The Genesis - Packaging Originations

It would not be inaccurate to say that the real genesis for implementation of any Packaging project, is the Originations or the Output data. What is Output data for you, is actually the input data for all the resources who would be the implementers of your project.
The originations for your project is not just the data with all the files/ layers etc but also the reference proofs, colours reference, prototypes, specifications and infact all possible details that would ensure the success of your project. It is imperative that you develop the prototypes or the proofs on the same substrate that infact would be used for the bulk manufacture. Try to source the exact material and use it for the development process, from the very beginning. The look and feel of packaging varies from substrate to substrate and process to process. Your output data should help bridge the gap between this development that happens at a controlled level and the manufacture that happens in the bulk process.
Make the handing of your Originations/ Output data a landmark event and an opportunity to share with the world all the details of your processes. Make the receiver feel the effort that you have taken to put it altogether to make his/her work successful and easy. This is the Genesis for a healthy project implementation , whatever done right or wrong at this stage carries through and reversal is costly and often not possible.
Unfortunately to put together a perfect origination cannot be ' Once on that day ' exercise, this is a process which needs to be maintained as the project is in the development process itself. Thus the usage of the Artwork version numbers, reference dates, signoffs, details in the legends etc. just cannot be ignored. Insist with your prepress houses that they follow every step in detail and checks are put into place leaving no scope for errors.
Your commitment and passion should reflect when you pass the baton to the project implementers, with 'You Win and I Win' your moto.