FLEXIBLE PACKAGING / LABELS / EXTRUSION
Propack was founded in Lebanon in 2018 with the intention of providing the highest technology label printing solutions in the Middle East. The founders of Propack ventured into a complete label printing business, following more than 22 years of experience in the packaging and printing industry. With state-of-the-art machine lines, advanced technologies, high-quality materials, Propack has now carved out its distinctive niche in the MENA Region and GCC countries.
Offering services at the best quality has led Propack to take a decision to use MIS|ERP system. Propack has chosen Sistrade solution for many reasons, several of which are that Sistrade is a web-based architecture where the user is not dependent on the hardware and operating system. Sistrade MIS|ERP is based on the latest information technologies aligned with the main concepts of Industry 4.0, used to manage all business and production processes.
INTERVIEW PROPACK - Magazine Packaging MEA [Digital Version]
PROPACK enhances operations with Sistrade ERP: A Success Story in Flexible Packaging
Explore how Propack, a leading MENA flexible packaging firm, gained a competitive edge with SISTRADE's integrated management system, featuring exclusive insights from CEO Joud Jouayed in an interview with Packaging MEA.
Propack, a leading flexible packaging company in the MENA region, has a rich history since its founding in 1960. Despite challenges, including relocating its production facilities due to geopolitical issues, Propack has emerged as a market leader, offering innovative packaging solutions across various industries.
A key milestone in their success was the implementation of SISTRADE’s ERP/MIS/MES system, which has significantly optimized their operations. This success story explores the factors behind Propack’s decision, the implementation process, and the outcomes achieved.
Packaging MEA (PMEA): Please tell us more about Propack and its history?
Propack: Propack is a family-owned printing business, initially established in 1960. Due to unfortunate security events, we re-established our production plant in Jbeil, Lebanon, in 2014 under the name Propack, led by Joud & Joseph Jouayed. By 2018, we relocated to Kherbet Qanafar – Bekaa. Our journey has been driven by a passionate commitment to delivering best-in-class flexible packaging and label printing solutions in the Middle East. From 2014 to 2024, we have consistently ranked as the leading flexible packaging and label printing company in the region.
PMEA: What are the key products that Propack designs, prints, converts, and manufactures for brand owners and packaging buyers?
Propack: At Propack, we specialize in a diverse range of packaging products. Our portfolio includes Flexible Film Rolls, Ready-made Bags, Stand-up Pouches, Labels, and 3-Layer Co-Extrusion Polyethylene Film. We cater to multiple sectors such as Food & Beverages, Sanitary Products, Detergents, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Textile and Clothing. Each of our products is designed with the specific needs of these industries in mind, ensuring high-quality, customized packaging solutions.
PMEA: What are Propack’s main global markets, and which regions or countries are most significant?
Propack: Our primary markets include the Middle East, GCC countries, and East Africa. These regions represent a significant portion of our business, where we have established strong relationships with clients who trust us for their packaging needs.
PMEA: Propack has implemented SISTRADE’s integrated management system. How familiar were you with SISTRADE before, and can you describe your partnership?
Propack: Yes, we were familiar with SISTRADE, a company renowned for its ERP and MIS/MES solutions tailored to the packaging and printing industries. Their software is designed to meet the specific needs of industries like ours, providing tools for production management, inventory control, sales, finance, and more. SISTRADE’s systems are known for their ability to help companies optimize operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, making them a perfect partner for Propack.
PMEA: What influenced Propack to implement an integrated management system? What are the advantages of the system in terms of cost reduction and streamlining business processes?
Propack: Our decision to implement SISTRADE’s ERP system was influenced by several factors:
1. Business Growth and Complexity: As our operations expanded, managing various processes became increasingly complex. SISTRADE’s ERP provided a unified platform to manage these efficiently.
2. Real-Time Data and Reporting: The need for accurate, real-time data to support decision-making was crucial. Sistrade’s robust reporting tools met this requirement.
3. Streamlining Operations: We faced inefficiencies due to disparate systems and manual processes. The integration offered by Sistrade ERP helped us streamline these functions.
4. Compliance and Standardization: Adhering to industry standards was critical, and Sistrade’s compliance management tools helped us stay aligned with regulations.
5. Scalability and Flexibility: As we continue to grow, SISTRADE’s ERP system allows us to scale without significant additional investments.
In terms of cost reduction, the system has significantly lowered operational costs by automating and integrating processes, optimizing inventory management, and improving resource utilization. It has also streamlined our business processes by ensuring smooth data flow between departments, enabling real-time monitoring, and improving decision-making.
PMEA: Could you please tell more about the flexibility of SISTRADE’s project team during the implementation process? How was the progress of the process?
Propack: SISTRADE’s project team demonstrated remarkable flexibility during the implementation. They worked closely with us to create a customized implementation schedule that minimized disruption to our production processes. The team adopted a phased approach, breaking down the project into manageable stages, which allowed us to transition smoothly to the new system. They also aligned their interventions with our production cycles, offering both on-site and remote support as needed. Regular progress reviews ensured that the project stayed on track, and their commitment to training our staff facilitated a smoother transition.
The implementation process began with a thorough assessment of our existing workflows and pain points, followed by data migration, system configuration, testing, and pilot runs. Despite challenges such as time zone differences and language barriers, SISTRADE’s collaborative approach ensured a successful implementation.
PMEA: Did you find the teamwork a positive experience?
Propack: Yes, the teamwork was incredibly positive. SISTRADE’s adaptability and strong communication skills were key factors in the successful implementation. They were flexible in aligning with our work pace, regularly reviewed progress with us, and maintained a collaborative spirit throughout the process. This approach not only helped us overcome challenges but also ensured the project was completed efficiently.
PMEA: In which areas was Sistrade implemented, and did you integrate it with any third-party applications or hardware?
Propack: Sistrade ERP/MIS/MES was implemented across various areas of our company, including Financial Management, Production Management, Quality Control, and Supply Chain Management. We also integrated it with hardware such as barcode scanners and label printers, which are essential for our operations. Additionally, we plan to extend this integration to include machine automation in the near future.
PMEA: Was SISTRADE’s capability in managing flexible packaging and labels a key factor in your decision to work with them?
Propack: Absolutely. Sistrade’s industry-specific features were a key factor in our decision. Their software’s ability to manage the entire production process, from estimation to finished product, is crucial for our operations. The software’s precision, efficiency, and ability to integrate with our existing systems provided us with a competitive edge.
PMEA: How many people use Sistrade software at PROPACK, including the production department?
Propack: A total of 27 people use Sistrade software at PROPACK. This includes 15 users for Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Production Orders Monitoring, 10 for SFC (Shop Floor Control), and 2 for PDA (Stock Management).
PMEA: Overall, are you satisfied with Sistrade software?
Propack: Yes, we are very satisfied with Sistrade software. It has met our needs and expectations.
PMEA: Would you recommend SISTRADE to other companies?
Propack: Yes, we would recommend SISTRADE to other companies, provided their solution aligns with the specific needs of those companies.
The successful implementation of SISTRADE’s integrated management system at Propack highlights the importance of choosing the right technology partner to support business growth and efficiency. Through careful planning, flexibility, and strong teamwork, Propack has optimized its operations, reduced costs, and maintained its competitive edge in the MENA region’s flexible packaging industry. This collaboration serves as a model for other companies looking to enhance their operational capabilities and achieve long-term success.
Website: www.propack.me
