Packaging Solutions
Esko continues to bring innovations to market while delivering outstanding value to its customers, unveiling a host of new updates for its integrated software platform which will bring operational efficiency improvements to the packaging value chain.
From 25 November, significant new functionality has become available to customers with the release of an 18.1 update of the Esko Software Platform, the suite of software solutions from Esko, the global supplier to the label, packaging and wide format sectors. These include:
ArtPro+ – updated with a patented new trapping concept, expanded support for Action Lists and new Dynamic Marks.
ArtiosCAD 18.1 – enhanced canvas layout, manufacturing tools, latest DWG and Spatial libraries, and new functionality in the innovative ArtiosCAD Preflight module now including automatic fixing.
Automation Engine – new ‘Optimize File’ task to simplify user experience, new tasks exploiting the processing steps in native PDF.
Device Manager in Automation Engine – new optimised merging algorithm to reduce flexo platemaking waste.
Cape Pack – new online Truck Analysis giving greater functionality and savings potential.
Share & Approve – new customised e-mails, forward approval function and reporting on approval KPIs.
Jan de Roeck, Esko director of marketing, industry relations and strategy, said that the updates would drive increased efficiency by enhancing and improving the user experience and offering a greater range of functions for customers.
‘We are delighted to be making these updates available all at once, underlining our commitment to a fully integrated ecosystem of solutions and a commitment to our users, ensuring they enjoy continued support, benefits and updates when using Esko software,’ said Jan. ‘For example, our next generation native PDF editor for packaging pre-press, ArtPro+, now incorporates an innovative, object based trapping feature which addresses one of the most time consuming elements of packaging and label pre-press work. This patent pending concept pushes the ‘right first time’ ratio to 70% and enables individual changes and enhancements to be made in a sustainable way.’
The latest software updates all lead to greater accuracy, efficiency and consistency across a design and print workflow. ‘Once you are on board with an Esko workflow, you will enjoy continued support along the ride, each update bringing significant benefits,’ said Jan, ‘and those using several tools in an integrated workflow should expect to be stunned by the massive combined improvements to their workflow.’
The new Esko software updates include new ArtPro+ update, which is undoubtedly a game changer, as Jan explained: ‘So far in packaging there has not been a single solution that can automate and accurately trap a packaging or label job due to the requirements of different printing processes, substrates and the use of spot inks and embellishments. But this new patented concept as part of ArtPro+ now tags upfront how a file should be trapped, making this a real breakthrough in artwork and design.’
The new automated trapping concept is far from the only new feature being added to Esko ArtPro+ though. ‘The update also features a series of new Action Lists helping to apply house standards before the file is even opened,’ said Jan. ‘It also supercharges brand new Dynamic Marks, reducing the time operators need to create or amend print sheet layouts, helping ArtPro+ stand out from other packages.’
ArtiosCAD 18.1 benefits from enhancements to the manufacturing tools which allow designers to optimize the nested layout for digital production or for die cut tooling production as part of this update. ‘The latest DWG and Spatial library for integration with Solidworks is also available and ensures Esko ArtiosCAD maintains its number one position as the professional’s choice for structural packaging design and manufacturing,’ said Jan. ‘ArtiosCAD can also now automatically fix common anomalies identified in Esko ArtiosCAD Preflight. This will invariably save structural designers several minutes on each design by totally eliminating the need to manually search for design flaws and make corrections, in turn boosting productivity.’
Automation Engine also enjoys a substantial update. ‘Whenever we are developing software solutions, we work to ensure they are easy to use while bringing added value to our customers,’ said Jan. ‘Esko Automation Engine is also upgraded to support all the new trapping modifications and Dynamic Marks, enjoying full compatibility with the host of new features.’
As Automation Engine now connects to the Esko Cloud with the Automation Engine Cloud Connector, it has just become significantly easier for customers to deploy expert skills even if they are residing at a remote facility, or to easily move jobs to another site in an effort to balance workload.
A new ‘Optimize File’ task has been introduced, which consolidates three existing tasks into one thereby simplifying the user experience, while the new update also now enables Esko Automation Engine users to work with native PDF files, including the use of processing steps in PDF.
‘The update supports Esko ArtPro+ templates for web and sheet layout creation, so a fully native PDF workflow can be set up. This eliminates the need for any file conversion and related complexity of file processing and therefore simplifies the workflow setup and maintenance,’ said Jan. ‘It also extends the graphic capabilities of classic workflows with new PDF action lists and powerful Dynamic Marks, enabling all users to automate repetitive pre-press tasks without the need for scripting or programming skills.’
The updated Device Manager in Esko Automation Engine comes with a new optimised merging algorithm and will help ensure less waste of expensive flexo plate material.
The addition of the online Truck Analysis feature brings added functionality to Cape Pack, the Esko palletisation software that optimizes product and case sizes for shipping. ‘This newest update includes a brand new, simple to use online Truck Loading creator and interactive 3D viewer,’ said Jan. ‘Users can complete their pallet load formatting and then fill a virtual truck to identify and analyse different logistical solutions.
‘Users of Share & Approve, our cloud native approval tool which enables users to upload, review and annotate packaging and label jobs in 2D and hyper-3D, will also benefit from additional functions as part of this update,’ added Jan.
‘Customised e-mails, reporting on approval KPIs and a new Forward Approval function will all be included in the base version from November onwards. With this new Forward Approval feature, a user can invite another person to approve files instead of, or in addition to, themselves.
‘Our research and development teams work tirelessly to ensure a regular heartbeat of updates for our solutions.
‘We value the dialogue we have with our customers in advisory boards and inner circle meetings because only with an intimate understanding our customer’s needs will we develop software that answers even the most challenging demands.’
‘We are continually responding to industry requirements and develop innovative solutions that deliver value to our customers. The extensive list of new features in the November update of the Esko Software Suite 18.1, available for global release from November 25th onwards, is the evidence of this.’
