In the wake of Brexit, the regulations on medicinal products are undergoing significant changes. It is crucial for companies involved in the manufacturing and distribution of these products to the UK to keep well-informed in order to ensure compliance and avoid potentially expensive recalls and penalties.
 

Our labeling and artwork expert, Bob Tilling, VP of Global Sales here at Kallik, says, “When it comes to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, compliance can be life or death for patients using the products. And with regulations changing constantly at the moment, it’s important to be using a labeling and artwork management system that’s futureproof and can easily make mass changes with minimal stress and hassle.”
 

The recent announcement of the new labeling and packaging requirements under the Windsor Framework Agreement means organizations will now have to make mass changes to their product packaging in order to stay compliant. To help you understand these regulations and their implications, we've compiled a comprehensive guide. Here's a brief overview of what to expect.

Part 1 - Understanding the New Windsor Framework Regulations, Who They’ll Affect, and What Steps to Take:
 

The Windsor Framework, born out of post-Brexit negotiations between the UK and EU, mandates labeling changes for goods intended for sale in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Notably, from January 1, 2025, all UK medicinal products must bear a 'UK Only' label, impacting various stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and retailers. Failure to comply could lead to goods being halted at the border, causing significant delays and potential financial penalties.
 

Part 2 - How End-to-End Labeling and Artwork Management Software Can Help:
 

In the face of these regulatory changes, leveraging modern technology becomes imperative. Enter Veraciti™, an innovative software solution offered by Kallik, designed to streamline labeling and artwork management processes. Through features like 'Where Used' and Automated Artwork Generation, Veraciti™ empowers companies to make mass changes efficiently while ensuring compliance and accuracy. Additionally, Veraciti™'s label templates and Cascade feature significantly reduce errors and streamline the approval process, ultimately enhancing speed-to-market and reducing costs.
 

Read Our Guide to Get Ahead Now
 

With the deadline for compliance looming, proactive action is essential. By understanding the Windsor Framework Regulations and leveraging tools like Veraciti™, companies can navigate these changes with confidence. Ensuring compliance not only mitigates risks but also safeguards consumer safety and maintains market competitiveness. Don't wait until it's too late. Take steps now to adapt and thrive in this evolving regulatory landscape.
 

Stay Informed, Stay Compliant, And Stay Ahead With Kallik
 

To delve deeper into these topics and explore how Veraciti™ can revolutionize your labeling and artwork processes, download our full guide for FREE today. For further inquiries or assistance, contact us at enquiries@kallik.com or call +44 (0) 1827 318100.
 

In today's interconnected world, enjoying snacks from around the globe is a common pleasure. But sometimes, the language on the packaging can make things confusing. Luckily, there are ways for manufacturers to easily overcome language barriers in food and beverage packaging. We sat down with our food and beverage expert, Avinash Voodi, to discuss how.
 

Avinash explains, “The world of multilingual packaging used to be so difficult to navigate. Having to go to send artwork and labels off to the relevant country for translation each time can be extremely costly and time consuming. But with intelligent, automated, cloud-based labeling and artwork software, these problems are now a thing of the past as you can generate a local language label or artwork using previously approved translations in just one click.”
 

Avinash’s favourite snack - the Roma Sandwich

Take, for example, the 'Roma Sandwich,' a popular biscuit snack from Bali. While its flavors may be exciting, what really makes a difference is the effort put into its packaging.
 

When you look at the 'Roma Sandwich' packaging, you'll notice it's not just pretty pictures. It also has information in different languages like Bahasa and English. This makes it easier for everyone to understand what they're buying and enjoy it fully. Not only does this make a product more accessible to consumers all over the world, but this helps to avoid dangerous issues with potential ingredient allergies. 
 

But making multilingual packaging isn't easy. First, you need to pick a main language to base everything on. Then, you have to gather and put together all the different translations from various sources. This job usually falls to someone skilled in coordinating artwork.
 

Translation agencies and language experts also play a crucial role. They make sure that all the translated content makes sense and stays true to the original meaning. But with so much going on, mistakes can happen, and that's where modern solutions step in.

Hear more about multilingual packaging from Avinash himself in the video below...

What Kallik Can Do For Your Multilingual Packaging Problems
 

Avinash explains, “Big companies in the food and beverage industry are using intelligent, automated, cloud-based software to streamline this process and ensure accuracy and compliance while saving time and money. Kallik’s cloud-based platform, Veraciti™, does exactly this. It brings together all the content in one place, making translations easier and reducing the chances of errors.”
 

Veraciti™ does things very differently to our competitors by managing individual phrases and version controlling them and sending them for approval. This means that when a user is creating a label or artwork, they can quickly and simply select an additional country or region and let Veraciti automatically use the pre-approved phrases, translated into the language they need. This not only streamlines the process but also reduces the workload, enhancing product accessibility as well as cutting costs and providing faster speed-to-market.
 

Some of Veraciti™’s unique functions that help manage and generate translated packaging:
 

• Label templates make it easy to generate a label with all of the correct symbols and information in the correct places 
   
• Asset and phrase managers store icons, phrases, symbols and translations that have been pre-approved and are ready to be imported into a label template
   
• The Automated Artwork Generation (AAG) tool takes translated content and turns it into high-quality packaging designs quickly and accurately and if changes need to be made it can handle them with ease
   

It’s time to embrace new label and artwork technology
 

As we move forward into 2024, it's clear that embracing new technology is crucial for staying competitive. Consumer expectations are always changing, so we need to keep up. By innovating in packaging, we can make sure that everyone can enjoy their snacks, no matter what language they speak. 
 

Veraciti™ is way ahead of its competitors, with 20 years of experience in the cloud and using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to speed up the label and artwork data migration process, we’re ready for the future.
 

Want to know more? 
 

Whether you’re in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical device, chemical, or even the cosmetic industry, our experts can help you solve your multilingual packaging problems. Get in touch today at enquiries@kallik.com or call +44 (0) 1827 318100.

In the world of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), effective brand management is crucial for staying ahead of the competition. With brands expanding globally, the challenges of maintaining consistency, compliance, and quality across various markets have become increasingly complex. Fortunately, cloud-based collaboration platforms are revolutionizing the way CPG and FMCG companies manage their brands worldwide.
 

Here at Kallik, our label and artwork management software, Veraciti, has been on the cloud for 20 years. So when it comes to the cloud, we’ve got the experience and the expertise. Let’s look at some of the challenges involved in global brand management and how cloud-based software can help.
 

Global Brand Management: A Complex Challenge
 

Managing a global brand involves coordinating efforts across multiple teams, both internal and external to the organization, and often located in different regions or even continents. From packaging design to regulatory compliance, every aspect must align with the brand's identity while meeting local regulations and consumer preferences. Traditionally, this process relied heavily on email exchanges, file sharing, and manual tracking, leading to compliance issues, inefficiencies, version control problems, and delays.
 

Enter Cloud-Based Collaboration Platforms
 

Cloud-based collaboration platforms offer a centralized hub where teams can work together seamlessly, regardless of their physical location. These platforms provide a wide range of features specifically designed to streamline global brand management:
 

1. Annotation and Markup Tools: Cloud-based platforms offer annotation and markup tools that allow users to provide feedback directly on packaging designs or branding materials. This real-time collaboration eliminates the need for lengthy email chains and ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page. Where appropriate everyone can see everyone else’s comments which can dramatically help to reduce approval times. 
 

2. Real-Time Updates: With cloud-based collaboration, updates to documents or designs are instantly visible to all team members. This real-time synchronization ensures that everyone is working with the latest version, reducing the risk of errors or inconsistencies.
 

3. Audit Trails and Change Tracking: Cloud platforms maintain detailed audit trails that track every change made to a document or design. Team members can easily see who made the change, when it was made, and why it was made. This transparency not only improves accountability but also facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.
 

4. Instant Access to the Latest Version of Assets and Content: By storing assets and content in the cloud, teams can access them from anywhere, at any time. This ensures that suppliers, translation agencies, label makers, carton manufacturers, anyone who is involved in the supply chain, has full visibility of the latest version and only the latest version. Whether it's a packaging design template or regulatory documentation, this ensures that teams can respond quickly to market demands or regulatory changes.
 

Benefits For All Departments
 

For marketing teams, cloud-based collaboration streamlines the process of creating and updating packaging designs, ensuring consistency across products. Real-time collaboration tools facilitate brainstorming sessions and creative reviews, leading to faster decision-making and more innovative ideas.
 

Equally, quality assurance and regulatory compliance teams benefit from the ability to track changes and maintain version control, ensuring that packaging materials meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. Audit trails provide a clear record of all changes, making it easier to identify and address any issues that arise.
 

How Kallik Can Help
 

Cloud-based collaboration platforms, such as Veraciti by Kallik, offer a comprehensive solution to simplify global brand management. Veraciti offers users a wide range of collaborative tools, but some of the tools that really streamline the production and management of labels and artwork are:
 

Content Collation: Veraciti facilitates cross-departmental collaboration during content collation for label creation, ensuring alignment with all relevant teams, ultimately expediting artwork creation, approval processes, and enabling future changes to be made quickly and accurately. 
Asset and Phrase Manager: Veraciti's Asset and Phrase Managers centralize label and artwork components like icons, phrases, and translations, allowing users to organize, pre-approve, and reuse assets with complete version control and audit trails, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and supporting multilingual content management and updates.

Comparison Tool: The comparison tool can be used to identify the differences between two different versions of labels or artwork, allowing approvers to focus on reviewing the changes and avoiding time wasted reviewing the entire artwork or label. If someone removes a symbol by mistake for example, then it's extremely easy to spot.

Annotation Tool: The Annotation Tool in Veraciti enables users to mark up artwork, record questions and comments in a side log, measure artwork dimensions, utilize various checking and measuring tools, link elements, add notes, and employ a color-coded system for real-time identification of contributors.

Approval Process: Veraciti facilitates approval processes by enabling annotating and commenting on artwork or labels, fostering transparent communication and collaboration among users, and supporting both single-stage and multi-stage approval workflows.
 

Conclusion
 

In today's globalized marketplace, effective brand management requires seamless collaboration across teams and regions. Cloud-based collaboration platforms offer a solution to the challenges of managing CPG and FMCG brands on a global scale. 
 

By providing annotation and markup tools, real-time updates, audit trails, and instant access to assets, these platforms empower teams across the world to work together more efficiently, ensuring brand consistency, compliance, and quality across all products. Embracing cloud-based collaboration is not just a technological upgrade—it's a strategic imperative for CPG and FMCG companies looking to thrive in a competitive landscape.
 

To learn more about how Veraciti can streamline your global brand management processes and enhance collaboration across your teams, speak to one of our labeling and artwork experts today at enquiries@kallik.com. 

When it comes to creating and managing labels and artwork, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and accelerate time-to-market. One technology that has revolutionized the way companies operate is cloud-based software.

Here at Kallik, our label and artwork management software, Veraciti, has been on the cloud for 20 years. So when it comes to the cloud, we’ve got the experience and the expertise.

By leveraging cloud technology, businesses can break down geographical barriers, foster seamless collaboration among both internal and external teams all over the world, and achieve rapid speed-to-market like never before. 
 

But what about the basics? How does the cloud work? How do cloud services work? What does ‘cloud-based software’ mean? Is the cloud secure? In this guide, we'll explore what it means for software to be cloud-based, and how businesses can harness its power to maximize efficiency and drive success.
 

Understanding the Basics About Cloud-Based Software
 

Cloud-based software, simply put, refers to applications and services that are hosted and accessed via the internet. Unlike traditional software that requires installation on individual computers or servers, cloud-based software operates on remote servers maintained by the provider. Users can access these applications through a web browser or dedicated client software, eliminating the need for costly hardware investments and complex setup procedures.
 

Three of the key benefits of using cloud-based software are:
 

Scalability: It’s easy to adjust usage levels and scale resources up or down based on demand, providing unparalleled flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Automatic updates and maintenance: Users always have access to the latest features and enhancements without the hassle and time spent on manual updates.

Future proof: It's not based around an operating system like Windows 10 for example whereby if the operating system is upgraded or retired then the software needs replacing. This is not the case with cloud based software, it only needs a simple browser to access it.
 

So How Does This Help With Global Collaboration Across Businesses?
 

While globalization undoubtedly presents exciting growth opportunities for businesses, it also introduces challenges in terms of collaboration and communication. This is where cloud-based software really shines.
 

1. Real-Time Collaboration: Cloud-based software enables real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. Whether team members are split up across the world or are even external agencies, they can all collaborate on projects simultaneously, share documents, and communicate effortlessly. This promotes faster decision-making and ensures that everyone is on the same page, regardless of their location or whether they’re a part of the company or an external team.
 

2. Centralized Data Storage: With cloud software, data is stored centrally on secure servers, accessible to authorized users from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for cumbersome file-sharing methods such as email attachments or USB drives, reducing the risk of version control issues and ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. This becomes very important when the use includes large files commonly found in consumer artwork for example. 
 

3. Enhanced Communication: Cloud-based software often includes built-in communication tools such as annotation and markup tools to enable teams across the world to still collaborate and share thoughts on projects. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, cloud software helps break down silos and promotes a culture of teamwork and innovation.
 

Top Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Achieving Rapid Speed-to-Market with Cloud-Software
 

Now that we've explored the benefits of cloud-based software for global collaboration, let's discuss some top tips for making the most of this powerful technology to drive efficiency and accelerate time-to-market:
 

1. Choose the Right Software: Not all cloud-based software solutions are created equal. Some software solutions have been designed specifically for use within the cloud while others may have been compromised slightly if they were once on premise and rejigged for the cloud. It's essential to choose a platform that aligns with your business goals and requirements. Consider factors such as scalability, security, ease of use, and integration capabilities when evaluating potential options.
 

2. Invest in Training: To fully leverage the capabilities of cloud software, invest in comprehensive training for your team members. Provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the platform effectively, collaborate efficiently, and take advantage of advanced features and functionalities.
 

3. Establish Clear Processes and Workflows: Define clear processes and workflows for using cloud software within your organization. Establish guidelines for document sharing, project management, and communication to ensure consistency and minimize confusion. Encourage team members to adhere to these processes to streamline operations and drive efficiency.
 

4. Embrace Automation: Many cloud-based software solutions offer automation capabilities that can help streamline repetitive tasks and eliminate manual work. Identify areas where automation can add value to your workflows, such as document approval processes, task assignments, or data analysis, and leverage these features to boost productivity and efficiency.
 

5. Promote Collaboration Culture: Foster a culture of collaboration within your organization by promoting open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing. Encourage team members to collaborate across departments and geographic locations, leveraging cloud software to facilitate seamless collaboration and drive innovation.
 

6. Monitor Performance and Gather Feedback: Continuously monitor the performance of your cloud software implementation and gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to metrics such as user adoption rates, system uptime, and customer satisfaction to ensure that your cloud software is delivering the desired results.

What Kallik Does Differently:
 

At Kallik, we understand the unique challenges that large enterprises face in labeling and artwork management. That's where we come in, our cutting-edge cloud-based software as a service, Veraciti, which has been helping some of the world’s biggest organizations to manage their labeling and artwork process for decades.
 

Kallik's software has earned its reputation as an industry leader, being recognized by Gartner as a top label and artwork management software vendor. Designed from the outset for the cloud and engineered to simplify processes, enhance collaboration and ensure compliance, it is ideal for use in highly regulated industries, providing ultimate data security for enterprises managing extensive product ranges. Hosted on the leading cloud provider, AWS (Amazon Web Services), our software comes with added peace of mind that you’re getting world-class service.
 

The Cloud’s Benefits in Action:
 

At Veraciti, we pride ourselves on our ability to navigate the complexities of enterprise-level operations, as demonstrated by our successful collaboration with a Danish company that develops, produces and markets medical devices. Initially tasked with consolidating 20 companies into 19, our team seamlessly managed this integration process with precision and efficiency. Despite encountering the unexpected addition of three more companies midway through the project, our cloud-based platform, Veraciti, proved to be instrumental in maintaining the project timeline. 
 

The flexibility and scalability afforded by our cloud-based infrastructure enabled us to accommodate these changes without compromising on the project's pace or quality. Our experience in dealing with complex enterprises equipped us with the expertise needed to adapt swiftly to evolving circumstances while ensuring seamless collaboration across teams and stakeholders. This experience underscores the invaluable role that cloud-based solutions like Veraciti play in streamlining operations for enterprises facing intricate challenges in mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations.
 

How We Helped Diversey Get Over 500 Users Up and Running Across 50 Countries:
 

Having built up a successful pan-European business supplying cleaning products to the consumer and manufacturing sector, Diversey’s next step was to consolidate its multiple in-country specific manufacturing processes.
 

Moving to a single global operation presented the challenge of how to manage tens of thousands of artwork changes without risking non-compliance through introducing uncontrolled variations. “Each local Diversey national operating unit had the same item and in many cases, the information and formulation were the same,” points out the company’s Information and Process Development Lead in its UK office at Alfreton, Neil Harvey.
 

“Kallik was the catalyst for us to centralize production, logistics and SKU management. Without Veraciti, this would not have been possible,” says Harvey. “Veraciti’s powerful Phrase Library, Asset Manager and Workflows have also allowed us to double the number of artworks we manage across Eastern Europe using the same number of people. Being cloud-based, the Kallik solution also means we no longer have the hassle of global databases not synchronizing.”
 

With one solution used across over 50 countries and 500-plus users, Veraciti has significantly simplified traceability and compliance for Diversey.
 

In conclusion, cloud-based software offers a powerful platform for global collaboration, efficiency, and rapid speed-to-market. By leveraging the capabilities of cloud technology, businesses can break down geographical barriers, foster seamless collaboration among global teams, and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and innovation. By following the top tips outlined in this guide, organizations can maximize the benefits of cloud software and drive success in today's competitive business landscape.
 

With operations spanning across different time zones and locations, global businesses require assistance that transcends geographical boundaries and operates around the clock. This is where cloud-based software really shines. With a remote 24/7 service desk that can instantly be accessed anywhere across the world at any time, keeping your business running like clockwork has never been easier thanks to the cloud.
 

Let's look at the pros of the globally accessible, around-the-clock support available through cloud software and how it can transform the way businesses operate.
 

Benefits of Using Cloud-Based Software service desk:
 

1. Standardized support: Cloud-based support systems ensure a standardized service by ensuring that all users worldwide are consistently operating on the same version of the system. This uniformity simplifies the support process, as there's only one common product and method of operation to address. With cloud software, updates are automatically applied to all users, eliminating the challenges of assisting customers on different versions. This standardization streamlines support efforts, making it easier to provide efficient assistance to users across the globe.
    
2. Resolving Critical Issues Off-Hours: Emergencies don't adhere to traditional office hours. Around-the-clock support ensures that businesses can address critical issues promptly, even during weekends or holidays, minimizing downtime and potential losses.
    
3. Supporting International Clients: With a global clientele, businesses need support services that align with their diverse operational hours. Accessible support enables seamless communication and assistance for clients worldwide, fostering strong relationships and trust. There’s no need for various service desk teams dotted around the world, with one harmonious team based in the same location offering support to clients thousands of miles away. No matter where you’re based or where your provider is based, you get the same fantastic service.
    

Veraciti's 24/7 Global Support:
 

At Kallik, we understand the importance of providing uninterrupted support to our clients. Our global service desk is available 24/7 through various channels, including phone, website, email, and live chat. We've streamlined the process of seeking assistance through an easy-to-navigate form, allowing you to convey the impact on your production, thereby prioritizing critical issues efficiently. Whether you're in London or Los Angeles, Sydney or Singapore, our dedicated professionals are available around the clock to assist you. With our global reach, you can access support whenever you need it, regardless of time zone differences.
 

Multiple Channels for Convenience
 

We understand that every customer has their preferred mode of communication. That's why we offer multiple channels to reach our service desk, including phone, website, email, and live chat. Whether you're on the go or in the office, getting in touch with us is effortless and convenient.
 

Streamlined Ticketing Process
 

Our streamlined ticketing process ensures that your issue is addressed promptly and efficiently. With an easy-to-navigate form, you can provide us with all the necessary details upfront, including the impact on your production. This helps us prioritize your ticket appropriately and expedite the resolution process.
 

Transparent Communication
 

Once you've created a ticket, our system ensures transparent communication and efficient resolution. You'll receive an email acknowledging the creation of the ticket along with a unique ticket number. With our easy-to-use Kallik Service Desk portal, you can track the progress of your ticket, ensuring visibility and accountability.
 

Proactive Engagement
 

Our service desk team doesn't wait for you to reach out—we're proactive in our approach to resolving issues. We'll provide regular updates via email, informing you of any actions taken on your ticket. If further information is required, we'll reach out promptly, ensuring a swift resolution to your issue.
 

Empowering Self-Service
 

Through the Kallik portal, you have the power to manage your support cases with ease. You can filter your cases, add comments, and track the status of your tickets—all from one centralized platform. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and resources you need to resolve issues independently whenever possible.
 

Worried About Not Having a Local Service Desk?
 

Some organizations may have concerns about receiving support from a team located remotely. However, our global service desk team is equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to provide exceptional assistance, regardless of geographical proximity. With prompt responses, personalized attention, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our service desk team ensures that distance is never a barrier to quality service. 
 

The Stats Speak for Themselves:
 

In February 2024 alone, the Kallik Service Desk team achieved fantastic SLA (service level agreement) compliance rates. With 100% response and resolution rate for severity 1 incidents, closely followed by 100% for response and 95.65% for resolution for severity 2 incidents.. What’s more, the team’s average response time ranged from just 11.5 to 14 minutes depending on the severity of the incident. Internal quality checks on the team’s ticket management resulted in an average compliance score of 93%.
 

Despite serving Veraciti users scattered across the globe, he geographical distance between our Service Desk and our customers posed no issue, as our team efficiently resolved incidents and provided top-tier support with ease.
 

Benefits of 24/7 Support:
 

Having service desk that offers 24/7 support brings many benefits, including:

• Increased operational efficiency
• Minimized downtime and disruptions
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Improved productivity and business continuity
   

In conclusion, choosing a cloud-based platform like Veraciti that offers 24/7 global service desk support means unparalleled accessibility, convenience, and efficiency. With multiple channels for communication, a streamlined ticketing process, transparent communication, proactive engagement, and empowering self-service options, we're committed to delivering exceptional support experiences to our customers worldwide. So, if you’re looking to move to a cloud-based platform but you’re worried about the level of support you might receive, rest assured that fantastic service is far easier to achieve with the cloud, no matter where you are in the world.
 

In the dynamic world of cosmetics, where trends shift as swiftly as the seasons, maintaining brand consistency while complying with regulatory requirements can be a daunting task. Often with a large range of products catering to diverse consumer needs, ensuring that each label or artwork reflects the essence of the brand, is up to date with any current promotions, and meets legal standards is crucial. This is where automation in cosmetic label software emerges as a game-changer, offering a seamless blend of consistency and compliance.
 

Let’s start with the basics and break down what automation actually is...

Introducing automation
 

Automation is the process of utilizing technology and machinery to perform tasks and processes with minimal human intervention. It involves the implementation of systems and software that streamline repetitive or labor-intensive tasks, allowing for increased efficiency, accuracy, and consistency. 
 

Essentially, automation enables the execution of predefined actions or workflows based on predetermined criteria, reducing the need for manual intervention and freeing up human resources. Whether it's automating manufacturing processes, data entry, or customer interactions, automation empowers organizations to improve productivity, reduce errors, save money, and adapt to rapidly changing business environments.
 

Artwork and labeling automation can do a lot more than simply store, track and approve artwork. A single, end-to-end enterprise labeling and artwork management solution controls the entire labeling process, enabling automated artwork or label creation and modification in the same system. These tools can update artwork and labels over thousands of variants and locations and generate new artwork ready for print. All this can be done in as little as 60 seconds, compared to the many weeks and months of revisions and reworks that are often commonplace.
 

So now let’s break down how automation can specifically benefit the cosmetics industry…
 

Ensuring Consistency, Eliminating Errors and Streamlining Global Product Management
 

When it comes to labeling and artwork, it can be a massive headache for marketers looking to achieve brand consistency and get everything looking good while also staying compliant - that’s a lot to juggle on one small label! Fortunately, with the power of tools like Veraciti’s Automated Artwork Generation (AAG) and label templates, your problems have been solved.
 

How Does AAG Work?
 

AAG dynamically assembles the chosen pre-approved content. By using intelligent pre-approved templates to automatically generate the artwork or label, the need for human input is removed, reducing the risk of errors as well as rapidly decreasing project completion times. Labels or artworks are created within seconds rather than days or weeks.
 

The traditional way to do this is to store data in a database and use a template to control the look and location of the imported data. The issue with this is that to update and actually see 100 populated labels the user has to import that data and then compile each label individually, 100 times in this example. With Veraciti, the user can add the 100 labels to a single project and use the AAG automation to change all 100 at once. There is no need to open and compile each of the 100 labels to see them all complete. Veraciti will change all of them consistently and reliably. The labels can be seen at a much earlier stage in the process which helps you to spot errors and consistency issues earlier on.
 

Labeling errors can be incredibly time consuming and costly as well as posing serious safety risks. Before using our Veraciti software, one of our biggest customers typically dealt with around one content or layout error per month and since using Kallik’s solution they have experienced no errors at all. In the case of traditional labeling and artwork, mistakes can result in reprinting, wasted labels, and increased resource consumption. However, label templates and proofreading tools significantly minimize the risk of human errors in label design by having a pre-approved bank of assets that can be simply dropped into templates that meet all the relevant regulations for the product. 
 

How Do Label And Artwork Templates Work?
 

Label or artwork templates are pre-designed formats that are used as a basis for creating labels for various products, packages, or documents. These templates typically include placeholders for variable information such as product names, descriptions, barcodes, pricing, and other relevant details. Label or artwork templates are far more efficient, accurate and compliant than relying on graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign.
 

At the heart of template technology lies its ability to automatically resize text, scale barcodes, and adapt images. "The agility and scalability offered by template technology represent a monumental leap in streamlining label and artwork management," explained Bob Tilling, VP of Global Sales at Kallik.
 

This not only ensures that all products within a brand maintain a uniform look and feel, enhancing brand identity, but with strict regulations on ingredient lists, warnings, and usage instructions, label templates in conjunction with AAG can generate consistent, compliant labels in minutes. With the power of label templates you can rest assured your labels or artwork include all necessary regulatory information, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.
 

How Can Automation Help to Manage These Assets?
 

But what about managing all of these assets that are used to build the templates? Keeping your assets well organized, up to date and easily accessible isn’t always simple. Veraciti’s Asset and Phrase Managers contain the individual building blocks of all labels and artworks in Veraciti, such as icons, phrases, symbols, and translations. Users can organize, pre-approve and reuse these assets in one central location, maintaining complete version control and audit trails. The ability to pre-approve assets and phrases before they are used ensures that every individual part of the artwork is compliant with the regulatory requirements. 
 

What’s more, it’s so simple to search for the asset you’re looking for with the ability to search by color, material used, the brand it belongs to, etc. The ‘Where Used’ function is also incredibly useful here as it has the ability to identify specific components and recognize every artwork or label where they have been used previously. With ever-changing regulations, this makes the process of making bulk changes to icons, images and phrases seamless, both facilitating and accelerating the process of achieving regulatory compliance.
 

And here’s where the automation comes in - these assets can then be automatically pulled into your label template, ready to use! If that’s not enough, once artworks and labels are completed and approved, they are also automatically stored in the Asset Manager with full version control, audit trails and metadata. So you really can’t ever lose track of anything with this level of automation, so no more worrying about lost artwork, duplicate assets, you’re ready to go!
 

Using Automation for Global Product Management
 

It’s all good and well creating consistent, accurate labels and artwork, but what about when it comes to producing these labels and artwork for your products in other countries? You want to maintain that same level of consistency and accuracy - which is where automation comes in again. 
 

Veraciti revolutionizes this process by enabling organizations to swiftly generate labels and artwork in multiple languages, all within a matter of seconds. This groundbreaking capability eliminates the necessity for linguistic expertise, a significant obstacle particularly for non-native speakers who may struggle with language nuances.
 

Unlike competitors who may rely on less accurate methods like Google Translate, Veraciti offers pre-approved translations derived from a single source of truth, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all your labels and artwork. This not only streamlines the process but also reduces the workload, as organizations no longer need to create separate labels and artwork for each language, enhancing accessibility as well as cutting costs and providing faster speed-to-market.
 

John Blake Summarizes the Benefits of Automation
 

Gartner’s John Blake commented on this, "With newer application digitized tools, users we eliminate that reliance on the manual processes. And those manual processes tend to come in the form of email, spreadsheets, again, these data silos. And what we start to enable is flexibility. So users can manage information across multiple functions, in fact, multiple sites, users know, in fact, even do it globally. The applications are scalable, so kind of moving away from a single desktop or a single site, a single server, right? And there's an aspect of composability, so how the user can identify, adapt, and utilize the data.”
 

We’ve seen the benefits firsthand many times here at Kallik. Just recently, ​​we helped one of our customers, an American consumer health company, to become more efficient and achieve higher accuracy rates. By making some strategic changes to the process, our team was able to execute seven projects across four regions simultaneously in January 2024. This resulted in an impressive aggregate right-first-time artwork accuracy quality score of 97.96% for the month, with all projects delivered on time or ahead of schedule. This contrasts with the usual 5-10 iterations required without Veraciti, showcasing the effectiveness of automation in achieving this level of efficiency.
 

Let’s look at some more examples of how Veraciti’s automation has helped customers in the cosmetics industry specifically…
 

Mary Kay Inc.
 

For over 50 years, Mary Kay Inc. has not only revolutionized the beauty industry but also empowered countless women worldwide. With a presence in nearly 40 countries, Mary Kay's commitment to quality and innovation is unparalleled. However, as the brand expanded globally, it faced the challenge of outdated labeling systems and disjointed artwork processes.
 

Kallik's unique ability to automate the entire end-to-end process proved to be the catalyst for Mary Kay's success. Not only did Veraciti reduce labeling artwork creation times, but it also empowered Mary Kay to extend its best practices by automatically generating audit trails. Emma Polman, Manager, Creative Business Packaging, Mary Kay Inc. Addison, Texas explained, “Kallik’s unique selling point was the ability to automate artwork creation and editing. Kallik was the only company that could deliver this functionality.”
 

House of Cheatham
 

House of Cheatham, a market leader in the area of personal and beauty care, was recently faced with the challenge of maintaining the latest versions of artwork files amidst regulatory requirements Therefore, the company embarked on a digital transformation journey with Kallik's Veraciti.
 

“In the first year of implementing the solution, we processed 140 new artworks,” a representative from House of Cheatham, explained. “Prior to Veraciti, the best we could achieve was 24 per annum. In the second year, we increased this figure to over 400, with no additional resources — a 17-fold increase in our artwork production levels compared to our previous solution. Not only this, but we’ve increased accuracy and taken significant costs out of the process.”
 

With Veraciti's Asset Manager and automated reports, House of Cheatham gained newfound, automated efficiency in processing data, tracking asset versioning, and identifying bottlenecks in their processes. Their representative said, “Kallik has also enabled us to identify and resolve bottlenecks in our processes that were previously difficult to detect, while Veraciti’s intuitive dashboards and automated reports allow us to measure the effectiveness of the whole launch process.” The result? Increased throughput, reduced staff time on workflows, and a streamlined launch process that sets the stage for future growth.
 

Embracing the Future of Cosmetic Labeling
 

As the cosmetics industry continues to evolve, the importance of automation in labeling cannot be overstated. Brands like Mary Kay Inc. and House of Cheatham serve as beacons of innovation, leveraging technology to enhance brand consistency, creativity, and compliance.
 

John summarized: “The legacy systems can just no longer keep up. It's costing organizations too much time, too many resources, and certainly the inability for systems to break down those silos, it’s just causing businesses too many problems.” The shift towards cloud-based, automated, AI-driven platforms marks the beginning of a new era—one where the convergence of technology and innovation becomes the foundation of an efficient, compliant labeling and artwork management process.
 

Download our free guide on labeling and artwork trends in 2024 to get started on transforming your cosmetic labeling and artwork management. 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you’ll have noticed the words artificial intelligence (AI) in the media almost constantly. AI stands as a beacon of innovation, reshaping the way we approach tasks across various industries. From healthcare to finance, manufacturing to retail, AI is making waves, revolutionizing processes and driving efficiency like never before. 
 

But what exactly is AI, and how does it work? 
 

Essentially, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, allowing them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Through techniques like machine learning and deep learning, AI systems analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions—all in a fraction of the time it would take a human.
 

You’ve probably heard of, or may have even used, ChatGPT. It’s a form of “Generative Artificial Intelligence” (GenAI) which utilizes state-of-the-art natural language processing (NLP) techniques to generate human-like text responses based on input prompts. Whether it's answering questions, generating creative content, or assisting with language translation, ChatGPT allows users to engage in meaningful conversations, automate customer support, or even generate marketing content.
 

This technology can be found transforming processes and ways of working in a wide range of industries. For example, in healthcare, AI is revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment planning, while in manufacturing, it's optimizing production processes and predictive maintenance. With each day, AI algorithms are constantly being refined and enhanced, paving the way for even greater advancements. With ongoing research and innovation, AI is poised to become even more beneficial, offering solutions to problems we may not have even imagined yet.
 

So how is AI making its mark in the world of labeling and artwork? 
 

Traditionally, the labeling and artwork migration process has been costly, time consuming and has involved errors and physical waste. Naturally, this often deters businesses from making the move from traditional methods to a digital management platform or moving from their existing platform to a new one. However, with the emergence of AI-powered tools like Kallik’s AToM (Assisted Tool of Migration), we are seeing a number of these issues being resolved.
 

AToM, the first of its kind in the labeling and artwork industry, leverages the power of AI to streamline the entire label and data migration process, from a variety of content sources, reducing manual effort and potential for errors. It works by extracting content labels or artworks in any format and generating intelligent templates with regulatory and brand logic included as standard. Further to this, AToM is also incredibly intelligent when it comes to identifying aspects of your content that may lead to errors and issues further down the line. For example, AToM can spot duplicate phrases and symbols when scanning families of labels or artwork and can remove them, ensuring you have an accurate, compliant, single source of truth available at all times. Aside from providing complete accuracy and regulatory confidence this also eliminates the need for manual intervention, saving time and reducing errors throughout the entire product lifecycle. 
 

It’s important to note that AToM is learning as it goes, constantly developing and growing and becoming more and more intelligent as it gets a better understanding of what it needs to do. For example, AToM will read a four line address as four separate phrase assets and a use intervention fixes this and tells AToM it’s one phrase over four lines. As a result, AToM will learn from this next time, ensuring that mistakes are never made and it becomes more efficient as time goes on.
 

But the impact of AI in labeling and artwork extends beyond just streamlining processes. It's about driving innovation, empowering businesses to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive landscape. Overall, we have found that time to market has improved by ~70%, operational efficiency is up by ~70% and migration accuracy has been improved by ~80%. While our competition tends to take months and sometimes years on migration, AToM does it in hours, setting a new industry standard that offers significant benefits for the industry.
 

What are the key benefits for businesses using AI for their labeling and artwork process?
 

One of our most recent customers, a major American consumer health company, that got to experience the benefits of AToM first hand, commented on the benefits of minimizing human touch in the labeling and artwork management process: “I think speed is one of the levers. I think the other critical lever eventually in this ecosystem is going to be that we minimize human touches. We, as a result, see a step change in proven inaccuracy of what gets published to the marketplace in terms of our portfolio of products and packaging labels.”
 

The key benefits of utilizing AI include:

• Reduced total cost of ownership
• Enhanced market competitiveness
• Enhanced operational efficiency
• Data insights and analytics
• Increase in innovation index
• Reduced environmental impact
   

AI is not just a buzzword
 

It’s clear that AI is a transformative force that's reshaping industries and driving progress. By harnessing the power of AI-driven solutions like AToM, companies can unlock new opportunities, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional results. The future of labeling and artwork is here, and it's powered by AI.
 

Ready to experience the AI revolution firsthand? Contact us today to learn more about how Kallik's innovative solutions can transform your labeling and artwork processes. Email enquiries@kallik.com or call  +44 (0) 1827 318100 and together, let's embrace the future of precision and efficiency with AI.
 

Want to know more about the future of labeling and artwork? Read our FREE guide, ‘Top tips for mastering enterprise labeling and artwork in 2024’ here.
 

We’re taking a break from the usual technical talk today to discuss something important to us here at Kallik, the importance of diversity and equality and specifically, how to achieve gender equality in the tech industry.
 

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024 (IWD), we are reminded of the importance of showcasing women in tech and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. The theme this year for IWD is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’, so what better topic to focus on than investing in women in the tech industry and accelerating the progress of equality in the industry?
 

Our CEO, Gurdip Singh, shares his thoughts on the significance of IWD and our commitment to empowering women in the industry: "IWD serves as a powerful platform for highlighting the contributions of women in tech and encouraging a new generation of female talent. At Kallik, we are proud to support and celebrate women in the workplace, and we are committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse environment for all. We believe that diversity is not just a goal—it's a necessity for driving innovation and creating a better future for all."
 

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the importance of diversity in the workplace cannot be overstated. As the digital world continues to expand and influence every aspect of our lives, it's crucial that the teams creating these technologies reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of the global population. However, studies show that we still have a long way to go in achieving gender equality in the tech industry.
 

The statistics speak for themselves
 

According to a survey conducted last year by Women in Tech UK, women currently account for only 26% of people working in IT. While this figure has improved from 19% in 2019, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender balance. The survey also found that 76% of respondents have experienced gender bias or discrimination in the workplace at least once. This is a stark reminder of the challenges that women face in the tech industry, and it underscores the need for concerted efforts to address these issues.
 

Lashay Freeman, Presales Consultant at Kallik, responded to these figures: “The figures are quite low but it isn’t a shock to me as I understand that certain industries are male dominated and often men will be selected over women for certain opportunities. This being said, the figures shouldn’t put women off going for these kinds of careers. There is nothing stopping a woman from being successful in IT as we can do the roles just as well as men. Don’t be put off by male dominated scenes. I think it’s nice seeing that women are doing more and being considered for more opportunities that we wouldn’t be able to before. I like seeing women having successful careers.”
 

Why representation matters
 

One of the key ways to improve gender diversity in tech is by promoting and supporting women already in the industry. Just as Lashay says, it’s always great to see ourselves represented. By giving a voice and a platform to the women already working in tech, we can provide positive representation for future generations who may be wondering where to take their career or thinking that the industry isn’t for them. 
 

For example, did you know that the world’s first computer programmer was a woman? That’s right, Ada Lovelace is known as the world’s first computer programmer and it was her notes that Alan Turing used as a form of inspiration for his work on the first modern computer in the 1940s! And the person who invented the WiFi that you’re probably using to read this blog right now? Also a woman - Hedy Lamarr. And if you’ve ever watched the film Hidden Figures, you’ll know the incredible part that three women (Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Goble Johnson) played in getting us into space, against all the racial and gender discrimination they faced. With more representation and more work to highlight the work women do in tech, we can encourage more women to consider a career in the industry.

At Kallik, we believe in providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender. Our Customer Success Manager, Heidi, shares her perspective: "Don't be put off a career in IT by preconceptions. There’s a role for everyone regardless of gender, race, or age. Perhaps I have been fortunate in working for some extremely supportive employers, but I have found it to be a friendly, dynamic and exciting sector, where women are both valued and encouraged to succeed." 
 

It starts with equality in education
 

In addition to promoting gender diversity within our own organization, it’s also crucial to recognize the importance of encouraging more women to pursue careers in tech from a young age. Aysha Ali, an Application Support Engineer at Kallik, emphasizes the need to introduce coding and other tech-related subjects to girls at a young age. "Encourage interest in STEM fields through programs, workshops, and extracurricular activities," Aysha suggests. By providing early exposure to technology and fostering a supportive learning environment, we can help empower the next generation of female technologists.
 

The importance of offering opportunities targeted at women
 

Furthermore, Aysha explains, “Internships and apprenticeships specifically targeted at women are important in providing hands-on experience and exposure to real-world tech environments.” As suggested by Women in Tech, the most popular way businesses are trying to increase their gender diversity are by promoting women in tech roles and recruiting more women - it’s crucial that women are directly targeted in order to achieve true equality.
 

You don’t always need to be technical to work in tech!
 

Beth Peckover, Chief Delivery Officer at Kallik, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse range of roles available within the tech industry, both technical and non-technical. “I think one of the big issues is that young girls thinking about their future career don't see working in tech as something that appeals to them, and that only people who can code or know the ins and outs of computing can work in this space, which absolutely isn't the case,” Beth said.

Equally, Trupti Pradhan, VP Quality at Kallik, talks about the need to emphasise all careers available in the IT world: "I would advise all young women, to take a set back, rethink on where they want to be? Re-think about their current career growth, earnings, how competent they are and develop their skills in such a niche industry, there are tremendous options available just by doing some research and breaking the stereotypes. Seeking an early education about the different areas of the IT world, when they step in, would just make the future path easy and maintain balance in the education and work experience.  I truly believe we have an immense power, strength and decision making ability, just matter of using it at the right place and at the right time."

There really are a wide range of roles available in technology, there is something for everyone and with proper education about the opportunities available, we could see far more women considering a career in tech.
 

Don’t underestimate the value in networking 
 

Other key factors are mentorship and networking opportunities, as these play a crucial role in supporting women throughout their careers in tech. Aysha highlights the importance of connecting with other women in the industry: "Networking can open up opportunities and provide valuable guidance." At Kallik, we encourage employees to participate in mentorship programs and engage with professional networks to support their career development.
 

A healthy work-life balance can be more important to women
 

Although creating a healthy work-life balance through offering flexible and remote working can help everyone across the business, this can be particularly beneficial to women. Aysha says, “Discussions about achieving a healthy work-life balance are important for women in tech, especially considering the demanding nature of the industry. Strategies for managing career aspirations, family responsibilities, and personal well-being should be openly discussed and supported.” The survey conducted by Women in Tech UK found that 63% of women place flexible working in their top three benefits which would attract them to a job, followed by remote working and training within a company.

Trupti adds to this, discussing the fear and biases around women prioritising their career and the difficulties of balancing their personal and professional lives. "There is humongous potential for females to grow and plan their career here and in order to do this, we definitely need to groom and develop our professional skills and competencies. Currently I see, our focus is more aligned and directed to the priorities, be it a mum, or daughter or a partner. There is also a fear factor or a biases in the decision making ability while choosing a career path. Therefore it becomes very challenging for us to balance professional and personal developments. IT needs continuous upskilling and developing our knowledge base. As technology grows we equally have to upgrade in order to be competent in industry," Trupti explains.
 

Lift up your fellow female colleagues
 

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re 40 years in, we all need a little extra support and some words of encouragement from time to time, regardless of gender. That being said, with women being far more likely to experience gender discrimination in the workplace, it’s important that we have each other’s backs and support each other.
 

Heidi says, “We grow by lifting others in work as in all walks of life. I have worked with and for many amazing women  - my colleagues at Kallik are no exception. Not forgetting all the male colleagues who champion women in the workplace too. There are many!”
 

Let’s talk about empowering women in other industries too
 

As part of our efforts to champion diversity and inclusion, Kallik is sponsoring England's rising cricket sensation, Sophie Ecclestone. The decision to sponsor a female athlete in a historically male-dominated sport underscores Kallik's dedication to diversity and our commitment to supporting women in all fields. Gurdip Singh explains the connection between Kallik and Sophie: "Our sponsorship of Sophie reflects our commitment to diversity. Just like the tech industry, sport is another area where women often feel unsupported and underrepresented with far less opportunities than their male equivalents. Therefore, we think it’s fundamental to support women in the field, just as we do with women in our own industry."
 

Sophie expresses her excitement about the partnership: "I am delighted to align with a market-leading brand that champions a strong company culture supporting and celebrating women in the workplace. I look forward to working with Gurdip and the Kallik team on some exciting initiatives throughout the partnership."
 

Diversity is not just a buzzword
 

Diversity is not just a buzzword—it's a fundamental aspect of building innovative and inclusive technology. Achieving gender diversity in the tech industry requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both systemic barriers and cultural biases. 
 

At Kallik, we believe in promoting and supporting women in tech through initiatives such as mentorship programs, early exposure to technology, and flexible working arrangements. By providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, and celebrating the contributions of women in the workplace, we can create a more inclusive and diverse environment for everyone. 
 

As we celebrate International Women's Day and reflect on the progress made, let us continue to work towards a future where gender equality is the norm, both in the tech industry and beyond. Together, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
 

Some words of wisdom for the future generation
 

Finally, we wanted to conclude this piece with some words of wisdom for young women who may be starting out in the tech industry, may be considering whether a job in tech is right for them, or may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to go with their career. Here is some advice from just a handful of the wonderful women across the Kallik Team:
 

Beth Peckover, Chief Delivery Officer:
 

“For those that have decided to pursue a career in IT, this would be my advice: Apply for the job even if you don't tick all the boxes. Statistically, men apply for jobs where they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women often hesitate unless they feel fully qualified. Instead of focusing solely on the qualifications you lack, highlight the skills, experiences, and strengths you do possess. Remember, employers often value potential and attitude just as much as they do specific experience. 

“Scary is good. You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to grow and develop, and if you feel you are just coasting in your current role, it's time to look for something new which will challenge you.

“Find your champion. I have been fortunate in my career to work with people who wanted to help me to progress and gave me advice and opportunities to do so. Work hard, be kind, help others to succeed and you'll find you get the same in return.”

Lashay Freeman, Presales Consultant:
 

“The low figures shouldn’t put women off going for these kind of careers. If you truly are fascinated and interested in something you should go for it regardless. There is nothing stopping a woman from being successful in IT as we can do the roles just as well as men. Don’t be put off by male dominated scenes. I think it’s nice seeing that women are doing more and being considered for more opportunities that we wouldn’t be able to before. I like seeing women having successful careers.”
 

Heidi Evans, Customer Success Manager:
 

“Don't be put off a career in IT by preconceptions. There is a role for everyone regardless of gender, race or age - whether you are analytical, creative, a team player, a problem solver  - a coding genius or a people person.”

Aysha Ali, Application Support Engineer:

"Having confidence is key. Believe in yourself and your abilities. 

“Technology is always evolving - stay curious and keep on learning as it is important to keep up with trends and latest technologies.

“Connect with other women in tech via linkedin. Networking can open up opportunities and provide valuable guidance.

“Lead by example! As you progress in your career, inspire and mentor other young women who are aspiring to enter the tech industry. Your journey can be a source of encouragement for others.”

Trupti Pradhan, VP Quality:

"I would advise all young women, to take a set back, rethink on where they want to be? Re-think about their current career growth, earnings, how competent they are and develop their skills in such a niche industry, there are tremendous options available just by doing some research and breaking the stereotypes. Seeking an early education about the different areas of the IT world, when they step in, would just make the future path easy and maintain balance in the education and work experience.  I truly believe we have an immense power, strength and decision making ability, just matter of using it at the right place and at the right time."