Page 47 - Print21 Magazine Jan-Feb 21

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broker you work with. Make some notes on the ways work comes to you because this is the area cited in industry surveys as being the most disruptive. This is especially true for companies who have transitioned with their customers from long
runs of static work that was on the same cadence year in and year out to shorter runs with more variations.
Once you look at how jobs come on board into the print shop, walk with the different types of jobs through the shop. Listen for how many phone calls back to customers are needed to confirm specifications, decide
on substrates, adjust expectations
on delivery. As the jobs move
into prepress and pre-flight, how many jobs are rejected for missing elements? Is everyone using the installed workflow solutions, or are private spreadsheets and notebooks the true measure of job progress? Review the job scheduling and watch for the number of reworks. Is there work that has been printed that is waiting on finishing? If you have production dashboards, how close are their indicators to what you found on your walk? Record everything you see.
Now go back to your asset lists
and look for the software that is installed and compare it to what
is being used. Do you have unused software packages for which you still pay maintenance? Here is a place to capture some savings. Look at every software tool that is installed and identify where it is used and how it moves the workflow process forward. Once you have this refreshed view
“All types of applications, regardless of the eventual printing method, require well-defined workflow steps, from preflighting to colour management.”
— Ryan McAbee, Keypoint
of your print production workflow, it’s time to consider the trends and emerging technologies that can help you eliminate the inefficiencies and make money with your workflow!
Build your platform
From the data-centric solutions that are informed by Industry 4.0 to the platform and framework orientations of an emerging set of software-as-a-service (SaaS)
workflow options, the opportunity to remake your production workflow is in your grasp. Since drupa 2016 the industry has seen established workflow solutions retool to take advantage of cloud-based computing, subscription models for both delivery and payment.
Additionally, there is compatibility with an emerging set of platforms designed to allow a workflow architect to create a bespoke flow,
by plugging tools into platforms and frameworks.
Using platforms as a method to allow disparate software tools to work together in a workflow provides distinct advantages. Consider a platform like Enfocus Switch, with more than 70 apps available for integration into the Switch platform.
From CloudPrinter to handwriting generators, PDF tools and metadata handling applications, the Switch platform allows a workflow architect to assemble tools to optimise
large segments of the production workflow.
HP offers a similar approach with its PrintOS platform, introduced
at drupa 2016, and continuing to expand with new solutions added to
Packaging
solutions
Seeking packaging productivity gains without compromising quality?
At Esko, our connected range of prepress and print solutions, increases your competitive advantage and customer loyalty by delivering excellence on time, every time.
With Crystal CDI plate imaging, Crystal XPS exposure, Automation Engine workflow management and a wide range of integrated scalable software, Esko automates and connects your jobs and processes to speed up and control packaging production.
Less waste, less rework, boosted quality: From prepress flexo plate making to digital cutting and creasing, Esko connects your business ecosystem to maximize your efficiency, quality and service.
Discover the benefits of digital transformation - Digitize, Automate, Connect
www.esko.com | info.oce@esko.com
Print21 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 47