Esko and Scantrust have announced the completion of a new integration that connects Esko Automation Engine workflow automation and WebCenter packaging management solutions with Scantrust software, simplifying the addition of variable data to packaging artwork for companies that sell physical CPG products.
The latest integration, created in the spirit of automating, connecting and accelerating the go-to-market process of packaged goods, enables a generational leap in the large-scale, automated generation and printing of unique, secure, and serialized QR codes directly onto product packaging with the greatest possible ease of integration with packaging designs.
“The goal from the start for both companies was to further streamline and improve the process of adding variable data to packaging artwork,” said Jan De Roeck, Esko Marketing Director. “This has traditionally been a complex task and a barrier to implementation of product features that add value to both brands and consumers. With the latest system integrations, Esko and Scantrust have continued a tradition of innovation by lowering the barrier to solving packaging design and printing challenges, especially with regard to serialization.”
Nathan Anderson, CEO and Founder at Scantrust, said: “Our mission is to help brands build trust and drive value through item-level traceability and consumer engagement. By creating a deep integration with Esko’s industry-standard workflow, we’re making it easier than ever for brands to activate every single package into a dynamic, data-driven touchpoint.”
The new integration will deliver key features and benefits, including:
- Automated Workflow – The Esko Automation Engine Variable Data Printing (VDP) module is at the heart of the integration, allowing the automated creation and embedding of unique QR codes into packaging designs at scale. The workflow was designed to minimize or eliminate manual intervention.
- Brand Protection and Anti-Counterfeiting – Each unique QR code provides a digital identifier for the product, enabling traceability within the supply chain while also offering industry-leading anti-counterfeiting features and ease in verifying product authenticity.
- Consumer Engagement – On-pack codes connect brands with consumers, integrate products with loyalty programs, and provide additional product information such as origin, sustainability data, and mandatory particulars where necessary.
- Supply Chain Traceability – With the possibility to track every single pouch, label, bottle, or unit from production to the end consumer, the Esko-Scantrust integration becomes a compelling solution for companies that want to establish or improve supply chain efficiency and transparency.
- Scalability – Scantrust and Esko have experience in handling a range of volume scenarios: from small business volumes to industrial scale mass production. Printing millions of unique, serialized, and even copy detection-capable QR codes on flexible packaging with speed and efficiency has never been easier.
- Compliance – The integration has been developed with the need to support the latest industry standards in mind, like GS1 Digital Link, but also maintaining the option to further integrate with other platforms and attractive features such as the Amazon marketplace anti-counterfeiting system, Transparency by Amazon.
“The integration between Esko and Scantrust bridges the gap between the physical packaging production process and the digital world of data management and consumer interaction,” added Nathan Anderson. “This is the start of a new level of ‘connected’ packaging.”
