PACKAGING PRINTING
Grafopack has a history of more than fifty years developing and manufacturing folding carton packaging and POS displays, guiding projects of major designers and industrialists in the beverage and food industries. Grafopack has always been committed to the integration of packaging development and production processes.
Grafopack, a leader in the packaging and printing industry, has implemented Sistrade software to enhance operational efficiency and streamline business processes. Sistrade software, known for its ERP/MIS solutions tailored for the printing and packaging sectors, offers Grafopack a comprehensive toolset for managing production planning, inventory, job costing, and sales management.
INTERVIEW WITH XAVIER MATAS AT INFOPACK MAGAZINE [PDF Version]
“SISTRADE’s ERP has helped us become more efficient and agile in our day-to-day operations”
When a company like Grafopack (Barcelona), with almost 60 years of experience in the packaging sector producing folding cartons and POS displays for all kinds of markets, explains its digitalization and process optimization strategy—carried out in collaboration with SISTRADE—it is worth paying attention. Its experience and industry recognition can serve as a valuable guide for organizations that are still hesitant to take the leap and that, if they do not act soon, risk being left behind.
INFOPACK: How long have you been using SISTRADE’s solutions? Why did you choose them?
XAVIER MATAS: We started the process in 2020, five years ago, after the other company in the Group, Novograf, implemented it in 2016. The main objective of the SISTRADE implementation project was to integrate all the company’s information flows into a single ERP/MIS system, thus enabling more efficient, accurate, and real-time management of both production and administrative operations.
IP: Which SISTRADE modules have been implemented at Grafopack?
XM: It is a complete ERP covering all areas of the company—from the moment the sales department submits a quotation, through purchasing managing materials and the factory producing the order, to the finance department issuing the invoice. We are talking about Sales Management; Quotation Management and Cost Calculation; Production Planning and Control; Warehouse and Inventory Management; Purchasing and Supplier Management; Quality Management; and Maintenance Management.
IP: What advantages or benefits has Grafopack obtained?
XM: After a costly and not always easy adaptation process—due to company culture and ingrained habits—SISTRADE has helped us become more efficient and agile in our day-to-day work, allowing us to reduce non-operational structures. In summary, this has resulted in greater integration between departments, eliminating duplication and communication errors, as well as optimization of production and delivery times thanks to more accurate planning. This is complemented by a reduction in operating costs through better control of materials, time, and maintenance. In addition, we have achieved full traceability of each order, from quotation to final delivery. And, no less important, we are now more sustainable by reducing waste and improving the energy efficiency of our processes.
IP: What do you think will be the future needs of your sector in terms of software development and applications?
XM: As was widely explained during the 25th anniversary of SISTRADE’s ERP, which we attended, artificial intelligence (AI) will be the future in providing fast solutions to our needs in order to obtain the best possible internal data.
IP: What do you value most in software development for labels and packaging?
XM: Agility in obtaining reliable data in a sector where it is often difficult to know how far costs can be reduced and where the break-even point lies, due to the number of processes required to produce even a simple packaging product. That said, with the implementation of the SISTRADE ERP/MIS, Grafopack has taken a decisive step toward digital transformation and operational excellence. The integration of development, production, and commercial management processes reinforces our commitment to innovation in the rigid packaging industry and our ability to respond with agility, precision, and sustainability to the demands of the international market.
Website: www.grafopack.com
