Who's managing your Packaging?

I was just at a container vendor with a client and I wanted to share a couple of observations with you. When we first saw the new graphics it was clear that there were some separation mistakes made to the art. There was a big disconnect between the design files and the plates. 

Looking at the proofs it was clear that the printouts that the container manufacturer made were correct but the film supplier had incorrectly trapped some of the elements in the logo when they output their films. Unfortunately for us, the plate-maker with the problem films was located several states away. We also only had PDF prints and did not have color keys (remember those!?) on hand made from the actual films.

We weren't going to be able to recover from their mistake and potentially missed the fill date at the bottler. Does this sound familiar? 

It is critical to follow the Artwork all the way through the process from design, separations to the printer. The design files must match the mechanicals and then the plates. It is the customers job to sign off on each of the stages.

If the plates are generated using films it is always a good idea to have the printers supply match-prints or even keys if they have the capability so they can be matched back to the original art. This should be done well in advance of the press run. Had this been done we wouldn't have been is such a bind and would have made the filling schedule. . . . Looking at the art for the first time when you are at the printers is too late!