Why Data Quality Is Critical

In packaging production, output is only as good as the supplied print data.

Low resolution, wrong color profiles, or missing bleed margins can render entire runs unusable — at enormous cost.

Traditionally, data checks are handled in prepress. But by then, the customer has already placed an order. Errors trigger back-and-forth communication, corrections, and production delays.

The solution: automated Preflight. With PackQ, this step moves forward — directly into the online editor.

What Does Preflight Mean?

Borrowed from aviation, preflight in printing means systematically checking print files before production.

Checks include:

• Resolution: typically at least 300 dpi
• Color spaces: CMYK vs. RGB
• Bleed margins: typically 3 mm
• Font embedding
• Transparency/overprint settings

Goal: Right First Time — error-free data at the first attempt.

Challenges in Traditional Workflows

• Customers deliver files in inconsistent formats
• Prepress checks them after order submission
• Errors discovered → feedback loop with customer
• Customer corrects and reuploads
• New Preflight → repeat checks

The result:

• Delays of several days
• High communication effort
• Customer frustration
• Costs from downtime and waste

Dynamic Preflight in PackQ

With PackQ, Preflight moves into the online configuration process:

• As customers upload or design, PackQ checks files in real time
• Errors and warnings appear instantly
• Customers can correct issues before completing the order

Criteria checked in PackQ:

• Resolution: low-res images flagged
• Color spaces: RGB detected → auto-conversion to CMYK
• Bleed: missing bleed highlighted
• Fonts: missing embedding flagged
• File formats: only print-ready standards accepted (e.g., PDF/X-4)

Professional Tools Integrated

PackQ connects to proven engines like Enfocus PitStop and callas pdfToolbox — the same tools used in professional prepress departments.

Benefits of Dynamic Preflight

1. Error prevention
   80% of typical print errors come from bad data. PackQ eliminates these early.
2. Time savings
   No back-and-forth between prepress and customers. Jobs go straight to production.
3. Cost reduction
   Less waste and fewer prepress staff hours.
4. Customer confidence
   Transparency builds trust — especially when combined with PackQ’s 3D preview.

Example: Classic Workflow vs. PackQ

Classic

• Customer uploads file
• Prepress: resolution too low
• Email to customer → new file needed
• Customer takes 2 days to correct
• Overall delay: 3–4 days

With PackQ

• Customer uploads file
• System alerts: “Image resolution too low”
• Customer replaces image in editor immediately
• Order completed error-free — no delays

Typical Errors — and How PackQ Catches Them

• Low image resolution → warning at upload
• RGB colors → auto-conversion to CMYK
• Missing bleed → visual alert in editor
• Non-embedded fonts → instant warning + fix suggestion
• Undefined spot colors → system flags the issue

PackQ ensures errors are visible before costs occur.

Checklist: Preflight Advantages in PackQ

✅ Automatic checks in real time
✅ Professional prepress engines integrated
✅ Customers fix issues independently
✅ Guaranteed production-ready data
✅ Dramatically reduced waste rates
✅ Prepress staff relieved of routine checks

Benefits Across Roles

• Customers: security that results match the online preview, no surprises at delivery
• Prepress: freed from repetitive tasks, can focus on complex cases
• Sales: fewer delays → faster quotes, smoother customer experience
• Production: machines receive print-ready files, no downtime from errors

Future Outlook: AI-Supported Preflight

The next step is AI-driven error prevention — and PackQ is already preparing for it:

• Automatic image enhancement (Crispify)
• Background removal for problematic graphics
• Smart layout analysis (e.g., text too small for readability)

Soon, systems won’t just detect errors — they’ll correct them automatically. Another milestone toward the fully automated Smart Factory.

Conclusion

Faulty print data is costly and slows processes. Traditional Preflight comes too late.

With PackQ’s Dynamic Preflight, checks move into the online phase:

• Errors are caught instantly
• Customers fix them directly
• Only production-ready data enters the system

👉 The result: less waste, faster workflows, lower costs — and happier customers.