Heidelberg says it is offering print shops the prospect of continued profitability thanks to hybrid production and Prinect Touch Free.
In conjunction with Prinect Production Manager, Prinect Touch Free autonomously steers print orders through the workflow in a hybrid production environment. It automatically selects the most cost-effective production path
Supported by AI, the Prinect Touch Free native cloud software calculates all possible layouts autonomously and decides iteratively, on the basis of the complete order backlog, which method (offset or digital printing) represents the more efficient, more cost-effective production path that will also meet the delivery deadline. The software analyses the order backlog and production key performance indicators on an ongoing basis, learns from this, and consequently optimizes the decisions made for future jobs.
Heidelberg has based Prinect Touch Free is based on the app modules: Pathfinder, Decision Maker with Batch Building, and Auto Scheduler.
Pathfinder works out all the production paths that are possible with the production technology available in the print shop. It draws up the relevant layouts and calculates the production costs for each possible path.
By factoring in costs and the delivery date, Decision Maker decides which of the production paths identified should be selected, and it considers alternatives, too. In the Batch Building module, pending print orders are grouped together to minimize any machine changeovers and paper changes and also to optimize processes in postpress operations. Auto
Scheduler is responsible for optimising the production schedule on an ongoing basis.
Prinect Touch Free takes account of postpress requirements and possible printing systems from third-party suppliers. Heidlberg says it handles large order volumes with ease. It factors in the automatic scheduling as well as schedule changes in the event of machine malfunction or staff absence. The colour management is adapted automatically for the output device in question with no need for human intervention.
Dr. David Schmedding, management board member for technology and sales at Heidelberg, says, “Nowadays, Heidelberg is a total solution provider and partner that can supply and integrate all the latest technologies on a technology-neutral basis and in line with customer requirements. We offer the entire spectrum – from toner to inkjet and from offset to flexo printing – all controlled from a common Prinect workflow.”
Heidelberg says in a hybrid production environment with different presses and printing methods, it is even more important to keep necessary interventions in the production process to an absolute minimum. Each touchpoint comes at a cost in terms of time and resources, and there is an associated risk of error. Other issues include a skills shortage; smaller print runs; and the number of print jobs in a shift increasing. Heidelberg says for print shops to remain profitable, the production process needs to be as automated as possible.
