Getting Connected
Package printers have their hands full. While their focus is directed toward meeting the needs of their customers, they must accomplish this by spending their money wisely and increasing profits in their own operations. In the past few years, business production software has come to the rescue of package printers faced with the increasing need to run a lean business, while maintaining high-quality standards.
Display Pack of Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those looking for a better way to streamline processes and exchange information. Its custom-developed business management system lacked strong estimation and business integration, and the means to provide financial information. Display Pack began using Radius Solutions’ PECAS Vision II, an enterprise resource planning system that provides estimating and scheduling, material control, customer service, job processing, financial reports and inventory management. The system, which can be integrated across various plants, is geared toward companies printing roll and sheet labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging.
With PECAS, Display Pack was able to remove unproductive business processes. In looking at estimated costs versus actual costs, the company discovered it was breaking even on work performed for a longtime, high-volume customer. “We learned the hard way that high volume and lots of sales dollars don’t necessarily mean that you’re making money,” says Holly Francies, team leader of Display Pack.
The following companies offer business production solutions.
Imposition editor gets an update
With DiMS! 700, users can create impositions detailing a job’s edition block, fold lines, cutting lines, glue lines, color bars, slitter lines, crosshairs, and delivery positions using customer-defined XML templates. New scheduling module features include a materials histogram with a graphic history of stock usage, scheduling board with production order information, cylinder planning module, and Outlook-like views of scheduling details. Shipping instructions can be entered into the DiMS! system, exported into an Excel spreadsheet, and sent to a courier to determine transportation requirements.—DiMS! organizing print, www.dims.net
Information processing system for graphic arts
THE System contains 100 modules including nine industry-specific estimating modules, which handle information processing needs of graphics art companies. Modules include costing, shop floor data collection, and sales and marketing. Web-enabled, real-time modules can handle job tracking and ordering of finished goods.—CRC Information Systems, www.crcinfosys.com
Prepress production
OpForma Enterprise Suite is a stand-alone, Web-based prepress production solution for constantly changing workflows. It ensures that users receive operational data in real time for monitoring, analysis, and reporting. It automatically collects raw operational data from desktops, workflow, and data management systems, and provides real-time and historical reporting, and customized views of job milestones, task status, and more.—EFI, www.efi.com
Live production data
HawkEye provides real-time visibility of live production data on a large flat-panel monitor, desktop PC, or configured wireless PDA or phone. With HawkEye, managers know what machines are in setup or experiencing downtime, as well as what machines are running and how their performance compares to the expected plan.—Operon Systems, www.operonsystems.com
Job management
Label Traxx is job management software for narrow-web flexo printers or printers specializing in in-line roll converting. It is a cross-platform system, comprised of nine modules that contain everything needed for streamlining communication and managing its business.—Tailored Solutions, www.tailored.com
System offers complete database
Primac's Production Module produces a database in which estimates created in the Job Estimating System (JES) are turned into production orders or "Job Jackets." The Shop Floor Information System (SFIS) collects data through numerical entry pads, wands, or touch screens. Information flows from SFIS and JES to the rest of Primac, which instantly updates files.—Primac Systems, www.primacsystems.com
Estimating system
The Print Management Information System enables an operator to estimate the cost of manufacturing a product after entering customer information and description, specifications, and features of the job. The Job Costing application captures material and labor costs associated with each job.—RGM Software Services, www.rgmsoftware.com
High performance system
Microsoft Great Plains is a scalable system with advanced features such as 1,000 stored procedures, transaction roll back, and recovery. Other features include reporting, business alerts, customizable workflow, and personalized interfaces.—Computer Productivity Services, Inc., www.cpsinc.ca
Software molds to needs
GT Enterprise helps structure the parameters that address a company's requirements including operations, terminology, and units of measure. Information is shared among all modules, guaranteeing the quality and integrity of the information and providing efficient, accurate data, and reduces labor.–Globe Tek, www.globe-tekcorp.com
Real-time information
With intraFLEX, companies can manage scheduling, shipping, and more. Components are tightly integrated, providing access to real-time information. Integration from estimates to financials allows employees to access customer-specific information.—Collaborative Studios, www.intraflex.net
Full automation and integration
TORI-FLEX provides full automation and integration for continuous film and plastic bag manufacturing, and was developed with industry features and functions exclusive to flexible film extrusion, laminating, flexo printing, and converting. It offers real-time data and full interoperability between all departments and processes.—Plastisoft, www.plastisoft.com pP
