PackAssistant – Product

• Help boxes (pop-ups) are available for all functions throughout the system.
• The user can adjust the interface settings to show measurements in mm / inch and g / kg / pound.
• Efficient and easy-to-use 3D view for displaying parts and packing results.
• PackAssistant supports multiple languages.

PackAssistant can now also create pairs. This is useful when parts need a defined position relative to each other, for example, to protect one side, ensure stability, or achieve an optimal arrangement. If the software cannot determine this alignment automatically, the user can define a pair manually. Both parts then form a single unit.

• A pair always consists of two identical parts.
• PackAssistant includes a 3D editor that allows users to individually set the rotation and position of the parts.
• If desired, the software can automatically suggest suitable pairs, whereby the minimum distance is adjustable.

• Projects are held in a database, facilitating fast search and location of existing projects.
• Filtering can be performed for all parameters, either ­individually or using several parameters simultaneously.
• Projects and the corresponding results tables are presented with a clear vertical layout; results can be easily compared.
• When you select a result, a 3D representation is automatically displayed, along with further details about the project and the results.

Packing report and 3D CAD output

PackAssistant generates 3D images that serve as packaging instructions. These images visualize the packaging solution, simplify the preparation of commercial quotes, and give customers a realistic view of the proposed packaging. Detailed drawings or graphics are no longer required.

For an even more realistic presentation of the results, the 3D container data can also be imported. This allows results to be displayed directly in the container, making the packer’s job easier.

The container model also offers a flexible transparency setting to ensure the view of the result remains clear.

Additionally, the software can export results as 3D datasets in JT, STEP, and VRML formats. This feature allows for a more illustrative presentation of the packing arrangement and enhances the packaging instructions if necessary.

Using a standalone 3D viewer, users can generate sections and views of the packing results.

Packaging instructions
PackAssistant generates packaging instructions as Microsoft Excel or Word files. These can be customized to meet specific company requirements. Clear and illustrative graphics make it easier to implement the planned packaging.

With the new automation interface, PackAssistant can receive data from other programs to automatically create projects and start optimizations. There is no limit to the number of projects. Users do not need to intervene or wait during this process.

The benefits of the new add-on module include better integration of PackAssistant into company-specific processes and a faster workflow.

The add-on module can be used in two ways:

• Excel Add-In: The module includes an Excel add-in. Projects can be sent directly from Excel to PackAssistant and started immediately. Once optimization is complete, the best result is written back into the Excel file automatically.
• Direct use of the interface: The module uses the standardized JSON format to exchange data between PackAssistant and other software applications. This allows PackAssistant to be connected with any program that can call external applications once configured properly. The Excel add-in is one example of such a connection since it already uses the interface.

You can find more information in the product sheet.

The following video explains the benefits of the PackAssistant Add-on module, how it works and how it may integrate into your company's established workflows.

PackAssistant runs on any standard PC with Windows 10, 11 or with Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 (64-bit versions only) and a minimum display resolution of 1280 x 1024 (without scaling). Please make sure you have installed the current version of the .NET Framework (at least 4.6.2), normally coming with the regular Windows updates.

We recommend the following hardware requirements for the PackAssistant components:

1. PackAssistant main component
   • a recent 4 core processor,
   • 8GB RAM or more,
   • 10GB hard disk space or more,
   • a recent video card driver,
   • and a display resolution of more than 1650 pixels in width (without scaling).
2. Central Database component
   • a recent 4 core processor,
   • 16GB RAM or more,
   • 100GB hard disk space or more for an average installation with one floating license and up to 3 users,
   • locally mounted disks,
   • and a low latency network connection:
     • Latency between PackAssistant-Client and database should be less than 50 ms. It’s best, if both are in the same local area network.
     • If you want to use a single database worldwide, then this will only work, if the PackAssistant-Client runs via Remote Desktop on a computer that is in the same local area network as the central database server. If Remote Desktop is not possible, then a separate database for each location or for each region could work.
3. Central License component
   • No special hardware is required. Any modern PC can be used as a license server.

In case all three components are installed on one system, then the highest system requirements from above are recommended.