ERPDrive for Packaging Manufacturers
Track customer-specific artwork revisions, multi-stage routing (corrugation → printing → die-cutting → gluing), wastage per process, and GSM / BF of paper inwards - in one cloud system.
The pain points generic ERP doesn't solve
Tally and BUSY handle accounting. SAP and Microsoft Dynamics need 4-month implementations. Neither is built for these specific packaging manufacturers pain points:
Customer-specific artwork revisions
Every customer-product combination has unique artwork. Customer sends rev 3 with changed batch code position; rev 4 changes barcode format. Without rev control, the wrong artwork prints on 50,000 boxes and the customer rejects the lot.
Multi-stage routing (corrugation → printing → die-cut → gluing)
Each stage has its own machine, operator, setup time, run rate. Order tracking that says 'in production' is useless. You need stage-level WIP: 12,000 sheets corrugated, 8,000 printed, 5,000 die-cut, 2,000 glued, 7,000 pending pickup.
Order vs stock - most production is MTO
Custom-printed boxes are made-to-order. Generic boxes are made-to-stock. Inventory must distinguish. MRP must plan paper procurement to support both.
Slitting and die-cutting wastage
Master roll → slit rolls → blanks. Each cut step has wastage. Without per-stage wastage capture, you can't tell whether your slitter or die-cutter is the leak.
Min-order qty vs customer breakup
Print setup makes 10,000 a sensible MOQ; customer orders 6,000. Two options: charge setup separately or fill with another customer's order on the same run. Without an MRP that sees the order book, this decision is manual.
Paper inwards by GSM and BF
Kraft paper inwards must capture GSM (grams per sq metre) and BF (Burst Factor). Same supplier, same code, different GSM = different product. Without enforced capture, customer specs miss and quality complaints follow.
The ERPDrive demo flow for your factory
Here is exactly what we will show you in a 30-minute demo. Every screen uses real industry workflows, not generic sample data:
- Item master with customer-specific artwork rev
Item is keyed to customer + part code + artwork rev. New artwork rev creates a child item that supersedes the old. Open production orders flagged for review.
- Paper grade master with GSM + BF
Kraft 26 GSM / BF 18 vs Kraft 26 GSM / BF 22 are different masters. Inwards GRN enforces GSM + BF capture from supplier delivery challan. Wrong GSM → GRN rejected.
- BOM with paper + printing + glue + lamination
Box BOM: kraft top liner (sqm per box), corrugating medium (sqm), inner liner (sqm), printing ink (ml per box), glue (gm), lamination film (sqm). Each component rate updates independently; box cost rolls up.
- Production routing (corrugation → printing → die-cut → gluing)
Production order routes through stages. Each stage logs input qty, output qty, setup time, run time, scrap. Real-time WIP dashboard shows where every order is.
- Wastage per stage by reason
Slitting wastage (edge trim), printing wastage (start-up + colour change), die-cut wastage, gluing rejects. Each captured with reason code; monthly leak chart by stage.
- MTO + MTS in one order book
Stock packaging gets reorder-point planning. MTO orders trigger procurement per customer order. MRP combines both views to optimize paper consolidation buys.
- Customer-specific dispatch with brand packaging
Some customers want generic packing; others want their brand sticker on the bundle. Customer master enforces packing instructions. Dispatch label format per customer.
- E-way bill with case + dispatch weight
Dispatch of 80 cartons = X kg gross + Y kg net. System auto-calculates and generates EWB with vehicle Part B.
Modules tailored for packaging manufacturers
Out-of-the-box features (no custom development needed):
Each item rev linked to artwork file; supersession workflow.
Corrugation → printing → die-cutting → gluing → bundling as routed stages.
Slitting edge trim, print start-up, die-cut, gluing - each captured separately.
Inwards cannot complete without GSM and BF data.
Stock items reorder + custom orders both feed MRP.
Per-customer pack format, label, brand sticker, bundle count.
GST and compliance
Indian regulatory requirements handled natively:
Customer story
A packaging manufacturer in Mumbai
140 employees, ₹52 cr turnover, corrugated boxes + flexible packaging
"Artwork revision control was the biggest pain. We had three quality issues last year from printing the wrong rev. After ERPDrive, every job ticket carries the artwork PDF for the specific rev; operators can't print the wrong one. Zero artwork-related rejections in 8 months."Measured outcomes
- Artwork-related rejections: 3 incidents/year → 0
- Per-stage wastage visibility - die-cutter scrap down 19% after operator training
- MRP-driven paper consolidation cut paper buying by 8% through bulk orders
Pricing for your size
Frequently asked questions
How does artwork revision control work?
Each item is keyed to customer + part code + artwork rev. The artwork PDF/AI file is attached to the rev. New rev creates a child item that supersedes the old. Open production orders are flagged for review. Job cards print the artwork file PDF for the operator to verify before run start.
Can ERPDrive handle both made-to-order and stock packaging?
Yes. Stock items use reorder-point planning; MTO items trigger procurement per customer order. MRP combines both views, suggesting consolidated paper buys when MTO and MTS demand can share a delivery.
How does the system capture wastage per process stage?
Each stage (slitting, printing, die-cutting, gluing) has its own job-card screen where operator enters output good + output scrap + scrap reason code. Daily wastage chart breaks down by stage and reason; weekly trend visible to plant manager.
Does ERPDrive enforce paper GSM and BF capture at inwards?
Yes. Paper grade items have GSM and BF as mandatory attributes. GRN cannot complete without these values from the supplier delivery challan. Mismatch with PO triggers a quality hold.
How are customer-specific dispatch and packing instructions handled?
Customer master stores: bundle count, brand label required (yes/no), shrink-wrap (yes/no), dispatch label format. When you create a dispatch for that customer, the pack instructions auto-populate; dispatch label prints in the customer-specified format.
What HSN code applies to corrugated boxes?
HSN 4819 covers cartons, boxes, cases, bags and other packing containers of paper or paperboard. GST rate is 18%. Flexible packaging falls under 3923 (plastic containers) at 18%. ERPDrive auto-applies the correct HSN based on item master.
How long does implementation take for a packaging unit?
1 week for a 50-150 employee single-location unit. Master data setup (customers, items, artwork revs, paper grades) takes 3-4 days; then 3 days of parallel run before sunset of the old system.
See ERPDrive for your packaging manufacturers
Free 30-minute personalized demo using your actual products, BOMs, and pain points. Scheduled within 24 hours.