Why Integration Is the Key

A Web-to-Pack solution only delivers full value when it is not an isolated tool, but deeply integrated into existing systems.

Packaging manufacturers often operate complex IT landscapes:

• ERP systems for resource planning and order management
• MIS systems for costing and production planning
• E-commerce platforms for online orders
• Production machines for printing, die-cutting, and finishing

Where media breaks occur — for example, when orders must be manually copied from a shop into ERP — companies lose time, efficiency, and data quality.

PackQ was designed API-first. It is a headless system with REST APIs that connect seamlessly to any environment. This makes Web-to-Pack a natural part of the entire value chain.

PackQ Architecture: Headless and API-First

Headless Explained

• Frontend (editor, shop interface) is separated from backend (workflow, data engine)
• Every function accessible via APIs
• Advantage: maximum flexibility for integrations

API-First

• All modules accessible via REST APIs
• Data formats: JSON/XML
• Standardized endpoints for:
  • Order creation
  • Price queries
  • Production file generation
  • Preflight results
  • Status updates

Meaning: PackQ can be embedded into any system — whether Magento, SAP ERP, or Heidelberg digital presses.

Typical Integration Scenarios

1. E-Commerce Shops

• PackQ embedded as a configurator in the frontend
• Customers design packaging in the browser
• Order data automatically passed to the shop backend

Benefits:

• No duplicate product catalogs
• Orders appear like standard shop transactions

Example: A Shopify shop sells folding cartons. PackQ is integrated into product pages; the configured order enters Shopify with all parameters.

2. ERP Systems

• ERP (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) manages the overall process
• PackQ passes: customer data, SKUs, BOMs, pricing, PDFs

Benefit: no manual ERP data entry

Example: An order from PackQ creates an ERP job number, triggers material planning, and updates financials automatically.

3. MIS Systems

• MIS systems manage print and packaging workflows
• PackQ delivers print-ready files + Preflight reports
• MIS schedules production runs and gang forms

Benefit: higher efficiency, immediate workflow integration

4. Production Machines

• PackQ generates standardized PDFs with dielines + artwork
• Data flows directly to digital presses, plotters, or die-cutters
• Preflight ensures machines only receive valid data

Example: A HP Indigo prints PackQ files while an Esko cutter processes dielines — without manual conversion.

Technical Example: PackQ API in Action

• Price query: GET /api/v1/pricing → returns JSON with price tiers
• Order submission: POST /api/v1/orders → returns order ID
• Production files: GET /api/v1/orders/{id}/production-files → returns PDF link
• Status update: PATCH /api/v1/orders/{id} → updates to “produced”

Result: All systems communicate via defined REST endpoints.

Benefits of API-Based Integration

• Automation: no manual data entry
• Speed: orders flow in seconds
• Error reduction: no copy-paste mistakes
• Scalability: thousands of jobs processed daily
• Flexibility: works with any ERP, MIS, or shop system

Case Example: ERP Integration

A mid-sized packaging manufacturer used SAP.

Before PackQ:

• Online orders had to be entered manually → ~45 minutes per job

After PackQ integration:

• Orders instantly create jobs in SAP
• SAP reserves materials, schedules machines, calculates costs
• Production data sent automatically to press

Result: job handling time cut from 45 minutes to 2 minutes.

Checklist: Successful PackQ Integration

✅ Analyze system landscape (ERP, MIS, shop)
✅ Define integration goals (shop, portal, or hybrid use)
✅ Check required API endpoints (orders, pricing, files)
✅ Develop or use existing connectors
✅ Run pilot test with selected customers
✅ Train staff (IT, prepress, sales)
✅ Set up monitoring (API logs, error handling)
✅ Go live

Future: Integration as a Competitive Advantage

The future of packaging production is fully connected. Web-to-Pack solutions like PackQ are not just configurators — they are hubs in a digital ecosystem.

• Batch size one becomes profitable thanks to automation
• Customer portals merge with ERP and production
• AI-driven insights from API data forecast demand

👉 Companies integrating PackQ today lay the foundation for the Smart Factory of tomorrow.

Introducing Web-to-Pack is only the first step. True value comes from integration into existing systems.

With PackQ’s API:

• Shops connect seamlessly
• ERP and MIS sync automatically
• Machines receive production-ready data

Result: an end-to-end automated workflow — faster, more efficient, and error-free.

👉 Companies that integrate PackQ deeply are not just modernizing packaging — they are building the foundation for sustainable growth in the digital age.