Digitalization in the corrugated board industry: status quo, opportunities and fields of action
- ckuentzler
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Why digitalization should be on the agenda now
Digitalization offers small and medium-sized corrugated board processors enormous potential – not only to increase efficiency, but above all to secure their future in an increasingly competitive market. Processes can be streamlined, data can be used more transparently, customer relationships can be improved and new business models can be developed. At the same time, customers, suppliers and partners expect ever faster response times and digital connectivity. Companies that invest in digital technologies and strategies now will gain a real competitive advantage – not only through better processes, but also through greater flexibility in the face of future changes in the market. This is how mid-sized corrugated cardboard processors are using digitalization to take the core pillars of their competitive advantage to the next level: Flexibility and speed.
Nevertheless, recent survey results from the Professionals Academy's new “Digitalization Working Group” show that digital transformation is still in its infancy for many companies in the industry. While there is great interest in new solutions and innovations, there is often a lack of experience, clear strategies or simply the time to deal with the topic systematically. This is precisely where the joint platform comes in to provide orientation, exchange and concrete support.
Potential levers of digitalization
Digitalization can bring measurable benefits, particularly in direct business areas such as production and logistics: The automation of processes, the use of networked machines (keyword Industry 4.0) or digitally supported planning and control tools reduce errors, increase capacity utilization and accelerate processes. This is not just about technical modernization, but also about improved use of data – for example for predictive maintenance or transparent tracking of orders. The use of digital solutions adds real value for companies. For example, the consulting firm McKinsey estimates that companies can reduce their maintenance costs by up to 40% by using smart sensor and analysis technologies, while at the same time reducing machine downtimes by up to 50% and extending the lifespan of their machinery. [1]
Indirect areas such as sales, purchasing, human resources and accounting are also increasingly benefiting from digital tools: Modern ERP systems, digital workflows or cloud-based platforms create transparency, reduce manual activities and facilitate cross-location working. Particularly in view of the increasing shortage of skilled workers, digital solutions open up the possibility of using existing resources in a more targeted manner and relieving employees of routine tasks. Mercateo, in collaboration with HTWK Leipzig, has determined that the process costs of a digitalized purchasing process are up to 50% lower than those of a manual purchasing process. This reduction is primarily driven by time savings in all phases of the purchase-to-pay process. In accounting, companies see high potential through the use of AI, particularly in transactional processes such as the posting of incoming invoices, both in terms of cost and time savings as well as quality improvements. [2] Most respondents to a study by KMPG who are already using AI in accounting today stated that in the short term, they would primarily save time in their day-to-day business (49% of respondents), while in the medium term, they would primarily see quality improvements (59% of respondents. At the same time, issues such as data protection and IT security are gaining strategic importance in an increasingly networked environment. [3]
How high is the current maturity level?
An anonymous survey of the member companies of the new Digitalization Working Group shows: The average maturity level (blue bars) across all digitization topic areas surveyed at around 2.2 on a scale of 1 (= “beginner”) to 5 (= “pioneer”) – this corresponds to the status between “adventurous” and “advanced” (see chart).
The assessment of the degree of maturity is particularly low in two areas, which in turn include the sub-topics mentioned below:
Data analysis, artificial intelligence:
o Big data analytics and business intelligence
o Application of large language models (and technologies based on them)
o Predictive models and automation (e.g. through machine learning)
Specific technologies of the future:
o Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0
o Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
In contrast, the level of maturity is relatively high for:
Communication and collaboration:
o Collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, ...
o Mobile applications
Cybersecurity and data protection:
o IT security
o Compliance and data protection
Great interest - but also major challenges
What is pleasing is that the interest in an exchange and input from experts on selected topics is relatively high - in almost all subject areas. There is medium to high interest in further steps within the working group in five of the six subject areas:
Process digitization (indirect area)
Communication and collaboration
Data analysis, artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity and data protection
Specific future technologies
The participants see great potential in data analysis and the use of artificial intelligence in particular and are very interested in learning more about the opportunities offered by these technologies and using them profitably.
This shows: Companies want more – but often lack standards, resources or the right entry point.
A further survey of the participants shows that the software landscape is extremely heterogeneous across all areas of the company - hardly any two companies use the same systems in the same areas. This is particularly fragmented in sales, warehousing and production planning. This weakens our position as a company in the corrugated board processing industry compared to software providers and the competition. We are losing out on important synergy effects that the use of specialized software solutions adapted to our industry offers. Through joint solutions, we can reduce costs for each individual converter, increase efficiency and rely on stable, reliable and sustainable software solutions.
Digitalization needs exchange - and the courage to leave gaps
The Professionals Academy has set up the Digitalization Working Group to address this need and provide companies with structured support during the digital transformation. The aim is an open, practice-oriented exchange on specific challenges, best practices and solutions.
Conclusion: Now is the right time
Digitalization is no longer an optional topic for the future, but a decisive competitive factor for small and medium-sized companies in the corrugated board industry. The survey results make it clear: the journey has begun, but much remains to be done. The introduction of artificial intelligence into potentially every digital process of corporate management is becoming a transformative case.
Those who act now, network and make targeted investments in digital solutions can optimize processes, reduce costs and significantly increase their own responsiveness.
