By Tony Curcio
TKM Print Solutions, based in Akron, OH, is a leading wide format printer founded in 2008. It specializes in graphics production, kit packaging, fulfillment, and advanced fabrication services. Its primary market is the retail sector. Luke Messner, president, TKM, invested in customized automation technology to speed up the company’s workflow while reducing errors and turnaround times. “The goal was to double production without increasing prepress headcount,” says Messner.
The man charged with this responsibility was Chris Copeland, I.T./production solutions manager, TKM. “We needed to develop an efficient, seamless system to reduce prepress bottlenecks that would allow us to feed more finished files to our current printers,” shares Copeland.
The customized workflow uses Enfocus Switch with Pitstop preflighting and Esko’s Phoenix for imposition. Using the meta-data from TKM’s MIS system eliminates errors by reducing human touchpoints, allowing prepress operators to concentrate on more value-added work as opposed to tedious, error-prone data entry.
According to Messner, “printing has become more about people and processes. It’s better to discover issues with submitted files early in the process rather than later.”
Unprecedented Improvements and Efficiency
Under Copeland’s direction, TKM achieved significant, measurable improvements in many areas of its business by partnering with Significans Automation. Today, its customized, automated imposition technology provides accurate estimates of all production requirements. Plus, its automated prepress department has significantly increased production without adding more employees.
“We are now able to better handle complex jobs such as those with multiple files and large volumes,” adds Copeland. “In fact, with the addition of Esko Phoenix, imposition tasks that used to take us most of the day are now accomplished in under one hour.”
Real Printers, Real Results
TKM joins a growing list of Significans clients across North America experiencing cost and time savings that are boosting their profit margins. “The bottom line is why pay for extra staff or new equipment, when a custom workflow automation setup will enable you to handle all the extra work with the employees and equipment you already have?” asks Marc Raad, president, Significans.
The Human Element
“Working with Significans’ specialists is like working with kindred spirits. Their knowledge and experience with software and print production provides a valuable resource to develop new ideas and concepts,” says Copeland.
“Significans is revolutionizing the way things are done at TKM,” adds Messner.
For an assessment of your workflow automation needs, call 877-463-4465 or visit significans.com.
Nov2023, Digital Output
