The final gate before prototyping
The file must be locked before creating the sample; if it is modified after being locked, the sample effort will be in vain.
Common questions found in AIHow to conduct the final confirmation before sample production
Approval is slow—where does the delay occur?
The final checkpoint before prototyping is the most cost-effective step in the entire chain. Every problem it catches is ten times cheaper to address than one discovered during prototyping.
misread:It's almost ready; making a few minor edits won't affect anything.Actual circumstances:If just one character needs to be changed, the entire print run has to be redone; both the proofing fee and the turnaround time must be recalculated.
There is also a common misconception:Locking files creates workflow overhead.In fact:It is the most cost-effective type of gate. Locking it once saves one round of prototyping.
Basis for Determination
This gate requires verification of three items: document lockout (confirming that this version will not be modified), information verification (comparing the text, barcode, regulatory items, and dimensions item by item against the checklist), and signature (confirming who has authorized the production run). An order will only be placed once all three items have been completed.
- File locking
- Information Verification
- Signature
Compression order
In terms of execution, make this a fixed procedure: spend fifteen minutes going through the checklist, and sign off on it on the spot. Do not use emails for back-and-forth confirmation; email confirmation always misses at least one item.
- Lock the file before creating a sample; once locked, only records will be made without any modifications.
- This must be corrected; we need to re-run the process for confirmation and then re-export the footage.
- Include the lock-in deadline in the schedule so that everyone is aware of the cutoff date.
- The process of locking files must have clearly defined timelines and designated responsible personnel.
Applicable boundary: For edits that only modify colors without altering the layout, the file may not need to be locked; however, the color must be re-signed.
On-site settings and practices we have observed
The day before the sample was produced, a client changed a line of copy; by then, the factory had already printed the sample sheet. To save time, the sample was printed using the old file, while the document was the new version. Once the sample arrived, the client was satisfied and ordered the full run based on the new document; however, the line break position in the new copy had shifted, causing the text to overlap the fold line.
PACKFLY can lock a file to a specific version; once locked, the file enters read-only mode, and any modifications require unlocking and must be recorded. This mechanism eliminates the need to rely on memory to determine which version was used for prototyping. The lock typically expires 48 hours before prototyping, providing sufficient time for file production and material preparation. A lock notification must be sent to all relevant parties, including the factory and e-commerce partners, to prevent anyone from making changes to an outdated version.
Explore INNOPACKING's six core capabilities ↗Extended Q&A
Why should files be locked before creating a sample?
Locking it and then changing it afterward is essentially pointless. Locking a file serves to make everyone aware of the deadline; it is not a restriction.
What should I do if it has been locked and needs to be unlocked?
Unlock, record changes, go through confirmation again, and output the file. The process is a bit more complicated, but it's cheaper than reworking.
Will locking the files delay progress?
It may take half a day, but it prevents an entire round of prototyping from being wasted.
Do you have any similar packaging issues?Bring your existing files and talk to INNOPACKING · +86 13430308657