Autumn Graphics Extends Esko Virtual Proofing

MIAMISBURG, OH—June 11, 2013—Autumn Graphics has extended AG Virtual Proof, their Esko WebCenter-based service, with the WebCenter Lifecycle Management Module to offer full tracking, monitoring and review/approval services throughout the packaging supply chain.

Founded in 1982 and based in London, Ontario, Autumn Graphics is an independent, privately owned company providing prepress, plate production and graphics management services to consumer product companies, converters, printers and ad agencies. Autumn Graphics has been an innovator for many years. It was one of the first in Canada to install a drum scanner, an early adopter of computer to film for both litho and flexo, and the first Canadian installation of Artwork Systems' (then known as PCC) PackFlow software. Autumn Graphics was also a beta testing partner and early adopter of flattop plate technology. "Our team focus pretty much all of our work in packaging—mostly for consumer products and pharmaceuticals, and the converter suppliers to those industries," said Ben Abray, president of Autumn Graphics.

Four years ago, Autumn Graphics transitioned to Esko WebCenter’s basic approval and workflow tools. They started with a few customers, adding more customers while building more elaborate workflows and a supporting asset management system. Called the AG Virtual Proof system, it provides convenient, secure and cost-effective internet-based communication for graphics revision and approval cycles. Inside a user-friendly workspace, independent projects can be created, populated, monitored and discussed by team members. Using a standard Internet browser, team members can view projects, make annotations, request revisions, compare versions and approve or reject items or entire projects.

“We wanted to take more advantage of WebCenter and thought that the WebCenter Lifecycle Management Module could enhance our working relationships with our customers,” remembered Abray. The WebCenter Lifecycle Management Module lets users streamline and control the complexities of the packaging development lifecycle. Users can design dynamic request forms and process flows to manage the project lifecycle from the briefing stage through to product delivery.

“We wanted to offer not only file and job submission and prepress but also provide more visibility to job scheduling, extending the breadth of job management. We saw ourselves drilling deeper up and down into the supply chain for each project,” Abray recalled. “We could also see ourselves offering customers visibility and access to assets after the job was done. Building those features into the workflow meant that ultimately we’d have less work to do on a project basis, customers would have instant retrieval of information and files and they wouldn’t be beholden to the availability of an Autumn Graphics CSR.”

“The WebCenter Lifecycle Management Module is pretty easy to use once the correct job data and file inflow, workflow and user roles are defined. We’ve been using it successfully for several months, and there’s still much more we can do with it,” commented Abray. “As we look at a job’s lifecycle, we now build and track our own work to when the customer receives our plates and they mounted on cylinder.”

Every market and every customer is different based upon the level of commitment and interest to track and enter data. Because Autumn Graphics can link responsibilities until other tasks are completed, it allows a broken workflow to stay on track. “When we are measuring the workflow, we can chart our own performance against predetermined timelines,” said Abray. “It was very difficult to measure timelines before, unless we were creating a spreadsheet. Automated approvals are received with more clarity with each person’s next steps, so jobs keep on track.

A substantial portion of Autumn Graphics’ work is directed by brand owners. They follow premedia and roles are assigned to other suppliers. Brand owners can look at the system and refer to a list of projects, getting a good snapshot of where they are, along with access to their files. For printer customers, WebCenter provides all the information they want along with the ability to communicate job specs and attach documents automatically, so they become metadata in the database.

“We have just opened a new operation, Autumn Graphics U.S. Inc., located in northwest Arkansas. WebCenter has been configured to monitor production in the organizations in both Canada and the U.S.,” Abray concludes. “Because WebCenter and its WebCenter Lifecycle Management Module offers visibility and accountability to everyone involved in the workflow, everyone has ownership of roles in a project workflow.”

About Esko
Esko is a global supplier of integrated solutions for the packaging and labels, sign and display, commercial printing and professional publishing industries. Esko products and services drive profitability in the packaging and printing supply chain by reducing time-to-market and raising productivity.

Portfolio
Esko is the worldwide market leader with software for packaging management, artwork creation, structural design, pre-production, 3D visualization, workflow automation, quality assurance and supply chain collaboration. Esko solutions support and manage the packaging and print processes at brand owners, retailers, designers, packaging manufacturers and print service providers.

CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital finishing systems complete the portfolio.
Enfocus, with its suite of automation solutions and PDF quality control tools for printers, publishers, and graphic designers, is part of Esko.

Facts and numbers
Esko employs around 1,200 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe, Middle East and Africa, the Americas and the Asia Pacific, Japan and China regions and is complemented 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. Esko is a Danaher company.

Source: Esko.