The Job Management module allows users to automatically create jobs and efficiently organize production data.
A job in Automation Engine represents a production order that organizes the data storage and the job’s metadata, its link to order ID, due date, customer info, Customer Service Representative contacts… A job can also contain graphical specifications like barcode, inks, RIP options… This information can be (re)used in any workflow.
What’s more, the Automation Engine Cloud Connector makes it possible to move jobs - not just design files, but entire production folders - safely and securely from one production facility to another.
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Detect content errors on any file type prior to any output. This module offers detailed quality control tools for all jobs. You can compare versions of the same file, of different files, between file types (screened, stepped…).
There is also barcode scanning and braille reading.
Workflows in Automation Engine can work with Global Vision inspection checks.
Optional Global Vision functionality allows for automatic quality control checks like text, artwork, spelling, braille, barcodes. The result: a secure prepress flow with accurate quality. Read more about Global Vision functionality in Automation Engine.
Report cards are based on a predefined template that customizes the report card for a specific job, using its attributes, customer information, and details that can be extracted from the database. Even metadata like ink coverage and barcode specifications can be added.
3D PDF files can be generated from the structural data associated with the job. Combined with the graphical data, it gives a 3D view of how the actual job will look like. This 3D view can even be integrated in the report card.
Esko Share And Approve helps Automation Engine users to speed up approvals from their customers. Find out more.
Automation Engine features automated imposition and step-and-repeat for both conventional and digital printing including variable data processing.
The layout module offers all tools to step & repeat, impose or nest files. The layout module supports any segment: labels, folding carton, corrugated, digital, commercial print, signage or display production.
Data can be acquired from an external database or MIS system to further streamline and automate the overall job processing.
The Processor Module offers extensive content processing capabilities. It’s a consistent way of processing incoming files, separations are optimized automatically. It’s ready for automated variable data expansion and has Enfocus Smart Preflight on board.
Enfocus PitStop is fully integrated into Automation Engine, which allows over 200 checks to be performed automatically.
Automation Engine integrates seamlessly with any existing infrastructure (MIS, ERP…). Automation Engine accepts a wide range of desktop publishing formats, supporting RIPs or file servers and all industry standards such as PDF, XML, XMP, SQL queries and JDF/JMF communication.
Automation Engine Connect is a toolkit that allows integration from a third-party product with an Esko component (WebCenter, Automation Engine or ArtiosCAD).
The Color module offers centralized color management with ink saving tools and advanced color conversion tasks. The color functionality offers a reduction of ink consumption and a most stable print quality. There’s also a distinct reduction of press setup time thanks to an automated conversion into a fixed color set.
It allows operators to use the most efficient ink set and reduce unnecessary print time. Color Preflight for Automation Engine also allows you to make use of EPM with confidence: decide on EPM (or another print mode) based on objective criteria. HP Indigo customers report increased color consistency and 17 hours extra press capacity per month. Read more about Color Preflight.
The automated flexo platemaking module enables a fully automated platemaking workflow. Starting from a ripped LEN file all the way to the exposed flexo plate on the CDI.
The Automation Engine Platemaking module removes the need to manually crop and extend .LEN files, add QC files…
Any activity on output devices is automatically registered. The Automation Engine Device Manager has a bi-directional link with devices such as Esko’s CDI imager and Kongsberg cutting table.
The Device Manager moves operational control upstream to the prepress department. Flexo platemaking and digital finishing operations are better integrated with the prepress workflow. Operators use Device Manager to monitor job statuses, and to manage and prioritize the queues of all connected devices.
The Device Manager allows companies to use their hardware at maximum capacity by smart estimation functionality and the possibility to balance loads between devices. Read more about Device Manager for trade shops and converters and Device Manager for signage and display producers.