In 2024, ECO3 and eProductivity Software (ePS) began collaborating to develop custom end-to-end integrated printing workflows for the many printing and packaging businesses that use a mix of offset, flexo, hybrid, and digital presses.
The integrated workflows can shorten deadlines, reduce errors, and optimize production choices in enterprises use offset and/or flexo presses for high-volume jobs along with digital presses for shorter runs of pre-production samples or post-production reprints.
The tailored and scalable ECO3/ePS workflows can manage every phase of all of the production processes involved in fulfilling each order. For example, system users can enhance efficiencies and reduce costs in customer and order acquisition, job and financial management, prepress, production, and post-production.
Demonstration at 2024 PRINTING United Expo
At the PRINTING United 2024 in October, ECO3 and ePS demonstrated an integrated printing workflow that combines the capabilities of ECO3 Apogee prepress and workflow automation software with ePS print business management and web-to-print software.
The demonstration combined the prepress, web-based proof approval, and color-management capabilities of Apogee with ePS MarketDirect Storefront for order submissions, the ePS PACE Print MIS for streamlined workflows and accurate estimating, and PrintFlow 4D for intelligently scheduling jobs on different types of devices.
“Apogee is unique in that in addition to working with offset and flexo workflows, we also interface with cut-sheet digital presses through JDFs and their DFEs” explained Mark Gallucci, ECO3 Manager, Technology Marketing. “Plus, Apogee can direct drive wide-format devices.”
Instead of training press operators to run multiple software programs for each device, business owners can assign a single employee to render and color-manage all jobs, whether they will be printed on a flexo, offset, production inkjet press, or wide-format printer.
With the job specs received from the Print MIS, Apogee can set up the entire job. and send clear, straightforward directions to the operator of each production device. For example, the operator of a cut-sheet press will see which paper type should be loaded into which drawer, what resolution should be used, and how each job will be finished.
Apogee’s AI-driven imposition capabilities also save production time. For example, the software will automatically convert an imposition for making plates for a 40-inch offset press for high-volume runs into an imposition for a digital press that quickly produces 100 copies of the same printed item.
Elements of a job that will be printed on a specific type of wide-format print media can be automatically nested and batch-printed to minimize the time required to change media between jobs each day.
When the job is completed, Apogee sends the time and materials required to set up, print, and finish each job back to the integrated ePS Print MIS. This includes the cost of any changes made before or during production. For example, if a plate was remade for an offset-printed job, the business manager could see how this change impacted the total cost of producing the job.
Integrations for Mid-Sized Businesses
Not every printing business has the same requirements for integrated workflows. So, the ECO3 Apogee prepress and workflow automation software tightly integrates with other ePS products, such as the ePS Technique MIS for publication printers and the ePS Tharsten MIS for mid-sized commercial print operations.
About eProductivity Software
eProductivity Software is a global provider of industry-specific business and production software technology for the packaging and print industries. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with offices worldwide, ePS serves more than 4,000 mid-market and enterprise customers in fields such as a folding carton, corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, commercial print, publications, mailing, and display graphics.
ePS became an independent company in 2022, after an affiliate of Symphony Technology Group (STG) acquired the well-established software business of EFI (Electronics for Imaging, Inc.) Founded in 1989, EFI developed and continuously updated the Fiery print-management server and software and acquired some of the earliest developers of Print MIS programs such as PACE and PrintSmith.
In 2024, ePS acquired Enterprise Print Management Solutions (EPMS), an early innovator in estimating and pricing systems for processes such as sheet-fed offset, flexo, screen printing, digital, and superwide-format inkjet.
For more information, visit: https://epssw.com/
About ECO3
ECO3 supplies prepress systems and materials that help users of offset and flexo presses achieve higher productivity, lower costs, and greener outcomes. Their range of integrated solutions include printing plates, computer-to-plate systems, pressroom chemicals, and workflow software. Their mission is to help minimize the use of chemicals, eliminate water consumption, and reduce ink consumption.
Aurelius formed ECO3 after acquiring the Agfa Offset Solutions division from the Agfa-Gevaert Group in 2023. The Agfa Gevaert Group launched the first version of the Apogee prepress and workflow automation software for offset printers in 2003 and continuously updated its features and capabilities.
For more information visit www.ECO3.com. Follow ECO3 on LinkedIn and Facebook.