The international folding carton database of the FFI e.V. (FFI) has been activated for data entry by cartonboard manufacturers, who are now invited to enter the data on their products into the database.
Cartonboard producers can now enter their products with the corresponding technical data, technical data sheets and certificates into the central online database, which is available in German and English. The technical data includes, for example, grade, basis weight, bending stiffness, thickness, moisture, whiteness. In addition to certificate management, the database also offers various research and comparison options.
Cartonboard products can be searched for and filtered according to various technical parameters such as grade, basis weight, bending stiffness, thickness, moisture, whiteness, smoothness, volume, sensory properties and barrier and compared according to central parameters in graphical evaluations. The database also offers users various options for saving searches and comparisons and creating their own favourites.
Producers are constantly reminded to keep their own data records up to date by automated maintenance requests with tracking (secure replenishment). In addition, users are automatically informed by the system about changes to data records or updated certificates (product change notification).
The database significantly reduces supply chain efforts. Until now, folding carton manufacturers have managed the certificates of cartonboard producers in individual analog archives or digital, decentralised databases. This is done with considerable administrative effort in their purchasing organisations, in research and development, or in quality assurance, in order to be able to provide proof that the certificates are up-to-date for customer audits or quality certifications. However, a central database not only reduces administration costs for folding carton manufacturers, cartonboard producers also benefit from this if they only have to enter updated documents or technical data into a central database once in the future, instead of having to send them hundreds of times to their customers or provide them on request, as was previously the case. The central database is a significant contribution to reducing supply chain costs in the cartonboard and folding carton industries.
Since the database was not only designed for folding carton manufacturers as users, but is also intended to serve as an information tool with high benefits for the cartonboard manufacturers entering the data, the implementation was preceded by a comprehensive legal review. In particular, the database was checked for competition law and copyright issues before the green light was given for the commissioning of the programming. The database therefore does not contain any data relevant to business management or calculation, such as prices, general terms and conditions, delivery times or stock levels, nor does it contain any information that has been bilaterally agreed between two partners. In addition, no claims under trademark law are jeopardised.
The cartonboard database is a valuable addition to the FFI product and service portfolio and offers folding carton manufacturers and cartonboard producers significant added value. In addition to full access after a one-time registration and password-protected login for FFI members and members of other national folding carton associations, the database can also be used in its basic functions by non-members of the FFI. This measure underlines the added value for participating cartonboard manufacturers, as they do not have to send certificates to non-members in parallel to certificate management in the central database.
The programming, which was carried out by the Swiss IT company brandkitchen and nord.digital on behalf of the FFI, has been completed. Carton manufacturers have also already had the opportunity to participate in an initial live demonstration. Accompanying the current phase of data input by cartonboard producers, introductory videos for the database are available on demand in both English and German. Interested parties can find the videos here.
