Software

Sonor Graphics, Incorporated (Sonor) announced today that it has entered into agreement with X-Rite, Incorporated (X-Rite), developer and supplier of colour management hardware and software solutions, to distribute X-Rite's PrintCheck and PressOptimizer software products throughout Canada. Under the agreement, Sonor will serve as master distributor for this line of software, and will provide sales, marketing and pre-sales technical support for these products to X-Rite's Canadian dealer channel.

The X-Rite PrintCheck and PressOptimizer software help commercial printers establish and maintain stable print runs, thereby enabling them to consistently hit standards like GRACoL and SWOP. Print buyers, including brand companies and ad agencies, can then use PrintCheck Reader or PrintCheck Review to confirm that jobs were printed to their specifications.

Brad Moore, Sonor's Managing Partner, said, "We are very happy to add X-Rite as our newest partner. We use the X-Rite PrintCheck software ourselves, as part of our free press audit, available online to all commercial printers in Canada. The software helps identify issues with ink density, grey balance and other factors that contribute to waste, and which increase the time it takes to get jobs on and off press. Often, working with a local reseller, we can reduce a printer's paper and ink consumption, particularly in the make-ready stage, and thereby save him money on every job he prints. The press audit often uncovers issues or opportunities with press consumables like paper, ink, plates, blankets, rollers, and fountain solution that the local reseller can help the printer address."

Josh Nadon, who heads sales for X-Rite in Canada, explained the choice by adding, "Sonor Graphics brings technical expertise and knowledge of how to go to market with this kind of product that we believe will benefit our resellers and add value to our the resellers' customers." X-Rite communicated the new relationship with Sonor to its network of Canadian resellers earlier this month.

For professional contract proofs for offset and gravure printing applications, ColorGATE now offers a new product—CG Isoproof—high-quality proof paper specialties in grammages of 200 and 245 g/m2, both in either semi-matte and gloss quality. With brilliant colour reproduction and finest colour nuances even in dark or shaded areas, the new CG Isoproof media are superior to ISO Coated v2 (ECI), the reference colour space for coated offset paper according to FOGRA39.

CG Isoproof specialties offer neutral paper white and outstanding colour stability with absolutely no optical brighteners; optimum media reference white eliminates the need for any paper simulation. Certified by Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft Druck e. V., all the CG Isoproof formats meet the requirements of ISO 12647-7:2007. Another seal of quality is the "CA approved" label from Color Alliance, a globally active certification cooperation.

This paper is optimised for use with ColorGATE RIP Software using proof technology. Due to its micro-porous surface, it has the best drying characteristics and outstanding resistance to water and ageing. Best possible flatness is guaranteed, even for high ink application.

CG Isoproof is available as roll goods (30 m in length) from authorised sales partners in the following widths: 17 inches (43.2 cm); 24 inches (61.0 cm); 36 inches (91.4 cm); 42 inches (106.7 cm); 44 inches (111.8 cm); 50 inches (127.0 cm); 54 inhces (137.2 cm) and 60 inches (152.4 cm). Product samples (17-inch rolls by 5 m) are also available at a nominal charge.

 

Enfocus achieved 20% growth worldwide in 2010 following the implementation of a comprehensive operational review. Key to this success was the buoyant double-digit contribution from the North American market. The company also recorded an impressive 45% sales increase for its Switch solution.

The increase follows a thorough operational review that was conducted to improve on 2009 results. “2010 was a rebound year for Enfocus,” states Enfocus Vice-President Fabian Prudhomme: “The 2009 figures reflect the challenging economic climate during that period. We decided to scrutinise our operational procedures and looked at ways to improve the way we work. The review ensured we reached and exceeded the sales target set for 2010.”

Enfocus bounces back after strategic review

Enfocus significantly increased revenue and bolstered its market share in North America after appointing key personnel and making a number of internal changes: “For us, 2010 was very much about reaffirming Enfocus’ status in North America, and latest sales figures show we have achieved this,” says Prudhomme. “We aim to build on this momentum in 2011 and take a larger slice of this key market. We’re optimistic sales figures in 12 months’ time will indicate continued growth.”

The impressive turnaround in the company’s fortunes follows the implementation of an 18-month long strategy for ensuring sustainable growth. It included a business plan encompassing several initiatives to grow market share in key areas, geographical expansion, organisational changes, product-related changes and development plans. The strategy focused primarily on Enfocus’ automation solutions, while at the same time maintained the company’s market-leading position regarding preflight.

“We regained market share in some regions where we’d ‘lost contact’,” adds Prudhomme. “Crucially, we also significantly increased revenue from some of our key solutions that will play a major role in our mid to long term strategy.”

45% more customers made the Switch

One of those headline solutions was Switch, which enjoyed a sales boost of 45% compared to 2009. Prudhomme explains: “Our customers are beginning to understand the impact automation can have on their business. Our excellent entry-level automation solutions are scalable to meet their particular needs, plus they integrate seamlessly with our preflight technologies.”

Enfocus’ portfolio also includes PitStop Connect. The solution, which has been well received following its Ipex launch, helps designers, printers and publishers connect with each other simply and more effectively, and work more productively. The October launch of PitStop Pro 10 comprised a number of significant customer-requested enhancements and features, spurring a high adoption rate.

In terms of license and upgrade sales, preflight solutions continue to be the best-selling applications, with PitStop Pro clearly at the top.

Customer support doubled

At the heart of Enfocus’ strategy is its ‘You first!’ philosophy. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our products, but we’re aware that there’s always room for improvement,” says Prudhomme. “This is why we doubled our customer support capacity in 2010. Enfocus customers know they are valued – our greatly increased support operation ensures their voices are heard and any issues are resolved promptly.”

Enfocus is committed to developing its support operation, and in 2011 will continue evaluating its processes and make improvements accordingly.

Future focus

Enfocus will be launching a range of activities to support the continued growth of the new Crossroads program. It will develop an international community of Switch-using partners, while significant changes within the Switch architecture will be introduced to address the needs of different markets. The company will also continue to focus on growing the business in North America and expanding its presence in Asia. Finally, a new corporate website will improve the way it communicates with customers, prospects and the media.

Prudhomme concludes: “We’ve taken the time to establish the right path for growth while maintaining a very lean organization. Our team of software professionals is committed to building on the success of 2010, and have the ideal working infrastructure to realise this goal.”

GMG UK, a leading developer and supplier of high-end colour management software solutions, today announces that it has acquired Complete Workflow Solutions (CWS). CWS has become an independent subsidiary company of the GMG Group.

CWS is a leading media production technology company supplying and supporting a range of workflow, digital asset management and IT services. A UK reseller and integrator for Dalim Software workflow and Xinet asset management solutions, CWS will continue to supply these leading technologies as part of the GMG Group.

Following over 14 years implementing and managing IT systems at McCann Erickson, Marcus Wright, Managing Director, founded CWS to provide UK retail, advertising and corporate clients with highly-efficient, fully-integrated and automated prepress production management capabilities. The experienced CWS team includes Spencer Sturgeon as Technical Director and Gary Meadows as Solutions Director.

"There is a huge amount of synergy between GMG and CWS, companies which both supply best of breed technologies," says Ian Scott, MD of GMG UK. "GMG develops sophisticated colour management solutions which ensure consistent colour at every stage of the production process from the digital asset right through to the final printed product whatever the process. Today our clients want colour control to be incorporated into every part of the workflow and CWS complements our solutions with its considerable integration expertise."

"This is a perfect match which strengthens both companies and unites a client base across the full production spectrum," says Marcus. "Our clients will benefit from an expanded set of skills and technologies seamlessly integrated to give them maximum efficiency and quality."

Paul Willems, CEO, GMG GmbH & Co.KG says: "The tremendous success of our direct sales organisation in the UK has enabled them to make this acquisition. Our customers in the UK look to GMG to provide more than just a suite of products, they want total workflow integration, consultancy, support and training. What we learn from this partnership in the UK will have  positive impact on our global business as we continue to expand the scope of our services."

CWS Ltd will continue to operate from its London office with Marcus Wright as MD. For details about the company and its range of technologies and services please visit www.completeworkflow.com.

Wasatch SoftRIP has been instrumental in helping Apache Mills, Inc. streamline their workflow and make their production process more efficient. In business since 1970, Apache Mills leads the way in designing and manufacturing quality floor mats, matting, and OEM materials for the home, commercial, and industrial markets.

Apache Mills started using SoftRIP after it was recommended to them by MacDermid Autotype, but Jeff Young, an art director at Apache Mills, has been using Wasatch for nearly 20 years. "I prefer Wasatch because it's easy to set up, easy to use, and has great workflow tools that really make our production process more efficient," said Young.

Apache Mills uses SoftRIP, as well as MacDermid film and a Roland SOLJET PRO III XJ-640, to print the film positives that are used for screen printing on various types of mat material. "The Layout screen in SoftRIP is a time-saving feature I couldn't work without," said Young. "It's so easy to bring files into Wasatch. I simply drag and drop multiple files right into the Layout screen and make sure everything looks right before I RIP and print. And, the Smart Nesting feature allows me to create media- and time-saving layouts automatically."

Apache Mills' broad manufacturing expertise plays an important role in servicing the residential and commercial matting markets. Wasatch SoftRIP is the perfect solution for helping them bring new high qualilty, unique, and innovative mats to market year after year. "Wasatch is powerful and intuitive," said Young. "It also helps us streamline our workflow, which saves us time and money."

 

EskoArtwork will showcase how its sophisticated suite of digital flexo, workflow automation and pre-production solutions help customers competitively enhance their production at Gulf Print & Pack on stand C760. Gulf Print & Pack takes place at Dubai at Airport Expo, from March 14 to 17.

“The Middle East is an important market for EskoArtwork which is why we recently established a new sales office in Istanbul,” says Jacques Staelens, EskoArtwork’s Regional Business Manager MEA. “Gulf Print & Pack is traditionally a very busy show for us and we are confident our portfolio of solutions that enable our customers to optimise costs, streamline workflow and improve quality will again prove to be a must see for all visitors.”

During the show, EskoArtwork will highlight following solutions on its stand:

• Suite 10 with integrated software solutions for packaging prepress, 3D structural design and quality assurance, collaboration and automation, and colour management. Visitors can follow demonstrations of the Automation Engine 10 and version 10 releases of all editor applications: ArtPro 10, PackEdge 10, DeskPack 10, ArtiosCAD 10 and Studio 10. Integrated more than ever, Automation Engine 10 adds capabilities to the automation of repetitive tasks, and takes the human interaction out of the pre-production process. This avoids mistakes and saves considerable time and money. 
• Packaging expertise with HD Flexo 2.0, which has been designed to help customers maximise their production capabilities, ensuring high quality and consistent flexo printing. It combines 4000 dpi HD optics on the EskoArtwork Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) with advanced MicroCell screening technologies to produce sharper and more accurate imaging. The new version is an evolution of EskoArtwork’s patented PlateCell technology and provides higher solid ink density (SID) for more vibrant colours on packaging while printing with standard flexo inks and anilox rollers.
• Versatility of substrate choice is one of the benefits demonstrated by the small format Kongsberg i-XE10. The high precision digital cutting table provides an efficient and adaptable digital finishing solution for short-run production of a variety of visual communications including sign and display and labels.