From Legacy Systems to Self-Service Ordering: How AccuConnect Built a Scalable Custom Packaging Platform
How AccuConnect Powered a Custom Packaging eCommerce Portal for a Global Manufacturer
Distinct Packaging, a new business unit of one of the world’s largest pulp,
packaging, and plywood manufacturing and distribution companies, set out to disrupt a traditional industry with a modern approach: offering fully
customized packaging products available in small quantities, on demand, through a self-service online ordering portal. To compete in the growing short-run custom packaging market, they needed an enterprise-grade eCommerce platform that could support 3D product visualization, variable data personalization, seamless ERP integration, and a user-friendly experience accessible to customers with no design expertise—all while maintaining the scalability and security of their existing B2B infrastructure.
“With the evolution of equipment and software, we had an aha moment – There is a market need for short-run customized packaging products and the need could be addressed now.”
Dwight Blaha GM Distinct Packaging
Key Challenges: Integrating 3D Visualization, ERP Systems, and Multi-Region Teams for an Online Packaging Portal
- Integrating disparate technologies for an optimal user and production experience
- Incorporating complex 3D product visualization software and seamlessly integrating it to legacy back-end systems
- Managing partner teams in four regions of the US and an offshore development team
- Integration with different printers having various degrees of sophistication
How AccuConnect's Platform Delivered a Scalable, Integrated Custom Packaging Solution
Tecra’s AccuConnect platform was utilized to implement a robust, easy to use, yet powerful, consumer web portal for Distinct Packaging. In conjunction with their team, we managed the entire development life cycle using agile methodologies. The portal is smoothly integrated with best of breed packaging design tools and fulfillment providers.
Tecra defined the overall Systems Integration Architecture and coordinated with all the technology partners to launch the system on time and within budget.
Platform Highlights: 3D Visualization, eCommerce Integration, and No-Design-Needed Ordering
- Tecra was instrumental in creating an innovative ground-up UI/UX design that is powerful yet user-friendly
- A cutting-edge HTML5-based 3D viewing and editing tool has been incorporated into the website to facilitate product personalization
- Tecra assigned a dedicated team of developers with a single point of contact for efficient project management
- The AccuConnect platform offered a state-ofthe-art ecommerce subsystem
- The ecommerce platform was seamlessly integrated with Distinct Packaging’s ERP and Fulfilment systems
- The website enables novice users with no design experience to create and order customized packaging with a few mouse clicks
- Users were able to view a proof of the package in real time after personalizing it
Results: Hundreds of New Customers Acquired and a Scalable Foundation for Packaging Product Expansion
Distinctpackaging.com launched successfully in early 2018, and within
months the platform had enabled Distinct Packaging to acquire hundreds of new
customers — validating the market need for short-run, customized packaging on
demand and establishing an immediate competitive advantage in a traditionally
slow-moving industry. At launch, the platform supported 10+ distinct packaging product categories — including mailing boxes, shipping boxes, pizza boxes, folding cartons, golf ball sleeves, beverage carriers, and drink coasters — with additional product lines including paper bags, tissues, and labels already in active development.
“The work we have done creates significant barriers to entry for our competition”
Dwight Blaha General Manager, Distinct Packaging
About the Solution
Can AccuConnect support eCommerce portals with 3D product visualization and real-time proofing?
Yes. AccuConnect’s platform integrates cutting-edge HTML5-based 3D
viewing and editing tools, allowing customers to personalize packaging
products and preview a real-time proof before placing their order—no
design experience required.
How does AccuConnect handle complex system integrations for packaging eCommerce?
AccuConnect defines the full Systems Integration Architecture and coordinates across technology partners—seamlessly connecting
eCommerce, ERP, fulfillment systems, and third-party design tools into a single, unified platform launched on time and within budget.
Is AccuConnect's platform suitable for manufacturers moving from B2B to direct-to-consumer online ordering?
Absolutely. AccuConnect supports hybrid environments, enabling manufacturers to run a consumer-facing eCommerce portal alongside an existing B2B infrastructure—sharing back-end data while keeping assets and access controls appropriately separated.