Workflow
Chris Fowler reduces prepress errors with Printready
Wednesday 03. September 2008 - Chris Fowler International, which was recently acquired by the Service Point group, continues its operational efficiency programme with the implementation of Heidelbergs Prinect Printready.
Installed at the start of the summer It has already seen a significant increase in plate output reliability due to a reduction in plate output errors. The rate has fallen by two thirds from 1.15% in the last month of the previous system to 0.37% in July.
“We are always looking to reduce our waste in all areas and to see the drop in waste plates so soon after installation has been kfantastic, but this will also reduce paper and utility waste” says Bryan Terry, Services Manager at Chris Fowler, which is an environmentally responsible printer with ISO 14001 accreditation and FSC Chain of Custody status.
The company had trialled two other manufacturers prepress workflow solutions before selecting the Heidelberg solution, with the imposition strength of Signa Station seen as the greatest benefit.
“We have been really impressed by Signa Station and the ease of use of the cockpit.” says Bryan Terry, Services Manager. “We had to create and store a considerable number of imposition templates with the previous system, these have reduced dramatically since the installation of the new system. When we chose Printready we were looking for ease of use and the ability to build in automation, speed and accuracy.”
Chris Fowler, supplier of research and commercial printing for the international financial print community, is outputting 12-15,000 B2 plates a month.
The company has been so impressed with Printready that it is now looking at Pressroom Manager, Digital Print Manager and the digital planning board to further improve operational effectiveness. These are other Prinect modules which enable printers to have reliable and speedy data transfer which speed up machine set up times and output comprehensive and accurate real time data. It already uses Prepress Interface the link between prepress and press.
In parallel with this Chris Fowler are currently implementing a new global MIS and accounting system. Chris Fowlers managing director Kevin Eyers states that: Whilst I believe that we are one of the most efficient printers in the UK, continual cost and efficiency improvements are key to our success, we have to improve the service we offer to our clients. This improvement to workflow is just one part of an ongoing system enhancement programme.”