Enfocus and Müller Martini team up to enhance the book production process

Enfocus announces that Müller Martini has developed a Switch Configurator that brings the power of Enfocus Switch to the Connex LineControl for SigmaLine process management solution. This integration combines the powerful prepress capabilities of Switch, with the book production expertise of Müller Martini to create an integrated, automated system that eliminates manual touches and streamlines the entire book production process – from the PDF all the way through to the final product. Demonstrations of the new Configurator can be seen in the Müller Martini stand A49 in Hall 2, at drupa 2016.

Enfocus Switch is an automation solution that enables any business to connect their investments in technology into efficient flows by automating repetitive tasks, while improving productivity and efficiencies. Müller Martini is a global leader in delivering postpress equipment for its customers and developing and manufacturing print finishing systems and machines. The company has used the openness of the Switch solution to create a Configurator that lets users streamline their book production workflow.

“More and more, book printers are producing shorter runs – sometimes just one copy. To succeed in this new paradigm, it is critical for printers to control and automate their production processes. Adding the Switch Configurator to our solution makes this level of automation possible, giving printers the technology they need to profitably produce small volumes of books.”

Andreas Aplien, Product Manager for Connex, Müller Martini

Müller Martini’s Connex LineControl for SigmaLine supports book printers with several key functions, including:

• Job management for print finishing and printing press
• Imposition of PDF data based on the options and requirements of print finishing
• Control of the connected printing presses from speed through to the definition of the run size
• Automatic reprinting of an ejected product during production without manual intervention
• Automatic switching of the SigmaLine from format to format without manual intervention
• Production of variable data via PDF/VT right down to runs of one copy

To build on the strength of this solution, Müller Martini created a new Configurator that uses the power of Switch to capture prepress data and uses that data as part of the workflow. The Configurator allows the user to set up production flows for specified products that will then create a job setup file for the Connex LineControl. This job setup file will be imported and, based on the data from Switch, Connex LineControl will do the imposition, the press and postpress presetting and automatically start the production of products.

 “We are excited about the work our Solution Partner Müller Martini has done and the positive impact the Configurator will have for customers. By giving these printers the ability to integrate their digital production line with their existing workflow, we provide a way for them to save time and money in their operations. Moreover, the automated workflows can move the jobs through faster and with less effort. This Configurator has the chance to transform how short run books get produced.”

Bjorn Willems, Director of Product Management, Enfocus

About Müller Martini

Müller Martini is a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing print finishing systems and machines for variable size web-offset printing presses. The company’s objective is to meet their customers’ high demands by offering them innovative products and services in line with market requirements.