Workflow Connectivity

Two pressmakers have teamed with providers of management information systems to expand workflow connectivity and enhance integration options of presses with the overall production workflow.

Hiflex and KBA have formed a new company, called KBA Complete, a 50/50 joint venture. Roland Kastner, a member of Hiflex's management team, will serve as the firm's managing director.

The mutual company will focus on offering fully integrated, complete connectivity solutions from one source. Solutions will feature Hiflex's systems linking KBA presses with prepress and postpress equipment from Agfa, Kodak, MBO and Muller Martini.

At drupa 2008, KBA is demonstrating its waterless 74 Karat using Hiflex software tools to promote environmentally responsible, Web-to-print production. KBA says the demo will showcase dynamic production and inventory calculations based on pertinent paper, prepress, press and coating parameters. The system organizes the entire production workflow and administrative handling of a job, notifying print buyers and manufacturers on salient issues electronically, says the company.

MAN Roland reported it installed Prism's WIN system at its Graphic Center in Westmont, IL. Prism WIN is creating job tickets for all jobs in the Graphic Center and capturing actual material, labor and machine costs.

“The integration between an MIS and our presses through PrintNet is of paramount importance to our customers,” says Vince Lapinski, CEO of MAN Roland.

The partnership will allow customers to increase efficiency, reduce waste and manage their business more effectively, adds Leland Morgan, GM, Prism North America.

www.hiflex.com, kba-usa.com, manroland.us.com, Prism-World.com