Challenge
Gilchrist & Soames® specializes in providing cosmetic-grade toiletry collections to world-class hotels, resorts, spas, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Their products include shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower gel, dental rinse, bath salt, bar soap, and custom collections. With a multitude of SKUs to manage come different product weights, systems of measurement, ingredients, material types, and graphics. Gilchrist & Soames is also required to conform to strict cosmetic labeling regulations, including accurate listing of ingredients on each product. The correct artwork must be matched with the ingredients on the label and the appropriate product.
Errors that were occurring in managing all of this complexity were wasting time and money, and Gilchrist & Soames needed a solution to help organize and simplify the development, approval, production, and inventory management processes for labeling their products.
Solution
Gilchrist & Soames turned to WS Packaging Group's WebFlex online ordering, proofing, and graphics asset management system to help streamline their label management process. With the WebFlex system, artwork is uploaded directly to the WebFlex server without having to use a third-party FTP site, where file corruption can occur. Each version of uploaded artwork is then stored on the server, creating a library that can be accessed easily at any time.
The WebFlex electronic group-proofing feature reduces the time for review and approval since it is available online 24/7 to those who are authorized for the proofing process. Gilchrist & Soames can also check the status of a project regarding the approval, development, and production stages and can also easily track receipt of their orders and then shipping timeframes.
When a new label is requested, Gilchrist & Soames has the ability to review the label size, shape, bottle, and print method that has been used previously for similar projects. Because all of the information is stored in a centralized location, it's much easier to identify a standard or appropriate die size and label configuration. The WebFlex system includes a Roll Calculator Tool that automatically calculates the number of labels on a roll by entering the label size, type of material, and the diameter.
Utilizing WS Packaging's WebFlex service, Gilchrist & Soames enhanced their ordering system and purchasing decisions, reduced on-hand inventory resulting in less obsolescence, and ensured label accuracy while simultaneously improving their bottom line.
