If end-to-end automation is not for you at this time, what can you do to optimize your efficiency? You can still look at the path of work through your shop and make a note of each stop it makes.
Software Essentials for Inkjet Printing!
Consider that that every business has at least two workflow environments: a business workflow and a production workflow. In both types, there can be a distinct advantage to automation, especially in fast-paced inkjet printing environments. But, automation can mean many different things, so here is a quick guide to looking at automation for your environment.
What’s in YOUR Dashboard?
Dashboards can be an amazing productivity aid, or they can be a distraction. Consider your team, your working environment, and what information will help the team be as efficient as possible.
What is a Dashboard and Do You Need One?
Dashboards are helpful for everyone in an organization from team members on the shop floor to the C-suite. Pat McGrew sets the stage for what questions you should ask yourself when considering a dashboard for your inkjet organization.
Working with Virtual Support When Everything is on Lockdown
When that reliable, friendly face is no longer sitting in their office on your site, can’t travel, or is less available on the phone, what options do you have for getting the support you need? Ask your vendors about virtual support! It takes many forms. You may already be using some form of it, but make sure you are taking advantage of every option.
Evaluating Inkjet Prototypes – Past and Present
Pat McGrew provides a few guidelines for how to evaluate the non-products you encounter at drupa, other tradeshows, or at private events. She also suggests that you evaluate the promise of the future in the context of past demonstrations and announcements in our industry.
More to Ask for in Your Inkjet Digital Front End
If you run light production equipment, you may not have given much thought to the Digital Front End of your printing device. There is no industry standard for what a DFE should encompass, or even a widely agreed set of guidelines. And, while you may have a choice of features and even vendors for the DFE, there hasn’t been much discussion of what should come next. What should you be asking for and when should you expect it?
What to Ask for in your Inkjet Digital Front End
There is no industry standard for what should be included in a digital front end, and there is no universal template that guides how much control the inkjet DFE should expose to an operator to permit changes in how a job will be processed. As we enter the 2020s, this is something that should change. It’s time for the buyers of inkjet presses to identify their expectations, list the features that make a difference to their operation, and categorize the challenges they may have with their current DFE.
Can Offset & Inkjet Finishing Live in Harmony?
Pat McGrew with happy new year news on possible compatibility of finishing options across printing processes. Consider the finishing options that can add value in your inkjet environment.
drupa 2016 to 2020: the Inkjet Journey
Pat McGrew delivers the 3rd in her drupa series looking at some of the key announcement from 2016 and who has delivered – and who has not.
Drupa 2020, What to Look For-Part 2
Join Pat McGrew for Part 2 of “What to Look for at drupa 2020” and the questions to ask once you find it! Pat drills down with a great primer on inkjet tire-kicking that will make you think about requirements.
drupa 2020: What to Look For
drupa 2020 is on the horizon. What should you expect? What should you look for? Pat McGrew has some thoughts on innovation, trade shows and the questions to ask when you get to Dusseldorf.
The Big Push: Experiments to Try with your Inkjet Press – Part 3
If you own an Inkjet press, part of your on-going process should include some experimentation. Experimentation with different substrates, different ink settings, and different profiles help the production team understand the opportunities your press enables. This episode covers experiments with speed and drying.
Three Experiments to Try with your Inkjet Press (Part 2)
Experimenting with your inkjet press is something that should be part of your monthly plan. Here is the second of three experiments to help you really get to know your press. The first experiment was about paper. Today we talk about ink volume.
The Big Push: 3 Experiments to Try with your Inkjet Press (Part 1)
In honor of back to school season, we’ve kicked off a new series with Pat McGrew on experimenting with your inkjet press that ties in nicely with tools available on Inkjet Insight. Experiment 1 discusses experimenting with paper to drive new opportunities.
Three Ways to Be a Successful Inkjet Printing Company
There are three things that will move the needle toward success with inkjet printing. Companies who are adopting production inkjet would do well to take stock of their current status across these vectors.
Print Enhancement is Hot!
Can inkjet-printed work be enhanced with foil, varnish and added-on spot colors, especially now that inkjet print quality is capturing more commercial work? The answer is an enthusiastic… perhaps! Learn about the opportunities and costs of print enhancement and inkjet.
Advances in Maintenance Protocols
This 5th post in the inkjet maintenance series looks at OEM apps for smartphones and tablets, and the questions to ask about the availability of advanced maintenance capabilities using augmented or virtual reality.
Who Ya Gonna Call for Inkjet Press Maintenance?
A fully trained operator is central to a maintenance protocol that ensures the machine will perform its best in your environment. If you spend the necessary time and consumables during ramp up, you will reap the rewards of efficiency and fearlessness as new types of jobs come into the shop.
Zen and the Art of Inkjet Press Maintenance
In the third installment of her series on inkjet maintenance, Pat McGrew talks about maintenance considerations as you add work or shifts to your press. Like Motorcycle Maintenance, your mileage may vary.
Top Two Maintenance Questions to Ask
What is and is not included in the maintenance contract sound like basic questions – but listening for the RIGHT answers to these important questions is more nuanced than you might think. This is the second in a series on inkjet maintenance agreements.
Are You Asking the Right Questions About Maintenance?
Whether you already own inkjet presses or you are in the market looking for your first, one of the big questions in the due diligence process revolves around maintenance programs. Pat McGrew provides top questions to ask and explains why they matter.
Which Inkjet Innovation is For You? Commercial Edition
Commercial printers fall into two groups: those who haven’t adopted inkjet and inkjet technology users. For those who haven’t looked at inkjet technology, the reasons are manifold. It may be that none of the work they do has required variable content, which is a common reason to look at inkjet.
Which Innovation is for You? Transaction Edition
Inkjet technology serves a vast array of segments. While the needs of each segment vary, the continuous announcement cycle might leave you confused about which innovation applies to the type of business you operate. Not every announcement you read nor every innovation that gets the spotlight may apply to your business. What fits for Transaction and Transitional printing?
Why Consider Specialty Inks and Print Modules?
Since the dawn of the age of high-speed inkjet presses buyers of those presses have been encouraged to buy their ink from the hardware vendor. Good reasons were given, including concerns about contaminating print heads and print quality. The reasons still stand – but options are emerging.
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