By Melissa Donovan
Automated software solutions used in package printing, specifically corrugated production, encompass the entire workflow. We wanted to share information on some of the leading products on the market.
Advantive
Advantzware ERP reduces manual touch points and drives revenue growth. The integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution tailored to fit mid-market packaging manufacturers includes a core set of modules designed to automate key workflows, improve operational efficiency, and maximize employee productivity. With a centralized database and seamless integration to optional modules like ecommerce, customer relationship management (CRM), and scheduling, the solution is flexible enough to manage all aspects of a manufacturing operation.
Kiwiplan provides a comprehensive, integrated suite of powerful products to meet the specific order management and manufacturing requirements of today’s corrugated, folding carton, plastics, and packaging manufacturers. From the standard single manufacturing facility to complex multi-plant groups, Kiwiplan provides expertise, flexibility, and powerful tools to meet and exceed system requirements.
The Kiwiplan MES solution is comprised of a suite of powerful and tightly integrated software modules that offer automated production planning, tooling management, shop floor data collection, dashboard and KPI reporting, and quality management. This solution is directly integrated with Kiwiplan Order Management, Inventory and Logistics, and Business Intelligence modules.
Arden Software
Arden’s project management software for the packaging sector, WEBcnx 2022 is a web-based platform that integrates with Arden’s packaging CAD/CAM software Impact, as well as other workflow systems, acting as a virtual project manager, enabling customers to manage and streamline their operations from wherever they are in the world.
Widget-driven dashboards deliver more focused views and a range of layouts, enabling users to configure unlimited dashboards with up to eight separate widget areas. Users can collate data and view the results in multiple, interactive chart styles. Powering the dashboard widgets is a search engine that offers more flexibility to build complex queries and find and filter data. Search using multiple terms to make locating whatever you’re looking for—whether it’s designs, users, or addresses—quicker and easier than ever before.
To enable greater integration with customers’ business systems, customer contacts lists are added as ‘contacts’ or ‘users’. This allows for large numbers of contacts to be synchronized from a business system without adding these as full WEBcnx users.
For multi-national companies operating around the world in multiple languages, WEBcnx presents translated versions of custom lookup field selections to end users, meaning companies can standardize on field content, but keep things familiar to end users in different regions.
EngView Systems
EngView Packaging Suite is professional software for structural design and preproduction of boxes and displays. It provides a wide range of tools that speed up and automate the day-to-day jobs of structural and graphic designers, diemakers, and salespeople. The software functionalities facilitate the entire process of 2D drafting, 3D modeling, real-time graphics visualization, and preparation for optimal production.
EngView offers a complete end-to-end solution for packaging and display production. The software is integrated with Adobe Illustrator to deliver pixel-perfect graphics and optimizes the production files that feed the printing and packaging machines.
The Packaging Suite optimizes every aspect of the packaging design and preproduction workflows.
Esko
Phoenix, part of Tilia Labs, which was acquired by Esko, allows users to rethink the planning and imposition process. Phoenix is the printing industry’s automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven preproduction software for packaging and labels. Use Phoenix for your folding and corrugated cartons, point of purchase displays, and labels. The planning and estimating software leverages the power of AI to analyze historical production data, including machine capabilities, job complexity, and material usage, to generate accurate and detailed quotes in seconds. It also integrates with existing business systems, websites, DFEs, and workflow tools in minutes.
HiFlow Solutions
HiFlow for Corrugated Converters offers an end-to-end production and management system for the corrugated industry.
From the onboarding of a job through final invoicing and shipping, HiFlow MIS/MES for Corrugated is the umbrella that covers the entire corrugated business and production ecosystem. With over 70 configurable modules the software is tailored to fit unique packaging businesses.
HiFlow’s built-in Imposition module gives estimators the tools to layout jobs in an optimum way to quickly get quotes out to sales.
Fast estimating includes all the tools and features corrugated converters need to consider like various corrugated boards, types of corrugated shafts, lead edge feed options, machine hour rate, efficiencies for flute types (B,E, EB, EE), side trim and web width utilization, slitter and wet-end changes, material consumptions for various flute types, and cost of glue and paper.
Prevent downtime and reduce makeready times, remakes, and labor costs. Organize dies and tools with comprehensive Tools Management. From smart scheduling to warehouse optimization modules, HiFlow can bring new efficiencies to corrugated businesses.
HYBRID Software
HYBRID PACKZ is a PDF editor for packaging, which contains a blend of automated actions and dedicated prepress tools. With editing and quality assurance functions, it makes designs print ready. PACKZ enriches designs with priming and finishing separation, handles ink sets and object-based screening, applies trapping, and generates dynamic marks and panels.
HYBRID CLOUDFLOW is a modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, soft proofing, and workflow automation. The web-based application supports PDF, color separation, trapping, screening, and proofing. Users can add and combine a variety of functional modules for soft proofing, prepress automation, RIPping, screening, and job- and order-lifecycle management.
iC3D is real-time, all-in-one package design software that lets printers generate live three-dimensional virtual mockups on the fly. It encompasses all design applications and model types, and allows cartons, labels, stand-up pouches, flexibles, bottles, and shrink wraps to be seamlessly combined in any scene. It allows creatives to use their imagination while delivering fast turnaround and up to 80 percent reduction in the design lifecycle.
HYBRID VDP, a prepress solution, shifts and changes design features in the same variable data production run regardless of the digital printing press. HYBRID Software offers an optional HYBRID CLOUDFLOW module for automated industrial production.
Significans Automation
Significans Automation is vendor neutral and can create customized software solutions that allow virtually all critical equipment and applications to work together in sync by minimizing or even eliminating human touch points. There are dozens of front end software solutions on the market that can facilitate a huge return on investment. In general, these solutions range from ERP to CRM systems, to web to pack and web to print software, as well as advanced preflight solutions.
It deploys some of the printing and packaging industry’s most efficient and most trusted software including Enfocus Switch, PitStop Server, Esko and its entire packaging portfolio, HYBRID Software Solutions, and Tilia Phoenix—now part of Esko. “We know the intricacies of these systems inside-out and can mix and match to find the best solutions for any print shop’s specific workflow needs and production environment. In fact, due to our experience and expertise, we consider ourselves an extension of these fine companies,” explains Stan Carmichael, director of special projects, Significans Automation.
In tandem to the aforementioned, Significans Automation also developed Virtual InkBooks. It is a robust color management tool designed to create cloud-based custom ink libraries that can be tailored to specific print jobs. Virtual InkBooks provides a centralized location for storing color information, enhancing color consistency, and streamlining workflows for graphic artists and users of varying skill levels. It is also integrated with Adobe Illustrator for live syncing and convenience.
This is just a sample of what is out there. Find the best fit for your business and match the goals you are looking to achieve.
Oct2023, DPS Magazine
