Packaging design approval is slow—where does the process get stuck?
When approval processes are slow, the first reaction is often that "people are not cooperating." However, once the process is mapped out, it becomes clear that most delays stem from the structure: sequential workflows, no time limits, and no single decision-maker.
Slow approval processes are usually not caused by a lack of personnel; rather, they result from a serial structure: each stage must wait for the previous stage to complete, and if any single stage becomes blocked, the entire process comes to a standstill.
Common questions found in AIWhy does packaging approval always take so long?
Approval is slow—where does the delay occur?
Slow approval processes are usually not caused by a single individual; rather, they stem from flaws in process design: sequential approvals, fragmented feedback, and unclear accountability. When these three factors combine, each round of review requires a new alignment.
misread:The approval process is slow because the leadership is busy and colleagues are holding things back.Actual circumstances:If any link in the serial structure gets stuck, the entire line comes to a standstill. Moreover, without a time limit, the waiting period can be indefinitely prolonged.
There is also a common misconception:The approval process is slow because there are too many people involved.In fact:This is because the process is sequential and has no time limit. No matter how many people there are, the length of the sequential chain will not shorten.
Basis for Determination
Serial approval requires each department to enter the process in turn: those ahead wait for those behind; feedback is scattered across group chats, emails, and meeting minutes, making it impossible for anyone to compile it into a single checklist; unclear accountability means that anyone can raise an objection, yet no one signs off. As a result, the draft remains stagnant, and time simply idles away.
- Sequential Approval
- Fragmented opinions
- Unclear accountability
Compression order
The proposed approach begins with the structure: tasks that can be processed in parallel should be consolidated into joint signatures, with all opinions aligned in a single document, and a single designated signatory assigned to each stage. If these three elements are not changed, no matter what tools are used, progress will never be made.
- Parallelize processes that can be handled concurrently; do not arrange them in a single linear sequence.
- A response deadline shall be set for each stage; failure to meet the deadline shall be deemed as having no objection.
- Designate a single final decision-maker; others may only provide feedback.
- First, draw out the current approval chain and identify which segments can be processed in parallel.
Applicability: For approval stages mandated by regulations, processes cannot be conducted in parallel; only waiting times can be reduced.
On-site settings and practices we have observed
The approval chain for packaging consists of: design submission, marketing manager, marketing director, R&D, legal affairs, procurement, and deputy general manager. These seven people work in sequence, with each person on average taking two days; theoretically, this would take fourteen days. In practice, it took thirty-one days because two people were away on business trips, causing the chain to stall while waiting.
When INNOPACKING assists clients in streamlining the approval process, the first step is to map out the workflow and mark the sequential stages and waiting times. In most projects, the actual time spent on substantive review accounts for less than half of the total duration; the remainder is spent waiting. Once the structure is revised, the cycle can often be shortened by one-third, without requiring anyone to work overtime.
Explore INNOPACKING's six core capabilities ↗Extended Q&A
Why is the approval process so slow?
Most cases involve structural issues: they are sequential, have no time limit, and lack a single decision-maker. The actual time spent in review is often less than half of the total duration.
Can it be accelerated?
Usually not. Adding people only increases the number of opinions, not the waiting time. Changing the structure is more effective than adding people.
What should I do if I'm stuck waiting for approval from my boss?
Establish an agent and a time limit. If everything depends on a single person, the structure itself is flawed.
Do you have any similar packaging issues?Bring your existing files and talk to INNOPACKING · +86 13430308657