Page 29 - Packaging News Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

November-December 2018
TYING IT TOGETHER WITH WEBCENTER
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DESIGN & DECORATION
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HOOKING into Studio and ArtiosCAD, as well as Automation Engine, is Esko’s WebCenter packaging management platform. The browser-based software recently released a new version, which adds more functionality to the suite.
Packaging is at the core of WebCenter, according to Thompson, and allows management of all the complexities of packaging creation. “WebCenter is a powerful web-based packaging management platform to manage your business process, approval cycles and digital assets,” he says.
The platform is a multi-faceted solution, says Thompson, useful for specification, process and approval applications. “It is an ideal platform for packaging specification management and requirements gathering. The dynamic forms and collaboration tools help to enhance data sharing and communication between all partners in the packaging and printing supply chain,” he says.
“The powerful workflow and easy to use process management tools help you to manage your business process effectively and also help to remove redundant steps in the process. Its smart approval and annotation framework, easy to use interface and packaging intelligent tools make it the best platform for the management and approval of both graphic and structural files.”
According to Thompson, WebCenter can tie together workflow software both from Esko itself and from other suppliers. “WebCenter
seamlessly integrates with Esko’s workflow solutions. This way it’s easy to share data, create projects, upload documents and keep track of status updates.
“It also provides integration with third party applications. This integra- tion allows operators and suppliers to upload documents directly into the project, without leaving their favourite environment,” he says.
This year, the company released Version 18.0 of WebCenter, which Udo Panenka, president of Esko, hailed as a big leap forward. “Packag- ing is an ever more important part of almost all consumer goods, from food to electronics, and it plays an even greater role as consumer awareness and demand increases.
“WebCenter is the leading packaging management platform used by Fortune 500 companies that are active in the CPG and pharma industries, as well as converters and packaging printers,” he says.
Version 18.0 includes a number of new features that increase control and visibility over the packaging preproduction specification, approval and project life cycle for brand owners and converters, says Panenka. These include an improved review and approval process, built-in and custom templates, better data capture capabilities, and instant messaging for specific projects.
“The feedback from our early users has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Panenka. “With this new version, Esko has the most powerful solution that ties the entire supply chain together.”
curved creases and bends can be folded and visualized in 3D. Making assembly drawings becomes easy: fold a base, drop in a header, fill with cartons and show the artwork,” he says.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Esko’s subscription-based Studio software suite has something to offer designers across industries, according to the devel- oper, with constant updates and no costly upfront investments.
Studio is pitched at brands, packaging designers, trade shops and converters, and has plenty of uses for each, says Thomp- son. “Studio will help you produce better artwork. Whether you are a designer trying out different ideas, or a prepress operator checking a back-match, with Studio you are virtually holding the pack in your hands,” he says.
For brand owners, Thompson promises that Studio will revolutionise packaging and point of sale development. “Shorten your artwork approval cycle with interac- tive 3D visuals. Save mock-up and studio photography costs. Use a virtual alter ego of your entire product range, always up to date with the latest artwork,” he suggested. “In- crease the success rate of product launches, by seeing upfront how your brand will look
in the store next to its competition.” Because it is easy to use, Thomp- son says Studio is ideal for trade shops looking to add value with 3D services. “Use Studio as internal QA tool: check for panel misalign- ments, spot structural mistakes in time. Create the perfect back-match or perform advanced shrink sleeve distortions and save hours of time
performing shrink tests,” he says. Quality assurance is also impor- tant for converters, and Studio can
help here too, says Thompson: “You can check for mistakes before making printing plates, embossing dies or varnish blan- kets; avoid rejects by showing your client upfront an accurate virtual mock-up; or take Studio on the road and show your prospect what special finishing you could do for their brand.”
According to Thompson, Studio’s virtu- al mock-ups are a boon to designers as well, allowing them to visualise product designs clearly without need for printing and constructing packages. “You can use it for your own inspiration or to impress an important client. There is no more need to cut, fold and glue print-outs all the time because with Studio you see the package on the screen,” he says.
Boxes produced with Esko design solutions.
“You’ll find yourself working faster and more creatively, and the artwork that you deliver is technically more correct. That way, your designs do not get compromised during production.”
Studio’s applications include boxes, la- bels, shrink sleeves and multipacks, and flexibles; more shapes and packaging types are available through the Online Shapes Store on Esko’s website, plus bespoke 3D modelling services.
“Our professional 3D artists can prepare Collada files for Studio based on CAD files, photographs or real samples,” says Thompson. ■