AstraZeneca buys packaging software

AstraZeneca has installed a new software system to handle its global packaging and labelling activities in a bid to cut time to market, maintain regulatory compliance and improve collaboration and artwork approvals.

The UK-headquartered drugmaker has turned to the PaRTS software developed and implemented by InterchangeDigital of the US and European partner Gap Systems.

"We needed a company that could address the graphic arts needs for packaging within the pharmaceutical industry," said Steve Burgess, AstraZeneca project lead.

He added that one of the key considerations was finding a package that could handle sophisticated graphics.

The PaRTS software helps store, manage and repurpose graphic elements within a regulated and managed environment.

The platform consists of: Asset Library, a browseable and searchable repository for all forms of digital content; Asset Distribution for the secure delivery methods for the files stored on the system; Project Management with standard job and project templates that can help to standardise diverse workflows within an organization; an On-line Proofing tool; and a system for management and functional reporting.

Members of the AstraZeneca project team found themselves challenged by the need to find a solution that balanced business needs, regulatory criteria, and the sophisticated requirements of their graphic arts users, said Burgess.