Esko has unveiled a tailored version of Esko Automation Engine, designed exclusively HP Production Pro for Indigo L&P DFE users to increase capacity in upstream prepress processes and boost productivity in digital labels and packaging production.

Esko Automation Engine for HP Indigo is a prepress automation software that drives more jobs faster to HP Indigo labels and packaging presses and incorporates features specifically designed for the digital printing environment.

The bespoke software, which is easy to implement and intuitive for users, is being showcased at Dscoop Edge 2019 conference in Orlando, Florida, March 24-27.

HP Indigo has recognized the need for prepress automation to enable customers to take maximum advantage of their press capabilities and this new collaboration is reflective of the evolution in the strategic relationship between the companies in color and workflow focused innovation.

Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager of HP Indigo, commented: “HP Indigo digital presses are the leading technology driving digital transformation in labels and packaging. Esko’s prepress workflow automation software can significantly increase productivity for HP Indigo customers. By automating prepress, jobs can be delivered faster and more accurately to maximise press capacity.”

At Dscoop Edge, delegates will discover how the new prepress software creates complete visibility of press resources and activities through its bi-directional connection capability. Additional unique benefits include automatic multi-SKU layouts and the ability to combine static and variable data jobs in one production run. Enabling superior prepress quality control, including version comparison, barcode and braille reading, the software accelerates operator efficiency and reduces waste with unique digital layout capabilities.

With the global print industry experiencing more frequent production jobs, reducing run lengths and shorter lead-time demands from brands, digital presses are growing in popularity to meet the challenge. However, digital printing relies on the efficiency of the prepress process to optimize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Esko President Mattias Byström said: “As digital press speeds accelerate, the only way to guarantee a fast return on investment today, and for years to come, is to adopt prepress automation. The new Automation Engine edition for HP Indigo is another important vehicle to help customers automate. HP Indigo and Esko complementary technologies drive efficiency across the packaging supply chain to meet the needs of brands around the world.”

In addition to the launch, Esko industry standard applications, Esko Deskpack and Esko ArtPro+, will now also be hosted on the cloud-based HP PrintOS Market Place, alongside the full Esko Automation Engine software package. Customers can upgrade to secure a comprehensive portfolio of prepress solutions to drive OEE in the digital printing environment and help them achieve maximum press uptime.