By Cassandra Balentine
Part 1 of 2
Print-and-cut workflows are getting an upgrade with technology advancements. As automation and integration is easier for the masses, print providers increase efficiency for the production of wide format applications that require cutting post press.
Optimal print-to-cut workflows ensure automation from ordering online to shipment. “This eliminates human intervention and provides a seamless experience,” offers Sam Mulay, VP – business development, InSoft Automation.
Benefits include increased productivity, the ability to take on bigger jobs and complete them in less time, and a decrease in the amount of hires as key benefits of integrating print-and-cut prepress tools into their workflow.
“Integration offers unparalleled efficiency,” says Debra Hobden, global marketing director, PrintFactory. Workflow tools help automate time-consuming tasks such as nesting, tiling, and cutting path optimization, reducing waste and manual errors.
Providers benefit from faster production times, improved color consistency across devices, and significant cost savings. Ultimately, this leads to enhanced customer satisfaction and a competitive advantage, notes Hobden.
“Automating prepress processes can dramatically reduce the time spent on error detection and correction by removing opportunities for errors to be introduced, and free staff up to instead focus on value-added work. This not only improves customer satisfaction and employee wellbeing, but also helps to boost profit margins,” agrees Piet De Pauw, head of marketing, Enfocus, an Esko Company.
As a result of this automation, David Lunardi, VP of sales, OneVision, Inc., points out that providers can handle higher volumes, improve quality, and more effectively adapt to market demands such as personalized and short-run printing.
When it comes to the benefits of integration, Joseph Lehn, director of product management, PressWise by Smartsoft, feels that improvements to the bottomline is the only part that matters. “Integrating workflow solutions is only going to benefit the company if they can achieve more, in less time, without increasing staff at the same time.”
Lehn shares that many PressWise customers have been able to increase the number of orders they can process without adding more staff simply because automation removes the need for redundant tasks and reduces the chances of error.
Overall, the biggest benefit of integration is vastly improved operational efficiency, resulting in faster turnaround times, happier customers, and drastically lower costs, admits Marc Raad, president, Significans Automation.
However, secondary benefits should be considered.These may include fast return on investment, enhanced output consistency, reduced material waste and human error, and the ability to take on more complex projects. “What many printers don’t realize is that the results can be truly game changing and literally transform a business,” notes Raad.
By focusing on a better print-and-cut workflow, print providers can expect a more streamlined workflow and improved automation efficiencies. “This technology allows multiple employees within a company to use the software, reducing dependency on specialized personnel and ensuring continuity even if someone is unavailable,” says Bobby Cagle, NA sales director, SA International.
Navigating Challenges
Top challenges of implementing new workflow functions include compatibility issues with legacy systems, high initial investment and resource allocation for implementation, and training staff to effectively use the new tools, says Hobden.
To reduce these challenges, solutions provide intuitive user interfaces, strong support services, and modular designs that integrate seamlessly with a range of hardware and software. Lunardi says comprehensive onboarding programs, technical support, and ongoing updates further help print service providers overcome these hurdles.
According to Raad, challenges depend on the shop’s immediate and long-term integration goals. However, seamless integration of all of a printer’s current workflow systems has always been the major issue. “This necessary path to integration can be complex, time consuming, and fraught with errors. Systems that are not compatible can lead to data ‘silos,’ redundant processes, human errors, slow turnaround times, and ultimately erode profits and leave customers unhappy. Plus, some staffers may resist change, fearing loss of their jobs, or may feel uncomfortable working with the new software.”
Moreover data compatibility issues frequently arise between management information systems and production workflows, which can obstruct effective communication and data exchange, adds Mary Gay Pettit, public relations director, Markzware Inc.
Cagle feels that ensuring that the software can fully utilize the features of different printers is essential. To mitigate this, efforts are being made to enhance collaboration between hardware and software providers, ensuring better compatibility and functionality.
Improvements
Several challenges may crop up when it comes to optimizing modern print-and-cut workflows, however the end result is improved efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
In part two of this series we look at available workflow tools that target print-and-cut environments.
Mar25, Digital Output
