the software at Marc Rosen Associates, where he is vice president and group creative director.

"Up until now, there was never a program that allowed a designer's vision to be translated directly into the engineering phase," Marshall adds.
For security, a triple-encrypted system is used so that access to files can be restricted. D2L allows everyone involved in a project to view files from any location in the world and revise designs with editing marks. All revisions are automatically saved by date. The system supports Pantone, LAB, and CMYK color ranges; it also allows color to be communicated electronically by calibrating the frequency of every desktop monitor on the system, ensuring accurate shades are viewed by everyone.

Suppliers, vendors, outside developers, and business partners are also encouraged to upload material through a direct Web link. A plan to get more suppliers involved is also in the works.

"We are working on building a large supplier database where a manufacturer could click on a company to see new stock packaging items," says Scott Corzine, president and CEO of Design2Launch.

Marshall adds, "Since there is no shortage of creative designs out there, it's all about who will get there first. This software will definitely give you an advantage."