“We were making it work, but it wasn’t working for us,” begins Kathy Brazzale, creative design manager at United Engravers (UE) in Schaumburg, Illinois. As UE grew, so did its need for greater visibility and automation in flexographic printing to streamline operations from job intake to delivery.
Challenges of Limited Visibility and Automation in Flexographic Printing
United Engravers primarily manufactures flexographic printing plates for corrugated and flexible packaging, serving industries like food, beverage, consumer goods, and automotive. Despite having a basic system for job management, it lacked interdepartmental visibility and connectivity. “Too much data was paper-based and not readily accessible,” says Jeanne Price, director of business communications. The company’s homemade system met immediate needs but required repetitive steps and missed opportunities for increased automation and efficiency.
Seeking Automation in Flexographic Printing with Hybrid Software
In response, United Engravers turned to Hybrid Software for automation solutions tailored to flexographic printing. With long-standing support from Anderson & Vreeland, UE began exploring Hybrid’s Management Information System (MIS), which offered comprehensive capabilities for printing operations. “We were excited to see a proposal that let us take advantage of Hybrid’s MIS offerings,” Price shares. Anderson & Vreeland’s program introduced innovative solutions that exceeded UE’s initial expectations.
Complete Automation Solutions for Flexographic Printing
One of Hybrid Software’s unique strengths lies in connecting various machines within corrugated printing operations. Anderson & Vreeland leveraged this compatibility, integrating Hybrid’s technology with UE’s systems to deliver complete automation solutions for packaging and converting needs. Brazzale notes, “We were only looking for an MIS system, but this gave us a much bigger picture than we expected.”
The Benefits of Implementing Automation in Flexographic Printing
The upcoming MIS system, scheduled to go live later this year, will replace a decade-old system, a move that brings both challenges and benefits. “Our goal is to transfer years of legacy information,” explains Brazzale. In the flexographic printing industry, where some plate jobs see little change over time, continuity of information is crucial. By implementing automation in flexographic printing, UE expects enhanced workflow efficiency, improved job tracking, and reduced production bottlenecks.
Automation Streamlines Pre-Mounting in Flexographic Printing
With new automation capabilities, United Engravers anticipates smoother operations, especially in pre-mounting—a step often causing delays in printing plate production. “Scheduling pre-mounting was a bottleneck, often done manually,” Price says. With Hybrid Software’s automation solutions, the process is now streamlined, reducing manual intervention and easing workflow.
A Collaborative Approach to Automation in Flexographic Printing
United Engravers, Hybrid Software, and Anderson & Vreeland have maintained an ongoing partnership throughout the project, refining the system based on real-time feedback. “Working with Hybrid and A&V is a true partnership,” says Brazzale. This collaboration has allowed UE to adapt Hybrid’s software uniquely to its operations, creating a system that not only meets but exceeds their initial expectations.
Future Opportunities with Automation in Flexographic Printing
Once fully implemented, the new MIS will provide a stable, automated system for UE, eliminating the need for constant oversight. Brazzale anticipates cost reductions and faster workflow, while Price foresees new sales opportunities arising from better customer insights and more responsive service.
As UE looks forward to a more consistent and customizable system, Brazzale concludes, “We’ll have a deeper understanding of our customers and can better anticipate their needs.” Automation in flexographic printing is helping UE create a resilient, efficient, and customer-focused operation, positioning them for a bright, automated future in the industry.
