Virtual Design @ eDesignerStudio.com
Charting a revolution has never been so much fun.
Sourcing for packaging components has never been so much fun...or so very easy. With a click of the mouse, you can flip through thousands of stock cosmetic package components and a multitude of combinations. Within seconds after selecting the components to make your ideal package, your new package appears on screen. With another touch of a button--viola!--you have a new packaging concept based on stock componentry from various sources printed out and ready for your boss's approval.
eDesigner Studio, a revolutionary packaging website, allows you to "customize," view and print unique stock package designs without ever leaving the office. It eliminates the massive piles of catalogs with folded corners and yellow sticky notes. In addition, you can rest assured that the components fit together seamlessly. Samples of each selected component can arrive at your door at no cost, just by clicking a button.
"eDesigner Studio is unique because it is a fully functional means of sourcing and designing cosmetic packaging. eDesigner Studio streamlines what was once a long and tedious process into one easy step. It is the only resource of its kind available to companies free of charge," says Kristy Adamec, marketing assistant, Tech Industries, Woonsocket, RI. Tech Industries is a participating manufacturer of caps, closures and selected plastic bottles and jars.
"eDesigner Studio increases productivity and eliminates any hassles, ensuring the fastest time possible from conception to market release," she adds. "Our customers today require speed to market and low tooling costs. eDS offers both."
Another hassle-free timesaving attribute of the web site is online sample ordering. Once a customer selects components and adds them to their "sample basket," vendors are notified through e-mail and then will follow-up with the customer.
Practical Application
Eight executives from Avon sat in on a pre-launch presentation for eDesigner Studio and were excited about the enterprise's potential. "We feel that eDesigner Studio has a lot of applications for the cosmetic business," says Kathy Kordowski, vice president of package development, Avon, NY. "I or someone from my team can put new packaging together by mixing and matching various stock bottles and caps from various suppliers. This approach has a lot of benefits. You can quickly source packaging, you can literally print it and get it reviewed for management approval."
A key attribute of the program is that package designers can have a color picture of what the package will look like immediately. In the past, designers would select various components from various catalogs and other sources (such a trade shows or sales presentations) and then they would have to use their imagination or wait for a sample before getting the production go ahead from management. "We would go through catalogs, order samples and then wait for them to come. It was time consuming, and messy--stock bottles in one catalog, one book for caps. Here everything is right next to each other. In a matter of minutes you can put new packaging together and have a visual representation to get approvals on," says Kordowski.
Ordering samples on line aids in speed to market--a staple in the competitive cosmetic industry for many cosmetic and personal care companies that are SKU and product intensive. "Many times we are asked to put a new product together in very short lead time where you really can't do much designing or tooling. eDesigner Studio gives you an opportunity to see what is available that is stock so you are reducing your timing and tooling and you can do it on your computer. It is quite amazing," Kordowski explains.
She also notes that with this system, a packager can be assured that the various components will fit together because this information is immediately and easily available. This is not always the case with the old method of stock package selection.
"I also think that the secret to the success of eDesigner Studio will be when more companies join the web site. The wider array that you can review the better it will be to use," Kordowski added.
Various other cosmetic manufacturers, including Estee Lauder and Gryphon Development, were given a sneak peek at the site before the launch and had positive input, Adamec notes.
The Players
At press time, glass container manufacturer, SGD Glass of France, Vitro Packaging of Addison, TX, plastic container manufacturer Inoac Packaging of Smithtown, NY, as well as Tech Industries are four of the site sponsors. The companies' stock componentry, which was precisely photographed and entered in the web site, provides cosmetic and personal care manufacturers with a large selection of stock caps and bottles.
"Before the site was launched, it was critical to make sure the containers and caps were represented amply and there was enough inventory to satisfy everyone's stock needs. In the future, the site could grow to virtually contain every stock component available," Adamec explains.
Down the road, Tech Industries envisions that customization of particular package components may be incorporated into the web site offerings. "For instance, some larger companies have used their own custom bottles and may want to mix and match with stock caps or other components," she says.
The Launch
While eDesigner Studio officially launched this spring, Adamec says that Tech Industries and the other member companies will be promoting the site at HBA Global Expo in New York. "This has the potential to drastically change our business. eDS is the industry's internet tool for the future," she says. "We are very excited about the prospects."
For more information, visit www.eDesignerStudio.com or e-mail info@edesignerstudio.com.