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News Release from: EskoArtwork | Subject: Esko Software Suite 7
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 July 2007
Esko Rolls Out Integrated Suite of
Software Tools
Esko is rolling out the company's Esko Software Suite 7, a complete, integrated suite of packaging design and preproduction software tools
Esko Software Suite 7 consists of components that packaging professionals have relied on for years, as well as some innovative new applications: - Esko ArtiosCAD 7.30 - for structural design of folding carton and corrugated packaging and for manufacturing of die-cutting tools
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 14 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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- Esko BackStage 7.0 - for workflow automation, error-reduction and JDF-based system integration.
- Esko FlexRip/FlexProof 7.0 - and associated screening options for high-quality output to the widest range of CtP devices, digital presses and proofers, and including the new FlexProof/E.
- Esko Kaleidoscope 7.0 - best in class ICC compatible colour management for multi-colour printing.
- Esko WebCenter 7.0 - for on-line collaboration and efficient approval workflows.
- Esko Visualizer 7.0 - breakthrough new dynamic packaging visualisation application to reduce the need for mock-ups and proofs.
- Esko FastImpose 7.0 - JDF driven sheet layout going beyond interactive page stripping.
- Esko Digital Flexo Suite - Significant cost savings through automated flexo plate optimisation, integrating Esko CDI digital flexo CtP, Esko Kongsberg cutting tables, and third party auto-mounting devices in an integrated solution.
The full value of each component becomes apparent when used as part of an integrated Esko solution, such as the new Solution Suites, which provide the full set of Esko applications required to get started in each of the main segments of the packaging industry, including Solution Suites for labels, folding carton, corrugated and flexible packaging.
"The entire packaging supply chain recognises the value and expertise Esko delivers", comments Jan De Roeck, Esko director of solutions management.
"The strength of the Esko brand is that we continue to earn the respect from the packaging design and preproduction industry by building complete and useful solutions".
"Esko Software Suite works seamlessly with the Esko Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) and Esko's Kongsberg dieless samplemaking tables to provide comprehensive prepress solutions".
"Combined with our expert service, training and consulting, Esko Software Suite 7 delivers solutions that users can grow with, and trust" Software Suite 7 offers the following benefits:.
Wide range of powerful tools for packaging design, preproduction and manufacturing - Esko Software Suite 7 brings value to each step in the production process - from design plug-ins for Adobe Illustrator to sheet layout software to drive CtP equipment, from structural design software for rigid packaging to color management software for accurate colour proofing, from trapping software to 3D visualisation tools.
- Ready for global production, with collaboration tools to connect the different functions of packaging design and production with each other.
Stakeholders with different roles and responsibilities now link up globally using WebCenter.
Collaboration tools like shared viewports, discussion threads, digital approval and powerful softproofing tools make this happen.
- Empowering the Packaging Designer: Esko design applications integrate with tools used for solid modelling of the product itself.
Designs from CAD software like SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD are imported into the packaging workflow to optimise the packaging design process.
With DeskPack 3-dX, graphic designers can import CAD structures into their favourite tool, Adobe Illustrator and add graphical elements to the structure - designing around die and fold marks and viewing their results with immediate feedback of creative ideas in 3D.
- Import virtually any design file, output to virtually any print device: Esko Software Suite 7 has Adobe's PostScript and PDF libraries on-board for uncompromised flexibility for import and export of data.
Included is full Adobe Creative Suite 3 support, ensuring each job is editable throughout the entire workflow, resulting in faster job throughput.
'Flattening' during input is reduced to the absolute minimum so that jobs are processed faster.
At output, Esko FlexRip can rip print-ready sheet layouts to the file format that drives your output device of choice, all in a colour managed fashion, including for multi-colour process printing.
Esko Software Suite 7 is a digital production print-ready workflow, including optional support for variable data, responding to market trends for shorter production runs and increased personalisation of packaging.
- Cost reduction through workflow automation: Esko Software Suite 7 workflow automation capabilities reduces the risk of operator error.
Workflow tickets chain mundane and repetitive tasks to each other for cost effective and error-free automation.
To-do lists and notifications inform operators automatically and immediately of job milestones and work at hand.
- Integrated end-to-end solution: Esko Software Suite 7 integrates easily with other business systems like ERP, PLM, or CRM tools.
Improved JDF integration with MIS results in enhanced production automation, such as automated step and repeat workflows and reporting of job status.
- Easy to install, easy to learn, easy to maintain: Esko Software Suite 7 reduces the total cost of ownership with single-click installation procedures and an extensive library of online training movies.
The Esko Configuration Manager helps system managers to supervise the entire software configuration and keep it up-to-date.
"Esko has received very positive feedback from beta installations currently in the field", comments Daniel Ohman, System and Network Administrator at Miller Graphics in Sweden, one of the largest packaging pre-press services suppliers in Europe.
"We are using a number of new Esko Software Suite 7 features".
"The full PDF support ensures us smooth workflow integration between Adobe CS3, Esko PackEdge, Esko BackStage, and our management systems".
"Backstage Pilot integrates seamlessly with Mac and Windows workstations with database-driven navigation, providing a new way of creating, locating and archiving production data".
"We are using improved screening technologies and quality approval tools" "Our company is experiencing improved speed".
"Because no files are flattened early, we are assured of file integrity and reliability, allowing smooth throughput for our mission-critical operations"".
"With Esko Software Suite 7, we have introduced a new branding and versioning approach for our software, an approach which reflects the way our customers think about Esko".
"As the packaging industry evolves, Esko is changing to respond to new opportunities and needs - including the integration of Esko software in combination with a wide variety of third party products and technologies", remarks Arjen Maarleveld, Esko's Senior Vice President - Packaging Solutions.
"We believe there is industry wide respect for the Esko brand, and have decided to capitalize on it".
"Version 7 is the most up-to-date 'compatibility layer' for all Esko Software, and we encourage all our current customers to upgrade".
"Brand owners, packaging designers, trade shops and converters who are not yet using Esko software should take a look at Esko Software Suite 7".
A global rollout of upgrades to Esko customers has begun, and will continue through Q3 2007.
New customers can purchase Esko Software Suite 7 from July 7, 2007.
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