Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis; Roadmap for Smart Exports in the Printing and Packaging Industry
Arash Nikdast, a business development and improvement consultant and executive in the printing and packaging industry, in an interview with a reporter from the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), referring to the importance of artificial intelligence and data analysis in the printing and packaging industry, said: ‘In today’s world, competition in global markets is not solely determined by the physical quality of the product. International customers seek personalized experiences, speed in responsiveness, and alignment with their cultural and environmental values. Artificial intelligence and data analysis help us understand and respond to these needs accurately, quickly, and on a large scale.’
He continued: ‘Otherwise, even the best graphic designs in printed products, including packaging, may fail in the target market.’
Nikdast, stating that artificial intelligence can help personalize packaging for different markets, added: ‘Suppose an Iranian company intends to export to the Persian Gulf region or even Europe. Artificial intelligence, by analyzing behavioral, cultural, and previous transaction data, can determine whether the European market responds positively to minimalist designs, neutral colors, and emphasis on environmental sustainability.’
According to him, ‘or, conversely, the Arab market may show more inclination towards ornate designs, golden colors, and luxurious appearances. This insight helps the company directly approach the taste of the target market without costly trial and error.’
Nikdast also referred to the application of artificial intelligence in digital marketing, saying: ‘Many advertising platforms like Google Ads or Meta Advantage+ use artificial intelligence to automatically optimize campaigns. For example, if a company wants to run an advertising campaign in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, the system dynamically identifies the best channel, ad display time, and even advertising content, intelligently allocating the budget. The result is an increase in click-through rate (CTR) and return on investment (ROI).’
He also responded to the question of what other role data analysis plays in improving internal processes in the printing and packaging industry: ‘Unfortunately, in many printing houses, material waste due to design errors or incorrect machine settings has been reported up to 15%. Real-time data analysis systems (Edge Analytics) can immediately identify and correct these errors. Also, by analyzing logistics and production data, delivery times can be shortened and costs reduced, which is very effective in the final product price and competitiveness in the export market.’
Nikdast provided solutions for managers in this industry, given challenges suchs as lack of infrastructure or skilled personnel, saying: ‘The first priority is to change managers’ attitudes; we must replace purely experiential decision-making with data-driven decision-making. In the next step, using domestic cloud platforms and collaborating with technology startups can be a cost-effective and practical solution. Short-term training courses are also very effective for empowering the existing workforce.’
He also spoke about the future of the printing and packaging industry with the presence of artificial intelligence: ‘Soon, we will witness the emergence of interactive packaging that communicates with the consumer, verifies product authenticity, or even narrates its production history. This transformation is made possible by combining artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data mining. If Iranian companies act today, they will not only be exporters of packaging but also providers of ‘smart packaging solutions.’
