Esko launches Automation Engine 12
Dynamic prepress workflow completes Odystar/Nexus/BackStage integration; now fully automated workflow for hybrid press jobs
Gent (Belgium), September 11th, 2012 – Esko (www.esko.com) announces full details of Automation Engine 12, a major component of the Suite 12 software for the packaging, label, sign making and display industries, which was launched at drupa 2012.
Automation Engine 12 takes workflow automation to the next level. Esko has completed the promised integration of its three legacy workflow applications - BackStage, Nexus and Odystar - into one single platform. Customers using these servers can now upgrade to Automation Engine 12 and benefit from its robust and scalable, fully database-driven framework, while maintaining their current workflows.
In addition, Automation Engine 12 achieves standout performance from all other products in the market by being the first to provide full workflow automation for jobs that combine multiple printing techniques. This allows for complete automation of complex packaging print jobs for the first time. Parameters such as trapping, preflighting and distortion can all differ depending on the printing process. Using Automation Engine 12, a printing process can be assigned to every separation in the file if necessary.
Esko Automation Engine 12 – a new standard for prepress workflow automation
Printing professionals face the daily challenges of needing to increase quality, reduce errors and drive cost out of business and production processes. Automation Engine 12 supports them every step of the way by reaching out to business systems to ensure seamless automation from order to print, while providing dynamic production workflows that are easy to set up and operate. Further specific new features of Automation Engine 12 are:
• Automated artwork creation of native files through comprehensive scripting support for Adobe applications (for example, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and third party tools such as Alwan.
• Seamless synchronization between business processes and production through substantially improved integration between Automation Engine and the WebCenter packaging management solution. Also, integration with devices such as Esko’s CDI flexo CTP platesetter has been improved.
• Complete traceability in the platemaking process - a unique plate ID ensures full control of plates going to press and guarantees that the correct plate is re-imaged when required.
• Improved Viewer, making it a full Quality Control tool. Extra Viewer filters allow breakout dots, flexo plate, flexo print, registration error simulation and Total Ink Coverage to be visualized.
• Fully renewed web-based administration section enables monitoring and intervention from remote locations.
Automation Engine is a backbone component of Suite 12, and integrates interactive applications, RIPs and web tools into a single powerful solution. Customers can also purchase Automation Engine 12 as a standalone product. It delivers increased efficiency and throughput, and saves time and money for packaging and label service providers and their customers.
"Automation Engine 12 takes automation of label production to a whole new level. It is the first server framework in the market to provide full automation for jobs that combine multiple printing techniques,“ says Dries Vandenbussche, Product Manager Server Platforms. "Its flexible scripting capability for more automated artwork creation, and the automatic synchronization with WebCenter, make Automation Engine 12 the ideal platform for complete automation from business system to plate or digital press.“
About Esko (www.esko.com)
Esko is a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional publishing. Esko products and services help customers raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business and improve profitability.
Portfolio
Esko is the worldwide market leader with software for artwork creation, structural design, pre-production, workflow automation, quality assurance and online collaboration. Esko solutions support and manage the packaging and print processes at brand owners, retailers, designers and packaging manufacturers.
CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging, label, signage and display industries.
Enfocus, with its suite of PDF tools for graphic designers and print production professionals, is part of Esko.
Facts & numbers
Esko employs around 1200 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region, completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Esko is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India.
For more information, visit www.esko.com or contact:
P.R. agencies
Europa, Asia, África
Nancy Vermeulen
duomedia
Tel: +32 2 560 21 50
nancy.v@duomedia.com
North America
Irvin Press
Press+
Tel: +1 508 384 0608
irv@press-plus.com
Esko
Corporate and EMEA
Jef Stoffels
Director of Corporate Marketing
Tel: +32 9 216 90 32
jef.stoffels@esko.com
Americas
Tim Zula
Director, Mktg. Communications
Tel: +1 937 535 6060
timothy.zula@esko.com
Asia-Pacific
Stephanie Peh
Marketing Executive
Tel: +65 624 994 49
stephanie.peh@esko.com
Japan
Simon Ivarsson
Pre-sales & Marketing Manager
Tel: +81 3 5909 7631
simon.ivarsson@esko.com
China
Charles Chan
Marketing Director Greater China
Tel: +86 21 6057 6565
charles.chan@esko.com