Workflow Recommendations

[ROCPrinter]

We are a medium size shop that produces 40" offset and digital printing. Our commercial vs. packaging mix is 20% commercial 80% packaging. We are looking at purchasing an entirely new workflow and I'm looking for your feedback and/or recommendations.

We are looking at purchasing packaging design software and implementing that with our workflow too (e.g. Esko ArtiosCAD or Arden's Impact CAD).

We were looking at:

Agfa - Apogee
Esko - Automation Engine
Kodak - Prinergy

We like the fact that Prinergy has the Upfront Planning Software as well as Preps. We currently use Preps and it looks like every other solution recommends staying with it for commercial imposition. The fact that we can use Preps for commercial and Pandora for packaging also sits well with us.

We are VERY interested in your feedback. Pro's vs. Cons, problems, concerns, experiences, recommendations, etc.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!

 

[DCurry]

No matter which solution you choose, you can still use Preps so that shouldn't really be too much of a factor. Prinergy is more closely integrated, of course. Back when I used Apogee 6, we had bought the Preps module that integrated it much like Prinergy does.

 

[Stephen Marsh]

Disclosure: I work for a packaging solutions vendor, we sell both Kodak and Arden solutions.

You did not mention Prinergy Powerpack PLA and RBA (Packaging Layout Automation and Rules Based Automation), both of which would be worth looking at as options.

You will find that Arden Impact is a very capable solution that will fit in well with Pandora.

All the best with your quest!


Stephen Marsh

 

[Davo]

I'd encourage you to also look at Metrix for the planning/layout/imposition component of your new workflow. 98% of our Metrix customers had Preps, but find they no longer need it. It's the best of UpFront (no longer sold/supported by Kodak, btw) and Preps, plus much more. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about it. Works equally well with Prinergy, Apogee, Automation Engine and other great prepress workflows.

Davo Laninga
Metrix Product Specialist
EFI

 

[[email protected]]

Packaging Integration with MEtrix

Packaging Integration with MEtrix

I'd encourage you to also look at Metrix for the planning/layout/imposition component of your new workflow. 98% of our Metrix customers had Preps, but find they no longer need it. It's the best of UpFront (no longer sold/supported by Kodak, btw) and Preps, plus much more. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about it. Works equally well with Prinergy, Apogee, Automation Engine and other great prepress workflows.

Davo Laninga
Metrix Product Specialist
EFI

The workflows associated with attempting to design layouts that are optimized around maximizing production with the largest sellable content of any Form requires a lot of information to understand and automate the process. Managing Packaging requirements and limits, Structure files, Spot Colors, Substrates limitations, due dates, and kitting, coupled with company business rules on what can go together on any given form is beyond any of the mentioned products.
A Company involved in the reprint business and packaging specifically need an Item based Asset Management system to mange all the Graphics, assign them to the orders, and then process that data through an imposition program to create plate layouts.
CSS Group's DataManager does just that. DataManager supports integration with Esko Artios files through each Items creation and Approval process, then receives Print Runs against those stored Item Graphics to automate the planning portion of producing layouts optimized potentially across all work in the shop that needs to be printed. Optimized layouts for a variety of packaging files directly increases the printer bottom line. Many printers do not currently understand their costs, as they lack the proper detail for analysis. DataManager plus the JDF imposition data gives it to you on a platter.

Steve MacKenie

 

[hratchy]

I prefer the Esko as i work with it, but i cant say anything about other workflows,