Overview
EngView Systems, part of the Sirma Group, specializes in software for process automation and optimization in manufacturing. Renowned for its CAD/CAM solutions, EngView leads in structural design for packaging and point-of-purchase (POP) displays. Its flagship product, EngView Packaging Suite, provides tools for structural designers, graphic designers, die-makers, and sales professionals to enhance workflows. The software uses AI algorithms to recommend optimal materials and designs based on product specifications and promotes compliance and sustainability through eco-scoring, streamlining processes in the packaging industry.
The Challenge
Packaging design typically involves numerous manual iterations and requires expert knowledge to optimize material usage, structural integrity, and cost efficiency. Non-expert users often struggle to quickly identify compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions. Lengthy approval processes and repeated adjustments can hinder innovation and delay time-to-market. This project aimed to create an intuitive, intelligent assistant that provides easy access to expert packaging design capabilities while upholding high standards.
The Project Description
The CAD software provides users with the following features:
- Automate recommendations for packaging material types (corrugated cardboard, eco-friendly paper, etc.);
- Calculate optimised box dimensions and structural designs suited to specific product parameters;
- Generate real-time 2D/3D CAD models to visualize packaging solutions instantly;
- Optionally provide sustainability scoring aligned with clients’ environmental goals;
- Ensure adherence to global packaging standards and industry regulations.
The Solution
The model is trained on thousands of historical packaging designs and engineering rules, intelligently analyzes user inputs to recommend precise packaging configurations. It includes EngView’s parametric CAD libraries, enabling instant visualization of personalized packaging designs. Additional efficiency tips, such as stackability and shipping cost optimisations, further enhance value. This AI-assisted workflow significantly trims design iterations while maintaining high quality, compliance, and sustainability focus.
Results
The AI-powered suite was able to provide numerous advanced capabilities and benefits to the end users as:
- Reduced packaging design and approval time by up to 80%, accelerating speed-to-market;
- Empowered non-experts to make data-driven packaging decisions;
- Ensured consistent compliance with material and structural standards;
- Decreased packaging development time from days to minutes through automated CAD generation;
- Supported clients’ sustainability goals via eco-friendly design options and scoring.
Technologies
- The AI tools we used, are multifaceted, combining advanced machine learning and optimization techniques tailored to packaging design needs:
- Supervised Machine Learning Models trained on numerous historical packaging projects to determine optimal material choices, box dimensions, and structural designs. The model predicts configurations based on product parameters like weight, fragility, and dimensions;
- Parametric design algorithms integrated with EngView’s CAD libraries dynamically generate personalized 2D/3D packaging models. The AI system uses rule-based logic and learned design patterns to ensure manufacturable designs that meet structural and material constraints;
- Optimization algorithms aim to minimize material usage, enhance stackability, and cut shipping costs. Techniques like constrained optimization and heuristic search evaluate design variations to balance cost, strength, and sustainability;
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) allows the AI assistant to interpret user inputs about product characteristics and special requirements, converting non-structured data into actionable design parameters;
- Sustainability Scoring Models evaluate environmental impact based on materials and design, helping users make eco-friendly packaging choices that align with ESG goals;
- Continuous Learning and Feedback Loops - AI models enhance over time through data collection from new projects and user feedback, refining recommendations to align with market trends and regulatory standards.
EngView Packaging Suite offers extensive support for clients through its innovative, AI-enabled packaging solutions. This includes continuous improvements to client offerings, ongoing advisory services, and dedicated support to ensure alignment with the evolving demands of the industry and sustainability standards. The company’s mission is to promote long-term client success and maintain technological leadership in packaging automation.
