98 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2024 - Issue 350 Automated systems exchange information or perform actions based on events, such as an incoming order or an updated status in production, all without the need for manual intervention. “Its goal is simple – to allow information to circulate and to eliminate the need for re-entry of data from one system to another, thus making the production process more transparent and efficient.” Peire goes on to say Four Pees’ longterm vision is very much a future where individualising print jobs and producing runs as low as one is not only possible at scale, but profitable too. To achieve this, he says PSPs need to take a holistic approach to the entire printing process from concept and order through to production and delivery, instead of just focusing on single tools. “This means looking for solutions that will be scalable as they grow and, more importantly, that will enable them to integrate their management information systems with both their input and output systems,” he says. “Consolidating data in this way will make it easier to spot the points in a business’ workflow that would benefit from improvement, investment, or reinvention. This holistic approach extends beyond information about the print business itself all the way to the customer’s experience, because only when you understand the whole customer journey alongside your performance data will it be possible to spot opportunities to add value and sell relevant additional services. Much of Four Pees’ efforts will focus on Atomyx, which only launched in February. A SaaS platform, Peire says it empowers printers to leverage cloud technology to facilitate connectivity. “Atomyx integrates disparate data sources into one central hub, simplifying the production process, while the platform streamlines operations, reduces costs, and enhances efficiency using three robust products – Atomyx Manage, Atomyx Prepare, and Atomyx Layout,” he adds. Plenty of Benefits Switching attention back to printing hardware and Duplo is another manufacturer that has been taking full advantage of advancements in automation and integrating the technology within its own solutions. Craig Harry, head of sales for Duplo UK, explains automation is a process that more and more industries are aiming towards, with the print sector being no exception to this trend. “Whether it is by necessity or a simple result of progress and innovation, markets, including the printing industry, feeder and stacker. This automatic feeding and stacking system can be retrofitted onto all VeloBlade Nexus models, which Evans says offers a time-saving production process with a stacking capacity of up to 100kg – eliminating the need for manual loading, saving both time and money. Overcoming Challenges Sticking with the software/automation crossover for the time being, Four Pees is a print automation specialist, working with PSPs to help modernise their businesses. Founder Tom Peire says with print companies facing numerous challenges, from rising material and energy costs to supply chain issues, shortages of skilled labour and margin erosion, automation can play a key role in helping them succeed. With this in mind, Four Pees has introduced Atomyx, a cloud-based print production management platform with the idea of ‘connected automation’ in the print industry. Peire explains: “Simply put, it is an approach whereby connectors ‘plug in’ different platforms and technologies that didn’t communicate before. ▲Fiery VeloFlow automates submission and job preparation processes across Vivid’s VeloBlade products Evans says, adding: “Trusted support and user-friendly interfaces are essential to ensure minimal learning curves for operators, reducing downtime and enabling quick resolutions. Additionally, the ability to offer personalised print products can provide a significant competitive advantage, so the technology should support customisation.” Glancing at Vivid’s own advances with automation, Evans highlights its partnership with Fiery Workflow Solutions, which he explains has revolutionised job preparation for the manufacturer’s VeloBlade digital die-cutting systems and flatbed taping systems, offering print operators an integrated, end-to-end solution. Here, Fiery VeloFlow automates submission and job preparation processes, generating print-ready files complete with finishing instructions, registration marks, and QR codes. This, he says, streamlines the finishing process and minimises the need for rework. As for physical equipment solutions, Vivid’s wide-format digital die-cutting automation includes the VeloBlade Nexus Printers should look for systems that seamlessly integrate with existing software and hardware to streamline the workflow AUTOMATION
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