Arnab Maiti: Speed up the process, and reduce wastage

Ramu Ramanathan (RR): Almost 12 months to Drupa. How has it been for Esko in India? Any new launches and updates...
Arnab Maiti (AM): We continue to focus on cloud-based solutions that help customers work in a unified manner, Esko is working hard towards removing manual intervention and human dependencies in the process. Our new dynamic subscriptions are a great example of how our applications can be used across regions without the need for any IT intervention. We are steadily promoting more online approvals and offering step in and trials of the Esko cloud-based "Share and Approve platform" which can be directly connected to our applications.

RR: How does this help customers?
AM: Esko helps customers to reap the benefits of digital transformation, with changing consumer demands, businesses must do things differently to remain competitive. In line with the statement Esko’s Phoenix solution which is the industry’s first and only automated, AI-driven pre-production software for packaging and labels. It can be easily integrated with customers’ existig business systems and workflow tools in a minute.

RR: What is happening with HD Flexo imaging technology? What is the adoption rate?
AM: Our HD Flexo Imaging Technology are producing the perfect plate for flexo labels, flexibles, corrugated, letterpress and to dry offset (can printing) packaging segments with advancement in the screening technology (crystal screens) which ensures in getting much better print results across the tonal range. Our imaging technology is the basis for an impressive reduction of complexity in the plate room.

RR: Has flexo technology become a standard for flexible packaging printers thanks to its ability to create a superior flexo plate ...
AM: Well, these devices are designed to connect seamlessly with exposure devices from Esko called Crystal XPS further assuring high print quality and stability on press. These devices are the first and only automated flexo platemaking line in the industry. Our automation streamlines the entire process. It is very simple to use. This unique solution is also scalable to help companies achieve the highest quality and consistency plates that deliver superior print quality.

RR: What is it that an Indian flexo printer should know other than how the technology goes beyond the binary discussion of flat-top dots ...
AM: Many more benefits for the flexo converter. For example, reduce operator time by 50%, less plate waste, no plate damages or press setup delays due to plate handling, guaranteed plate consistency, with Esko's automaton, seven process steps reduced to two steps, dramatic reduction in operator involvement, no need for platemaking experts. And above all, superior print quality which is fully automated and very accessible.

RR: What are some of the world-wide trends an Indian converter should be aware of in packaging and label supply chain?
AM: The flexible market in India is addressed by gravure, but there is a clear trend that short runs gravure type jobs are moving towards flexo. One of the biggest advantages in flexo is the printability factor on various substrates and with some new developments in flexo plates, inks and even in the printing machines ergonomics. Today, the trends are these packaging print segments are able to print more than just one finished material

RR: Meaning ...
AM: So, the label printer is no longer concentrating on labels. The label printer is able to print flexible material for shrink sleeves and short-run gravure jobs as well.

RR: There are more than 100,000 users who have worked with WebCenter. What is the feedback in India?
AM: WebCenter has been a big hit with brand owners worldwide, Now, it’s very encouraging to see more and more packaging converters embracing WebCenter in India. The Esko team in India has also grown in expertise to deploy and support simple to very complex WebCenter projects. The feedback from users is very encouraging.

RR: Interesting. Has the expected boom in pre-media packaging taken off?
AM: If we can take the rapid expansion of some large global pre-media companies in India and the foraying of some large flexo trade-shops into this space in recent times as indicators, one has to agree that the pre-media for packaging in India is taking off.

RR: Any lessons for Esko from the pandemic months? Any trends you discerned from your clients specially with production planning; multisite and multischeduler support?
AM: Ensuring continuity in production while not losing quality was the first priority for our customers. We supported our customers who are mostly into FMCG and pharma by offering standby licenses and extended support. The events that followed only strengthened our beliefs about cloud based applications and automation of processes that could ensure production time lines and loads could be catered to with limited staff in factories. Keeping all employees “connected and updated” with information available online is playing a very important role in ensuring that there are no errors or misprints due to human errors in communications or information lost in a long chain of emails.

RR: Any feedback in India about the Mox software; and Esko and GMG establishing a new connection between GMG’s profiling and colour prediction tool, GMG OpenColor, and Esko’s native pre-press editing software, ArtPro+?
AM: The GMG OpenColor connector with Artpro+ was well received by the customer in India. It has provided flexibility to customers to switch to a non-destructive color conversion process with the combined technology of Esko PDF editing and GMG OpenColor which was the need of the hour. They can easily access colour deviations on screen and continue editing their files even after colour conversion.