By Cassandra Balentine
Dscoop is an independent organization made up of HP graphic arts users. Its annual North American conference takes place this year in Orlando, FL at the Orlando World Center Marriott.
Training and education is critical to the advancement of the digital print industry. The Dscoop Edge event is designed to empower print service providers (PSPs) with the tools and opportunity to increase sales and improve business.
Community and education are the two primary goals of Dscoop and its events. The theme of this year’s Edge is Meet Your Future, which describes the ability for members to come together and learn strategies that can transform into business growth as well as obtain the tools necessary to implement them.
“This conference goes way beyond the theoretical—it’s a powerful blend of tactical and technical, designed to prepare entire teams for business growth and the future of the industry,” says Keith Wilmot, CEO, Dscoop. “This is the best place to learn from the fastest-growing PSPs in the industry, and the only place to learn about the newest HP technology months before it’s unveiled anywhere else in North America.
Above: Print providers like ePac employ HP Indigo technology for packaging applications.
Education Focused
One of the biggest draws of Dscoop Edge is the educational sessions. This year, the organization is pleased to announce the Business Growth Academy at Edge. It consists of 11 sessions targeting owners, managers, sales representatives, and other leaders and team members. The academy includes a deep-dive leadership development track led by Rorke Denver, former Navy SEAL Commander.
Edge Orlando 2020 also features 32 sessions covering industry technology and trends in a dedicated track about how attendees can maximize current technology and take advantage of new opportunities and the latest innovations from HP and solution partners.
The conference includes 30 hands-on labs and technical workshops led by expert trainers as part of the Make It Real hands-on training track.
Solutions Showcase
In addition to education and networking opportunities, another draw of Dscoop Edge is the ability to connect with relevant vendors. In the Solutions Showcase, technology partners discuss the latest solutions from workflow to equipment and media. Here is a preview of what to expect from Dscoop partners at the event.
AB Graphic International (ABG)
ABG treats Solutions Showcase attendees with a variety of finishing equipment, presented by its expert representatives.
With automation a keyword for the show, the company demonstrates various finishing solutions via a full beverage label specification Digicon Series 3, incorporating a Big Foot 50t and a fleyeVision 4K camera with advanced workflow. ABG’s Omega Horizon multifunctional table top will also be on show, using a fleyeLink to the Digicon Series 3’s inhouse 100 percent camera inspection. And lastly a standard Enprom Packaging eRS60 shrink sleeve seamer machine rounds off a must-see booth at this year’s event.
Avanti Systems
Avanti demonstrates integration with the PrintOS Print Beat Jobs API. The API provides a single interface for all PrintOS-connected devices within a PSP’s environment. According to the company, it is more accurate than the current JDF/JMF interface available. Using rich PrintOS Print Beat Jobs API data in Avanti Slingshot Print MIS allows print providers to calculate and compare actual costs versus estimates, showing the profit margin for each job.
Avanti Slingshot captures current job time status—or historical print run—information, including substrates used, impressions printed, the number of print attempts, and overall job processing times. Avanti and HP opened a beta program for customers interested in using the new integration.
Duplo USA Corporation
Duplo highlights print embellishment and finishing solutions. Visitors have the opportunity to learn how to produce premium packaging, business cards, and invitations with spot coating, texture, and tactile effects using the DDC-810 Raised Spot UV Coater. The latest addition to Duplo’s signature line of fully automated finishers, the DC-618 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser is on the floor delivering applications with precision finishing. Foiling is also demonstrated using the DFL-500 Dry Coat/Foil/Laminator.
EMT International
Learn more about the ROTOCONTROL DT-340 and Ecoline RDF label finishing solutions compatible with HP Indigo presses at the EMT International booth. The modular, 100 percent servo-driven DT-340 digital label converting and finishing system is suitable for processing and finishing digitally preprinted rolls with an integrated printing and die-cutting unit as well as special register control. The ability to run semi or full rotary die cutting in the same module is advantageous in reducing overall system length and cost.
The Ecoline RDF 340 balances quality with cost competitiveness and is custom-built according to printers’ needs.
EMT Chameleon finishing solutions for HP PageWide Industrial presses are also highlighted.
GPA
GPA plans new and innovative product introductions that expand the spectrum of applications digital technology can accomplish. There is a large focus on the hospitality and travel market, listed as one of the top five demand sectors for print potential in 2020. Shared with the community is an exclusive RIT/HP Certified material with the highest hemp content on the market; the Freelife Hemp 18 pt Jute. In addition to this 30 percent hemp content product, GPA plans the unveiling of an HP Certified 18 pt silver foil board, which is designed to help printers better market to their brands.
Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM)
GM spent the last four decades providing state-of-the-art, advanced web solutions for the label and packaging converting industry. GM offers and delivers a portfolio of equipment including automated converting lines for die cutting, lamination, coating, hot foil stamping/embossing, flatbed screen printing, laser die cutting, slitter rewinders, sheeters, roll lifts, core cutters, and accessories.
HP Inc.
Alon Bar Shany, GM, HP Indigo, delivers the Dscoop keynote, focusing on the HP Indigo technology platform and sharing insights on the Dscoop community. HP Indigo experts and trainers are on hand to support that growth and share important knowledge for 2020 and beyond. In fact, Dscoop attendees are among the first to learn about HP’s newest portfolio, which is unveiled at Edge Orlando for the first time in North America—months before drupa.
HYBRID Software
HYBRID Software has a straightforward goal—to provide the missing link between MIS, web to print portals, and prepress workflow. Its approach to order lifecycle management remains the mission of the company and is a vital part of the DNA of all HYBRID products. Its product line expands to include automated production workflow, customizable job ticketing, version control for critical production files, and InterTech variable data solutions for label and packaging manufacturers.
International Paper
International Paper’s Accent Opaque delivers a broad offering of digital papers in text and cover weights as well as smooth and super smooth finishes. With 23 three-star rated papers, the portfolio has undergone rigorous testing to ensure trouble-free performance and high-quality results.
KAMA
KAMA shows Dscoop attendees solutions that bring together a versatile postpress and an economically efficient production in a digital workflow. The company offers embellishment, braille embossing, cutting and creasing, tool-free blank separation as well as folding, gluing, dispensing, and short-run folding carton production.
Label Traxx
Label Traxx introduces new integration with HP PrintOS. HP Indigo users can now retrieve actual clicks by job from the press for accurate costing purposes. Label Traxx connects to HP’s PrintOS Jobs API and accesses the clicks and production details. It also includes these clicks as part of the post-production job costing analysis.
Additionally, the company offers flexible packaging tools. Label Traxx MIS introduced key new features for flexible packaging converters and label converters who would like to enter the packaging market. Version 8.2 of the software includes dedicated flexible packaging workflows for companies selling unsupported film, sachets, and pouches. These new tools help with the accurate and consistent estimating of flexible packaging along with tailored features specifically for order processing.
locr
locr shows Dscoop members how to streamline the production of personalized maps and GEOservices by accessing them through the HP PrintOS Marketplace. These personalized maps give PSPs a fast, easy way to add the power of personalization to the direct mail campaign they create for their clients.
Whether users access these services via the Print OS Marketplace or through locr directly, GEOmarketing improves the performance of direct mail and client satisfaction.
Michelman
Michelman showcases solutions for printers, converters, and paper mills that optimize both paper and film media, and allow for high-quality labels, packaging, and commercially printed materials. These solutions include water-based DigiPrime primers and DigiGuard overprint varnishes.
Muller Martini
Muller Martini, a producer of print finishing solutions, is synonymous with the Finishing 4.0 engineering platform that features innovative systems, machines, and software that seamlessly accommodate offset, digital, and hybrid printed products while optimizing complex workflows. At Dscoop, visitors can learn more about its smart factory focus that enables businesses to utilize Muller Martini solutions within digital or conventional print environments, connect production lines from file to finished product via the implementation of ultra-efficient Finishing 4.0 workflows, collect and decipher machine data for “on-the-fly” decision-making and job validation, and integrate Muller Martini machines into existing production chains.
Nobelus
Nobelus showcases its films in use across a variety of markets including commercial print, folding carton, flexible packaging, and label markets. In addition, stop by to see three of its most popular machines in action‚ the Sagitta 76, the Amiga 52 with Sleeking, and the Q-Topic Auto.
Quadient
Quadient shares with attendees how leading PSPs expand services to include digital offerings. Visit Quadient to learn about personalized omni-channel communications with real-time interactions and customer journey mapping. On Monday, March 30, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., the company presents the session How to Become a CX-Focused Partner to your Clients. It includes tips on how to use customer experience concepts—like journey mapping—to win new projects. Service providers learn how to add channels to existing communications, helping clients meet customers’ needs.
S-One Labels & Packaging (S-OneLP)
S-OneLP provides vital tools and technical support for attendees beginning or expanding HP Indigo capabilities. In the Solutions Showcase, it features the latest Sustainable ByDesign packaging materials for recyclable and compostable flexible packaging. The company also share inspiring ideas with printed samples that highlight spot varnishes and a variety of finishes. On Monday, March 30 at 11:45 a.m., S-OneLP hosts an educational session in the Solutions Showcase Theater, Boost Your Flexible Packaging Business: Insider Tips & Tricks to Prime, Print, and Finish Flexible Packaging.
Sappi
Paper is awesome. The Sappi Digital Portfolio is designed, engineered, and tested so that all projects-—no matter the budget—can maximize digital printing’s unique strengths. Learn how McCoy, Opus, and Flo can help you harness digital printing’s power. And while onsite at Dscoop pick up a Brillance Notebook, digitally printed on McCoy. Need to learn more? Join Sappi as it presents Print and Packaging in the New Media Mix featuring Vicki Strull on Tuesday, Mach 31, 2020, at 2:00 p.m.
Standard Finishing
Taking center stage is the new Standard Horizon HT-300 Trimmer, which features higher productivity and more automation. Functions include automatic book thickness measurement and faster speeds—up to 300 books/stacks per hour. When connected inline with Horizon perfect binders, output is managed via conveyor for inline production efficiency. The BQ-270V offers high-quality perfect binding with fully automated operation and on demand production of variable thickness books. The RD-4055 die cutter produces a variety of products including door hangers, coasters, stickers, labels, and light packaging applications. The CRF-362 Creaser/Folder is also featured, demonstrating creasing and folding of digital color output in one pass, with no cracking.
Tilia Labs
At Dscoop Edge, Tyler Thompson, solutions director, Tilia Labs, presents the benefits of leveraging internet of things (IoT)-enabled devices to streamline digital print production. Tilia Phoenix 7.0 is now positioned to revolutionize the way PSPs connect and use data. By unlocking real-time data collection from connected devices, Phoenix molds the collected IoT data to enable smarter and more accurate estimating and production planning decisions.
During the event, Tilia Labs also focuses on the company’s new cross-platform, native PDF step-and-repeat tool, Tilia Aries. With a simple user interface and drag-and-drop functionality, Aries ensures quick and easy layout creation for digital label printers and converters.
Lots to See and Learn
We’re excited to attend and report back on Dscoop Edge Orlando 2020. Be sure to check out our podcast with Keith Wilmot, CEO, Dscoop, at dpsmagazine.com or through Apple’s iTunes or Google Play.
Mar2020, DPS Magazine
