Polish label and packaging converter A-Z Color has transformed its quality control model — moving from manual checks to fully automated, pharma-ready inspection — through a deepening partnership with EyeC. The investment EyeC technology has dramatically reduced defects, strengthened the company’s standing with major pharmaceutical customers, and positioned the converter as a preferred supplier across regulated markets.

Based in Antonie, near Ostrołęka, A-Z Color is a family-owned operation with more than 30 years of experience producing self-adhesive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging for customers throughout Europe. Its client base spans cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical brands, and its quality framework includes ISO 9001:2015, BRC P&P Food Safety, FSC certification and DPG qualification for the German market.

Meeting zero-error expectations

For A-Z Color, the biggest pressures come from pharmaceutical work—where even the smallest defect can trigger batch recalls, regulatory action or patient-safety risks.

“Our priority has always been to deliver products that meet our customers’ high expectations,” says Katarzyna Zecer-Gołaszewska, partner at A-Z Color. “But in a dynamic market that does not forgive mistakes, ensuring absolute reliability at every stage of production was a real challenge.”

The converter needed a future-proof platform that combined 100% inspection, seamless workflow integration and speed—without slowing production or adding complexity for operators.

After evaluating multiple systems over several years, A-Z Color found that only EyeC met its internal standards for accuracy, GMP compliance and day-to-day operational reliability. “When selecting the right product, it is not only the technology and price that matter to us, but also the quality of cooperation,” Zecer-Gołaszewska explains. “Competing systems failed in areas critical to the pharmaceutical industry. EyeC consistently detected even the smallest deviations.”

A-Z Color first deployed an EyeC Proofiler 600 DT for offline inspection, followed by several EyeC ProofRunner Web inline systems that enable 100% defect detection on press. Together, they form a fully digitized inspection workflow.

The Proofiler uses high-resolution scanning and intelligent software to compare printed samples against approved PDFs, checking text, graphics, color, codes and Braille. ProofRunner Web systems capture every label at production speed and use pixel-accurate algorithms—down to 0.1 mm—while automatically compensating for material variations. Intelligent contrast analysis prevents false alarms, and any deviations trigger immediate alerts and pinpointed correction.

A seamless rollout

Implementation took place with no disruption to production. After two weeks of technical preparation, three inline systems were installed, calibrated and validated in a single day. All operator training and documentation was performed in compliance with pharmaceutical standards, including IQ/OQ protocols.

“The installation can definitely be described as exemplary,” Zecer-Gołaszewska says.

What began as a targeted pharmaceutical solution in 2019 has since become the plant’s standard for all print categories. Today, six EyeC systems run virtually 24/7 across all shifts.

Since moving to EyeC, A-Z Color has produced only a single defective template in several years — and that incident led to immediate corrective action after joint analysis with EyeC. Current error rates hover near zero.

The shift to automated, full-coverage inspection has changed how the converter operates. Deviations automatically stop production, are documented and corrected, and all quality checks are GMP-compliant and audit-ready. Waste and reprint volumes have dropped significantly, while production speed and consistency have increased.

For A-Z Color’s customers, particularly in pharma, the improvements translate into reliable delivery schedules, fewer incoming inspections and virtually no recalls. The converter reports strengthened long-term agreements, top audit ratings and an expanded pipeline of new work.

“In an industry where a single missing point can mean the difference between success and failure, EyeC is our life insurance,” Zecer-Gołaszewska says. The company now highlights its automated quality-control platform as a key differentiator in audits and customer meetings.

Looking ahead

A-Z Color is now exploring predictive quality control—using production data and continuous process monitoring to anticipate issues before they occur. EyeC, the company says, will remain central to this strategy.

“Based on our consistently positive experience, we have no hesitation in recommending EyeC as a proven and reliable partner,” Zecer-Gołaszewska concludes.