Unlocking Innovation in Packaging: How Manufacturing IT Leaders Are Powering Active Packaging with Integrated APS Systems

As global supply chains evolve and consumer expectations shift, packaging is no longer just a protective shell—it's becoming a smart, interactive tool. Active packaging, designed to monitor and react to environmental conditions, is ushering in a new era of product preservation, safety, and customer engagement. For Manufacturing IT professionals in packaging and containers facilities, this innovation presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

The deployment of active packaging demands more than advanced materials—it requires highly synchronized production planning, real-time data integration, and a robust digital infrastructure. In this context, advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems like PlanetTogether, especially when integrated with ERP giants such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Kinaxis, or Aveva, become critical enablers.

What is Active Packaging?

Active packaging refers to systems that go beyond passively containing a product—they actively enhance its shelf life, monitor freshness, or indicate spoilage. Common features include:

Oxygen scavengers to reduce oxidation.

Moisture regulators to maintain optimal humidity.

Time-temperature indicators that help detect breaks in cold chains.

Antimicrobial agents embedded in packaging films.

Smart labels or sensors that interact with consumers or logistics systems.

These intelligent packaging solutions are particularly beneficial in sectors like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, where product integrity is critical.

The Role of Manufacturing IT in Active Packaging

Manufacturing IT professionals are responsible for designing and maintaining the digital backbone that supports smart packaging production. Implementing active packaging requires:

Real-time data flow from sensors and monitoring devices.

Dynamic scheduling of specialized equipment and materials.

Integration with ERP systems for traceability, compliance, and inventory control.

Automation of feedback loops between production lines and planning software.

Predictive maintenance and monitoring to support advanced machinery.

This complexity makes the adoption of APS systems like PlanetTogether—not as a standalone tool, but as a fully integrated part of the manufacturing ecosystem—crucial.

PlanetTogether APS: Supporting Active Packaging with Precision

PlanetTogether APS enables manufacturers to plan, schedule, and optimize operations with agility and precision. When integrated with leading ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Kinaxis, or Aveva, it offers Manufacturing IT teams a central command center for smart packaging execution. Here’s how:

Enhanced Production Planning and Material Flow

Active packaging often involves multi-stage processes with specialized materials. With PlanetTogether + SAP or Oracle ERP, IT teams can automate material requirements planning (MRP), ensuring just-in-time availability of smart films, indicators, or active agents.

Real-time Scheduling with Smart Sensor Feedback

Through IoT and sensor integration, PlanetTogether APS can respond to real-world data—temperature variations, production anomalies, or packaging material shelf life—triggering automated rescheduling or maintenance.

Compliance and Traceability

ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics or Kinaxis provide the framework for compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA or EU MDR). PlanetTogether complements this by offering batch-level scheduling and complete audit trails for every packaging line action.

Scenario Simulation and Risk Management

With PlanetTogether’s simulation tools, Manufacturing IT can model “what-if” scenarios—anticipating equipment downtime, supply disruptions, or fluctuating customer demand—and adjust plans accordingly in collaboration with ERP platforms like Aveva.

Integrating PlanetTogether with Your ERP: A Unified Strategy

Integration between PlanetTogether and ERP systems is not just about data exchange—it’s about creating a feedback-driven manufacturing loop that enhances decision-making, efficiency, and quality.

Manufacturing IT leaders play a pivotal role in aligning these systems, ensuring seamless communication and continuous improvement.

Overcoming Key Challenges in Active Packaging Production

Complexity in Material Handling

Active components like oxygen absorbers or intelligent labels must be stored and applied under precise conditions. APS-ERP integration ensures proper sequencing and minimizes human error.

Customization Requirements

Each customer might need different active functionalities—making mass customization critical. With APS systems like PlanetTogether, production lines can be reconfigured on the fly while ERP systems handle customer-specific logistics.

High Sensitivity to Disruptions

Active packaging components are often imported or require specific handling. Integrated planning systems help IT managers create resilient, agile production networks that reduce the impact of supply chain shocks.

Strategic Benefits for the Organization

By adopting PlanetTogether APS integrated with core ERP systems, Manufacturing IT leaders enable:

Shorter time-to-market for smart packaging innovations.

Improved OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) through optimized machine scheduling.

Data transparency across operations, from raw material procurement to finished product delivery.

Sustainable practices by minimizing waste and improving shelf-life forecasting.

Cost savings via automation and predictive analytics that prevent overproduction or quality failures.

As active packaging redefines how products are protected, perceived, and consumed, Manufacturing IT leaders in packaging and container facilities are at the helm of this transformation. The key lies in unifying APS and ERP systems to create smart, responsive, and data-driven production environments.

With PlanetTogether integrated with SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Kinaxis, or Aveva, IT teams are equipped to lead this shift—bridging the gap between vision and execution, and turning technological ambition into manufacturing reality.

Are you ready to take your manufacturing operations to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how PlanetTogether can help you achieve your goals and drive success in your industry.