Two Worlds Compared: CAD vs. Web-to-Pack

Packaging development has long relied on two pillars:

• CAD tools (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Kasemake) for engineers creating precise dielines and complex custom designs
• DTP software (e.g., Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic artwork and layouts

Both are essential — but:

• They require specialist knowledge
• They create media breaks
• They are not designed for end customers

With Web-to-Pack software like PackQ, a new approach emerges: all steps run online in one system, from choosing the packaging form to design and production release. This is more than a technical improvement — it’s a paradigm shift.

Classical CAD Tools: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

• High precision: essential for complex, custom constructions
• Flexibility: every form can be designed from scratch
• Machine integration: outputs tailored for cutting and die-cutting systems

Limitations

• Complex to use: requires trained packaging engineers
• Time-intensive: every new structure is manually built
• Media breaks: CAD files must be passed to DTP for graphics
• Error-prone: interfaces between CAD, DTP, and prepress create risks
• Not customer-friendly: end customers cannot operate CAD tools

Summary: CAD is powerful, but not scalable for fast, repetitive, or small jobs.

Web-to-Pack with PackQ: A New Alternative

PackQ offers a holistic approach:

• Construction, design, validation, and pricing in one system
• Entirely browser-based — no installation or special training needed
• Backed by ECMA and FEFCO standard libraries

Advantages at a Glance

• 3D design in the browser: intuitive for customers and sales teams
• Standardized templates: parametric ECMA/FEFCO models ensure production safety
• Automated Preflight: errors detected instantly
• Real-time pricing: immediate, transparent calculations
• API integration: seamless link to ERP, MIS, and shop systems

CAD vs. Web-to-Pack: Key Differences

AspectCAD ToolsPackQ Web-to-PackTarget groupEngineers & prepressEnd customers, sales, productionEase of useHigh learning curve, expert-onlyIntuitive, browser-basedStandardizationApplied manuallyBuilt-in ECMA/FEFCO librariesData checksDone later in prepressLive checks via Dynamic PreflightPricingSeparate, often manualIntegrated, real-timeIntegrationCustom interfacesAPI-first, plug-and-playTime-to-marketDays to weeksMinutes to hoursError riskHigher due to media breaksReduced through automation

Conclusion: CAD remains essential for custom engineering, but Web-to-Pack with PackQ is superior for standard jobs, small runs, and customer-facing workflows.

How PackQ Leverages Standards

• ECMA for folding cartons
  • Established since 1960
  • 70% of the market based on ECMA designs
  • PackQ includes 120+ ECMA models
• FEFCO for corrugated packaging
  • Global catalog (~200 structures)
  • PackQ includes 290+ FEFCO templates

Examples:

• FEFCO 0201: standard shipping box
• FEFCO 0427: tuck-in folding carton

Benefit: Every online configuration in PackQ is guaranteed to be production-ready.

Use Case: Folding Carton Project

With CAD

• Engineer creates dieline in ArtiosCAD
• File passed to DTP for graphics
• Prepress checks data
• Errors → sent back to customer
• Duration: 3–5 days until approval

With PackQ

• Customer selects ECMA folding carton in online shop
• Adjusts dimensions and uploads design
• 3D preview shows result instantly
• Preflight validates resolution & bleed live
• Order goes straight to production
• Duration: 30 minutes to approval

Benefits Across Roles

• Engineers: relieved from repetitive standard jobs, focus on complex cases
• Prepress: fewer manual checks, lower error rate
• Sales: instant quotes via real-time pricing, stronger customer engagement
• Customers: intuitive, transparent tool with 3D preview + guaranteed data quality

Checklist: When Web-to-Pack Is the Better Choice

• Broad portfolio of standard packaging
• High volume of small orders
• Customers demand 24/7 online ordering
• Short time-to-market is critical
• Media breaks between departments cause inefficiencies

If three or more apply, Web-to-Pack is the smarter choice.

Future Outlook

CAD will remain valuable for complex special requirements. But for the mass market of standard packaging, Web-to-Pack will become the new norm.

With PackQ, companies can meet today’s needs — speed, transparency, automation — and prepare for tomorrow’s trends:

• Batch size one (unique packaging per order)
• Automated supply chains (ERP/MIS integration)
• AI support (image optimization, pattern recognition)

Conclusion

Classical CAD tools remain indispensable for special engineering. But when it comes to scaling, speed, and customer experience, they fall short.

PackQ as Web-to-Pack software closes the gap:

• Easy for customers
• Safe for production
• Efficient for manufacturers

👉 For packaging producers aiming to handle standard products and small runs more efficiently and customer-friendly, PackQ is the logical next step.