Automation Engine

Tailor-made features for seamless workflows

Smarter workflows

With Job Management users can automatically create jobs and efficiently organize data storage and the job’s metadata, its link to order ID, due date, customer info and customer service representative contacts.

Ensures the correct files are always used
Saves time spent searching for files
Reduces product recalls

Job Management: Smart & automated data management

NEW

Dynamic VDP tools

Extended support for VDP templates created in ArtPro+ with PDF+ VDP templates for Roll Fed labels, and the Expand Dynamic VDP function supporting both templates from DeskPack and PDF+ templates from ArtPro+
Support for Step & Repeat CAD with new capability to create CAD-based VDP templates in ArtPro+ and extend it by Expand Dynamic VDP data for Step and Repeat tasks

Free Guide

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Right first time

With Viewing & QA , content errors are detected on any file type prior to output. Compare versions of the same file, of different files, or between file types (screened, stepped) – there is even barcode scanning and braille reading.

Reduces product recalls
Higher quality output
Discrepancies are caught and resolved automatically

Viewing & QA: Easily detect content errors on production files, prior to output

Analytics at your fingertips

Automatically create job reports with Reporting and 3D. Enabling you to customize job report card templates and create 3D PDF files to give a 3D view of how the actual job will look.

Easy-to-read reports that can be shared with your customer
Creating reports is done automatically
High quality 3D views

Step and Repeat

With Layout you can automatically step & repeat, impose or nest files for both conventional and digital printing, including variable data processing. The function supports labels, folding carton, corrugated, digital, commercial print, signage or display production, with data acquired from an external database or MIS system to further streamline and automate the overall job processing.

Predictable, repeatable and data driven stepping
Automated stepping process
Reduced manual intervention

Report on the fly

The Processor feature automatically checks and corrects supplied files for common errors with full reports generated ad hoc. Not only is this a consistent way of processing incoming files, with separations optimized automatically, but it is also ready for automated variable data expansion and has Enfocus Smart Preflight on board. Enfocus PitStop is also fully integrated into Automation Engine, which allows over 200 checks to be performed automatically.

Full reports are dynamically generated against checked files
Files are automatically checked and corrected
Incoming files are processed in a consistent way

Color Conversion

The Color feature offers centralized color management with ink saving tools and advanced color conversion tasks. The color functionality delivers a reduction of ink consumption and the most stable print quality.

There’s also a distinct reduction of press setup time thanks to an automated conversion into a fixed color set. Furthermore, you can automatically convert from source CMYK to destination CMYK, use Equinox to Convert spot colors to a fixed ink set e.g., CMYKOGV, and UCR, GCR and ink saving can be applied on the fly

Predictable, repeatable color conversion
Increased press uptime as there are less wash outs required between print runs
Cost savings on ink and the ability to run multiple jobs on single press runs

While Automation Engine has more than enough power to drive your prepress workflow, there are a number of optional modules to deliver boosts where you might need it most.

Automation Engine Connect

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, as well as 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).

Color Preflight

It allows operators to use the most efficient ink set and reduce unnecessary print time. Color Preflight for Automation Engine also enables 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.

Automated Flexo Platemaking

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…

Device Manager

The Device Manager moves operational control upstream to the prepress department and flexo platemaking and digital finishing operations are better integrated with the prepress workflow. Operators use Device Manager to monitor job status and to manage and prioritize the queues of all connected devices. Device Manager enables companies to use their hardware at maximum capacity by smart estimation functionality and the possibility to balance loads between devices.

Built in assisted quality control with Global Vision

Optional Global Vision functionality allows for automatic quality control checks like text, artwork, spelling, braille and barcodes. The result: a secure prepress flow with accurate quality.

Automation increases quality: the process is standardized, and consistent results will be delivered regardless of who performs the inspection
Boost productivity: get more work done with the same headcount
Bring down cost: reduction in proofreading, rework, recalls…
Traceability: Full reporting on who checked what and when

Did you know?

Esko Share And Approve helps Automation Engine users to speed up approvals from their customers. Find out more.

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