Every print shop faces some common challenges when it comes to managing their workflow, process automation is usually found in large print shops, with large print volumes and where jobs are printed over and over again.
Workflow Automation Software works in combination with other programs running in your print shop, it is important to note that some of your actual software infrastructure may already have some automation processes involved. To further automate the workflow is important to be able to communicate one software with another, in most cases, specific Workflow Automation software may not be required.
Software
Generally, print shops have one or more of the following software running:
A web to print software has many advantages and functionalities, first it gives your shop a front store, helping users find their way into what they will need and letting customize their final product, it helps the owner determine a print order management.
Variable data printing enables the mass customization of documents with text and image changes for groups of addresses based upon which segment of the market is being addressed. Customization and personalization allows a company to connect to its customers using a variety of software solutions.
MIS (Management Information Systems) help print shops collect and manage their own information for decision making, this software integrates with existing systems to help handle real time information and tasks, harvesting information and letting other connected applications take actions is essential for workflow automation.
Color Management it is the measurement and control of each and every step in your production process, maintaining as a goal to know exactly what your output is going to look like, before you actually print.
Sometimes, specific software may comply with many of the above-mentioned functions, for example:
Agfa has developed a complete, automated Sign & Display production hub called Asanti, the software includes a color management solution, integration with the latest version of Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE), highly specific functionalities (e.g. nesting, see-through concept, proofing support) and fast, automatic pre-flighting.
Another good example is Durst Workflow software, claimed to be an All-In-One solution, which includes all steps of the pre-press and production process in one single application, modules are available for different processes such as: Label Workflow, Large Format Workflow and Corrugated Workflow.
Workflow
You need to determine the existing kind of production workflow currently being used in your print shop, if the work is built around a software-based flow of work, or from the point of quoting to the point of delivery, or do you have semi-automated processes linked by spreadsheets and/or different software, sticky notes, whiteboards, phone calls, regardless of any, if your workflow is not efficient, neither is your production process.
Possible and existent current workflow inefficiencies could be:
There are several bottlenecks but the most common ones are listed below:
Deciding to move to any new software for production workflow (MIS or similar) usually comes after evaluations of current productivity and researching for the right tool or correct operation processes. Reconsidering strategy often leads to new initiatives that include reexamining workflow initiatives.
For smaller shops, costs control is a must, so automation and use of modern print and workflow management tools becomes an investment that can convert into a risk, due to the potential expenses involved in implementing it, but at the end, it is all the cost of success.
Workflow initiatives and enhances
The best practice is to adopt workflow method and solution that helps automate processes, while focusing on efficiency, decreasing the operational costs while still increasing throughput and depending less on human intervention, in order to have employees invest time in more productive tasks.
Workflow has always been a part of the printing process in every printshop. Thanks to the development of new resources and new products, automation has been on the loop for a while now and with the time, many more companies are intrigued of how it can be implemented on their businesses due to the idea of having less dependency on human hands and more on technology. As we do in many other daily used products (like smartphones or virtual assistants at home, for example).
Nowadays, technology has become part of our lives and routines and why not taking the best advantage of every industry? Machines and software controlled by technology is a great idea and the process of using it has revealed many benefits. First, optimizing time in every process, cutting down hours spent on each workstation by one or multiple people. Effectiveness and significantly decreasing production, detecting errors and progressively improve quality.
Choosing the best solution for your business will depend on your needs, budget and your business goals. There are many products in the market so you need to be clear and also realize that this will not be your magic wound and everything will be solved in your printshop. There may be some limitations, pros and cons, depending on the product you choose. Some of the existing workflow solutions in the market need third party tools to work correctly on the entire printing process, so it’s crucial to pick whatever fits you best.
Konica Minolta AccurioPro Flux
Konica Minolta launched a flexible automation software series that targets Central Reprographics Departments (CRDs), Print Service Providers (PSPs), and in-house print shops of schools or companies. This technology has been developed to let customers to automate and streamline operations, expand their print services and allow delivering high-quality digital prints in a quicker time.
AccurioPro Flux has three modules for workflow; the Essential Module contains all print room need for prepress and make-ready management, Premium includes a server to enable collaboration between clients and print team, and the Ultimate version adds a web-to-print function. AccurioPro Flux increases productivity in many ways:
AccurioPro Flux Essential – Prepress and Output
It is the entry-level product of the print automation software series. It offers prepress processes, centralized tasks and control of all production machines. It also has a ready-to-use tool which allows to do some editing without switching to a separate app. Basic preflight check is available, which detects printing problems due to incorrect PDF files, missing fonts, images with low resolution and transparencies. Third-party devices allowance is integrated, so the user can control all machines in the printing room, including machines from another manufacturer.
AccurioPro Flux Premium – Automation and Collaboration
Premium version of AccurioPro Flux not only offers every aspect of the Essential module, but also a server designed for even greater automation and collaboration. With Premium module, users are able to work from anywhere through the app, whether from a PC, Mac or a mobile device. Users are also able to process print jobs directly on the printer through de Flux Panel, checking, previewing and editing. Besides detecting errors, the Flux server can be synced with third party system such as ERP and MIS for a more streamline process. It also facilitates collaboration between team members and every operator can have a personal and individual account so everyone can work at different workstations at the time. Print steps can be sent to clients through email updates automatically.
AccurioPro Flux Ultimate – Web-to-print
This last module of the software includes a web-to-print functionality. This allows clients to submit their orders through the online shop and 24/7. Documents by clients can be automatically preflight checked before printing them. The flux Document Converter allows uploading up to 300 different file formats to the web-to-print platform. This online shop can be also integrated into IT environments.
So Konica Minolta has provided a great option out there in the market so print shops can become not only automated, but improving in many aspects of their businesses including printing speed, the reachability for clients to deliver documents to printer queue, faster and larger communication between user-machine and at distance, so if you are considering stepping up your print shop, this may be a great solution.