MEIKEI Printing has established six subsidiaries in Shenzhen, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Zhejiang, China offering integrated R&D, production, sales, and after-sales services. These capabilities have earned MEIKEI widespread acclaim, making it one of the leading label manufacturers in South China in terms of production capacity and quality assurance. We are proud to have worked successfully with MEIKI Printing on adding PACKZ PDF editing software and Velvet Screening to their workflow processes.

About the Collaboration

MEIKEI owns three digital platemaking devices, giving it complete capabilities for prepress editing and platemaking. After acquiring the necessary equipment, MEIKEI identified intelligent production and color management as its primary goals for 2021.

In January 2021, HYBRID Software and MEIKEI then began discussions on:

1. Integration of HYBRID Software with MEIKEI’s network platform
2. Data-driven operations and big data management (integration with ERP)
3. Achieving intelligent production

In May 2023, MEIKEI’s Shenzhen branch (Meihong) further invested in the renowned PACKZ editing tools and Velvet, a next-generation screening technology. By July 2023, another MEIKEI subsidiary (Henghui), specializing in carton printing, began implementing the new system, marking a deepening of the partnership.

Sharing a Vision

The collaboration between HYBRID Software and Guangzhou MEIKEI represents a forward-looking technological revolution in the industry. By deeply integrating core network technologies, intelligent production, ERP-driven data management, and color management in printing facilities, HYBRID Software supports MEIKEI in advancing flexographic, offset, and digital printing technologies. At the same time, the partnership focuses on automating data management in the prepress center, laying the foundation for future intelligent production.

This collaboration is poised to revolutionize label printing technology. With joint efforts, the two companies aim to achieve not only intelligent production, but also to drive a transformative shift in the industry.

About GuangZhou MEIKEI

Guangzhou MEIKEI Intelligent Printing Co., Ltd. is a technology enterprise specializing in the research, development, and production of self-adhesive label printing and anti-counterfeiting self-adhesive labels. With 31 patents and a factory area of 20,000 square meters, MEIKEI Printing has served numerous well-known brands, earning widespread recognition and securing a strong position in the label printing market. It operates 12 multifunctional combination production lines, two satellite letterpress production lines, two rotary offset printing lines, and 12 fully automated inspection systems. Additionally, it is equipped with an advanced digital flexo plate-making system.

The company has mastered various anti-counterfeit technologies, such as fiber texture, scratch-off silver, thermochromatic ink, and tamper-evident labels. Combined with its numerous digital printing machines, MEIKEI meets diverse anti-counterfeiting and traceability needs, personalizing product packaging to protect the interests of both businesses and consumers.

From 2016 to 2022, MEIKEI was recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise for three consecutive terms. It was also recognized as the “Guangdong Anti-Counterfeit Label Printing Engineering Technology Research Center” in 2017.

Successful collaboration between Sahachai Printing and Hybrid Software

Sahachai Printing, based in Thailand, has been a trusted name in the printing industry since 1957. In 1988, they expanded into paper packaging production, specializing in short run folding carton printing. The company is committed to exceeding customer expectations with cost-efficient, high-quality products.

Hear directly from Nuttapong Sahachaiwatana, General Manager at Sahachaikijkarnpim Co., Ltd. about their work and how integrating Hybrid Software has improved their company:

PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW transformation

“Hybrid Software has transformed our packaging operations. After implementing PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW in June 2024, we’ve seen dramatic improvements in our prepress efficiency. What used to take hours now takes minutes. We can process repeat jobs from customer approval to print-ready files in under 5 minutes.”

Customization and automation

What truly sets Hybrid Software apart is its customization potential. In CLOUDFLOW, we’ve created workflows tailored precisely to our needs. The endless automation possibilities allow us to continuously discover new ways to streamline our processes.

Implementation and transitioning

Transitioning from Adobe Illustrator was seamless, thanks to PACKZ’s robust prepress functionality.

CLOUDFLOW, a web-based system, offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, which has been invaluable for our operations. The implementation support was exceptional – our technician, Jean, went above and beyond to help us develop a workflow that perfectly matches our requirements. Every company’s needs are different, and Hybrid Software gives you the tools to build exactly what you need.

“Automation game-changer”

Six months in, I can confidently say choosing Hybrid Software was the right decision. The ROI in terms of standardization, speed, and accuracy has exceeded our expectations. It’s been a genuine game-changer for our automation journey.

The efficiency gains and automation capabilities mentioned in this testimonial are based on actual results achieved at our facility.”

The Hybrid Software Team is delighted to hear such positive feedback from our customer. Thank you, Mr. Sahachaiwatana, for sharing your experience.

Visit the Sahachai Printing website here.

Reporting directly to our Project Manager, we are looking for a dedicated and professional Application Specialist. In this role you will provide first class support to our customers throughout the US.

Responsibilities

• Ability to provide product training to customers:
• Presenting information and education on our products in the way they can understand easily
• Respond to questions in a professional and respectful manner
• You will be responsible, together with your team members, for the Customer Service Support and After Sales Services for our off-the-shelf software products
• Troubleshooting any problems related to the use and implementation of our software
• Reporting back to our development teams any recurrent issues that arise through our internal tools
• Ensure that the current systems at the customer stay up to date and guarantee a continuous service

Qualifications:

• Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills
• Flexible & mobile / Good Time Management
• Having a service-minded attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Professional and pleasant telephone/email communication skills
• Knowledge of java scripting
• Proficient with the ability to quickly learn an array of computer hardware and software

We Offer:

• A competitive salary in acccordance with your experience
• An excellent benefits package including Medical / Dental / 401K and more
• Being part of a successful and growing global company

Download the job description as PDF here.

Location: Remote (Work from home) / Some travel required
Email inquiries: HR-NA@hybridsoftware.com

Gent, Belgium and Yavne, Israel 19. November 2024 – Highcon and Hybrid Software announce a partnership to elevate the digital die cutting workflow for packaging and display converters by integrating Hybrid’s renowned PACKZ software, offering full PDF support, into Highcon’s Digital Die Cutting Workflow Package (DWP). This partnership aims to deliver more streamlined processes, increased precision, and enhanced workflow integration, empowering operators across production sites.

At the core of this collaboration is a custom-designed version of the PACKZ Engine for Highcon, introducing a fully integrated PDF workflow tailored for the digital die-cutting process. By advancing artwork handling, high-quality previews, and automated XML export capabilities, this collaboration enables packaging converters to seamlessly integrate Highcon’s digital solutions into their workflows, simplifying setup while accelerating production timelines.

“Our partnership with Highcon is all about empowering the packaging industry,” said Bert Van der Perre, Chief Commercial Officer, Hybrid Software. “Finishing is a vital step in packaging production, and this collaboration streamlines the process, delivering greater efficiency and precision for our customers.”

“With Highcon’s digital die-cutting systems deployed worldwide, this collaboration with Hybrid Software enables production teams to achieve faster setups and top-quality output,” said Haim Veig, VP Product, Highcon. “Together, we’re optimizing production workflows for digital die cutting.”

ENDS

Download Highcon’s press release here.

In recent years, the need for faster and more efficient processing of artwork files within prepress departments has significantly increased. Since its inception, Hybrid Software has been delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions for the label and packaging market through PACKZ, a state-of-the-art PDF editor. This allows companies to produce high-quality, print-ready files within a short timeframe using its dedicated features.

Kolibri Labels, specializing in the printing of self-adhesive labels, has been operating since 1964 and is based in ‘s-Heerenberg, the Netherlands. Markwin Buiting, owner of Kolibri Labels, explains: “For over 60 years, we’ve been combining expertise and craftsmanship to professionally advise our customers on how to maximize the value of their labels.”

Due to its growth, Kolibri Labels found it a logical step to switch to the PACKZ editor. “All PACKZ functionalities are developed based on customer feedback, making it very intuitive for prepress operators. At Hybrid Software, the customer is central, and it’s affirming when dynamic companies like Kolibri recognize this,” says Neal Inghelbrecht, Benelux sales manager at Hybrid Software.

Automation For Multiple Printing Techniques

Meeting customer needs is a shared vision of both companies. Kolibri Labels offers a wide range of self-adhesive labels through various printing techniques (offset, screen printing, flexography, and digital inkjet). “Thanks to PACKZ’s speed, we can respond efficiently and smoothly within the prepress department. For each printing technique, we’ve built custom Pactions to automate repetitive tasks, enabling us to create quality artwork more quickly and easily,” a sentiment unanimously shared by Kolibri Labels’ prepress team.

Pactions is a highly valued feature within PACKZ, allowing operators to record and replay actions to automate interactive processes on any design. “We produce all our printing plates in-house, so PACKZ is ideally suited for us. Its user-friendly interface enabled our prepress team to start using it almost immediately, allowing us to meet customer demands faster and more efficiently,” adds Markwin Buiting.

Variable Data Printing

The growing flexibility of digital printing has led to a significant increase in digital presses for self-adhesive labels in recent years. One major advantage of digital printing is its support for variable data printing—a key strength of Hybrid Software and PACKZ. Any object can be treated as variable and linked to a data file, enabling Kolibri to seamlessly manage their digital inkjet press through PACKZ and provide customers with unique labels.

Visit the Kolibri labels website here.

The technology behind Velvet Screening utilizes a new dot removal algorithm to soften the edge for Flexo printing and with settings for minimum dot, resolution and ruling, they can be defined without restrictions and applied in any combination.

This is now all for you to explore in Playground!

That means that you can upload and Rip your own files, or use a sample design, to discover how you can change the minimum dot size and the transition point independently. The flexibility and freedom that comes from working with Velvet Screening will not only give you more opportunities but also smoother transitions and better designs.

The wonders of Velvet Screening will be at your hand and give you an idea of how easy print-perfect flexo results can be attained.

Register here to try out Velvet Screening and Hybrid Software’s other solutions in Playground.

We are happy to share with you the new iC3D version 10

The new advancements include New OpenGL rendering, Volumetric Data Scaling and Capturing 3D and they streamline the design process for metal can packaging, expand creative capabilities and boost design efficiency!

This means that you will have better than ever side-by-side material rendering, you can create accurate bottle models with a desired volumetric number, and you can easily check all aspects of your packaging in 3D.

These opportunities are now available for you to explore in Playground

In Playground you now have the opportunity to view and explore your own designs, or use a sample file, in iC3D and to have a go with the advancements yourself.

Use this link to easily register; Register for Playground, or start by watching this Youtube video about the new advancements: iC3D version 10.

We would like to warmly invite you to visit us at EXPOGRÁFICA 2024

From 12-15th of November 2024, meet us firsthand at Mexico’s most important trade fair where we will be presenting the newest products and innovations and diving deep into the technicalities of PACKZ 10, (My)CLOUDFLOW, Colorspace, and iC3D.

The 22nd edition of EXPOGRÁFICA will be full of opportunities and an immaculate place to connect with the more than 500 leading brands from the graphic industry and the 13.000 visitors coming together in Mexico City.

The Convention and Exhibition Center, one of the most important and largest venues in Mexico City for holding events, will set the frame for an exuberant couple of days!

Visit Hybrid Software’s LATAM team at stand #2532.

We look forward to welcoming you and we invite to you to schedule a meeting in advance here.

Apply for our open position of Graphic Arts Software Sales Executive in Barcelona, Spain

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Sales Executive to lead the sales of specialist software in the graphic arts sector. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the market for digital printing, pre-press, and automation solutions in this sector, and will be familiar with the specific needs of customers in the industry. You will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing long-term relationships with customers and helping them understand the value and impact our technology solutions can have on their operations.

Email your application to info-es@hybridsoftware.com or to contact us at T: +34 936 269 120 if you have questions.

Your Responsibilities

• Business development: Identifying and prospecting potential customers in the graphic arts industry (especially in the label and packaging segments) within the Iberia area.
• Management of the full sales cycle: From initial prospecting to contract closure, including product presentations, software demonstrations and price negotiation.
• Consultancy and technical advice: Understanding the technical and commercial needs of customers to offer customised solutions that maximise their
• productivity and quality in printing and graphic design processes.
• Customer relations: Develop and maintain strong business relationships with existing and potential customers, providing a high level of service and follow-up.
• Coordination with internal teams: Work closely with technical support, marketing, and product development teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Meeting sales targets: Achieving and exceeding monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets as defined by the company.
• Market analysis: Keeping abreast of trends in the graphic arts industry and new technologies to identify future opportunities and challenges.

Your Qualifications

• Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in B2B software sales, preferably in the graphic arts, digital printing or related technology solutions sector is a plus.
• Technical knowledge: Familiarity with pre-press workflow, digital printing, colour management and process automation in the printing industry.
• Sales skills: Experience in managing the full sales cycle and identifying business opportunities.
• Customer focus: Ability to understand and communicate the value of complex solutions to customers with different levels of technical knowledge.
• Communication skills: Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills to interact effectively with different customer profiles.
• Willingness to travel: Ability to travel within the assigned area and attend customer meetings, trade shows and industry events.
• Languages: Fluency in Spanish and English. Knowledge of Catalan is an asset.

We  Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Growth opportunities within an innovative and expanding company.
• Ongoing training in cutting-edge products and technology solutions in the graphic arts industry.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Download job description as PDF here.

Gent, Belgium, October 1st, 2024: Hybrid Software, leading developer of productivity tools for labels and packaging, is excited to announce its inaugural worldwide customer conference: Hybrid Fusion. This event will bring together package printing executives and prepress specialists from Hybrid’s 1,500 worldwide customers, along with industry experts, key OEM partners, and brand representatives. Hybrid Fusion will take place from April 22 – 25, 2025, in the vibrant city of Amsterdam.

Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts about the latest trends in labels and packaging across all printing processes: flexo, offset, gravure, digital, and hybrid printing. The Fusion event will showcase Hybrid Software’s innovative advancements in PDF editing, enterprise and cloud workflows, color and artwork management, proofing and 3D-prototyping, as well as the latest software and hardware offerings from a wide range of industry partners who will co-sponsor the event.

The conference will be highly collaborative so packaging printers can share best practices and request focused development by Hybrid Software and partners in the areas where innovation is needed. Ample opportunity for networking with product experts and fellow entrepreneurs will be provided throughout each day’s agenda as well as in the social events planned each evening.

“Our core philosophy, ‘We Share Your Heartbeat’, reflects our commitment to not only listen to our customers, but also to fully understand their needs and aspirations,” says CEO Mike Rottenborn. “At Hybrid Fusion, we’re not just presenting cutting-edge technology; we’re creating an open dialogue. This event is a chance for Hybrid Software and our industry partners to listen, learn, and co-create solutions that drive both our customers’ and our own success. It’s about building the future together.”

Hybrid Fusion will be held at the NH Collection Barbizon Palace Hotel in central Amsterdam from April 22 – 25, 2025. To register your interest, please visit www.hybridsoftware.com/hybrid-fusion-conference.

Download press release here.

Velvet Screening for Flexo is the successor to HXM. Velvet Screening was created specifically to meet Flexo printing requirements. Velvet Screening utilizes a new dot removal algorithm to soften the edge for Flexo printing.

Velvet Screening Principles

Velvet Screening has settings for minimum dot, resolution and ruling, which can be defined without restrictions and applied in any combination. Velvet Screening also offer 2 dot shapes: Velvet Round and Velvet Euclidean.

Unlike the dual dot based HXM, Velvet screens use AM dots only. Velvet starts removing dots from a user specified transition point. Users can easily adjust Velvet’s dot removal zone by changing the Transition Point (the threshold where screening will start removing dots).

Velvet Screening can be used at any resolution or ruling and can be imaged on any CTP device. Additionally, Velvet Screening imaged onto any flexo plate and can be produced with any type of UV exposure frame.

Velvet Minimum Dot

Minimum dot size is linked to the resolution of TIFFs. Velvet screens can be used at different resolutions. The resolution determines the pixel size. The following table shows the pixel size in microns for different resolutions:

At 4800 dpi, a single pixel is 5.3 µ and so a min dot of 3 µ is impossible to attain, since this is smaller than a single pixel. The only way to achieve this is to move up to 9600 dpi.

The critical factor is the flexo plate. Velvet Screening parameters allows choosing a minimum dot to match the capability of your platemaking. How big is the 1st stable dot? Consider the images below.

Unstable Highlight

Stable Highlight

Transition Point

Using the table below, you can convert dot % to micron. It also allows to look up the size your bump curve is applying and shows the equivalent size in microns. Keep in mind that the size of a dot % will change with the ruling.

For example: 3% dot in microns changes with the ruling. At 100 lpi, 3% is 50 µ. At 133 lpi, 3% is 37 µ and at 175 lpi, 3% is 28 µ.

Ideally, the transition point should be set below 5%. If not, the print result can look grainy.

For example: Looking at the table above, let’s say you want to a screening @ 150 lpi with a min dot of 30 µ. In this case, you cannot choose a transition point below 2.5%. If you try this, Velvet will automatically adjust the transition point to a valid number.

Download data sheet here.

Hybrid Elevate 2024 – Your Ultimate Training Event to Boost Product Expertise

We would like to warmly invite our resellers and partners to Hybrid Elevate 2024 in Gent, Belgium. From Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th, 2024, our priority will be presenting the newest products and innovations and diving deep into the technicalities of PACKZ 10, (My)CLOUDFLOW, Colorspace, and iC3D.

The Agenda

Review the Hybrid Elevate 2024 Agenda here. The week includes a full schedule of software demonstrations given by our dedicated product managers. You will become informed on our latest innovations and time-saving optimizations for Hybrid Software customers. And most of all, how our software provides automations for powerful prepress! During Hybrid Elevate, we invite you to an evening discovering Gent’s rich cultural history with a brewery and city tour.

Registration

Save your spot and register today!

We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable week of learning, networking, and innovation!

(Gent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for packaging and label printing, announces the formation of a new business unit to provide hosted artwork management and 3D visualization solutions for brands and consumer packaged goods companies. The first industry events for the new unit take place this week: London Packaging Week, and EuroPack Summit 2024 in Montreux, Switzerland. Hybrid Software BrandZ will be based in Gent, Belgium with dedicated sales and support teams based in western Europe and North America.

The flagship product for the BrandZ unit is Artflow, a comprehensive, SaaS-based artwork management solution that helps brands, CPGs, and retailers manage their large portfolios of complex graphical projects. Artflow provides powerful 2D and 3D visualization and approval technology based on Hybrid Software’s ProofScope software, combined with brand-specific tools for detailed briefings, project scheduling, and much more. Artflow can be integrated with ERP, CRM, or DAM systems through its core API. Dedicated 3D solutions including Capture3D and iC3D round out the BrandZ product offering.

Says Igor Vandromme, VP/GM of Hybrid Software BrandZ, “Our year-long partnership with TGS has shown that brands and retailers have many unmet needs for artwork management and visualization tools, both for flat artwork and 3D. Being part of Hybrid Software gives us access to a wide software portfolio and technology stack, allowing us to address those needs. For example, our recent collaboration with Diageo for point-of-sale printing of unique custom labels on Johnny Walker bottles was a strong success that will be repeated in the future. With thousands of brands who do not have their own solutions for artwork management, we expect rapid growth in this segment as we add additional sales and support resources around the world.”

Group CEO Mike Rottenborn adds, “HYBRID Software’s core mission is to develop innovative enterprise production software for packaging converters and trade shops. Extending our reach into the brand and CPG space is a natural extension to power future growth. The expertise of trade shops and packaging converters is critical in providing high quality printed labels and packaging, but many brands want to manage their own artwork. We’re taking a true ‘hybrid’ approach that provides the right tools for both brands and printers to drive efficiencies and improve quality in package printing.”

END

Download press release here.

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for packaging and label printing, is pleased to announce support for Canon’s upcoming LabelStream LS2000 digital label press*.

Version 10 of Hybrid Software’s PACKZ all-in-one PDF editor for packaging prepress supports the direct interface to the LabelStream LS2000 digital press. PACKZ 10, as well as the full portfolio of Hybrid Software solutions for labels and packaging, will be on display in Booth 3015 at Labelexpo Americas, held Sept. 10-12 in Rosemont, IL.

Hybrid Software had previously worked with Canon to automate the workflow for Canon’s first-generation label press, the LabelStream LS4000. The direct interface for the upcoming LabelStream LS2000 press was co-developed by Hybrid Software to Canon’s specification and supports features of the new press. By integrating the interface directly into PACKZ, the LabelStream LS2000 can be driven directly by operators who have Version 10 of PACKZ that are in use worldwide. There are currently 6,000 copies of PACKZ.

Patrick Coussement, CTO of Hybrid Software, comments, “PACKZ serves two key roles in prepress for labels and packaging. Operators first edit the PDF artwork representing a single one-up label to make sure that the colors are mapped correctly to the printing inks, bleeds and technical marks are correct, variable data fields are linked, and to make any other changes required for outstanding output. Next, a step-and-repeat layout is applied to the one-up label to create a print-ready PDF file that maximizes coverage of the substrate and fits the artwork correctly to downstream cutting dies and finishing equipment. It’s a natural extension of PACKZ to support direct output to the LabelStream LS2000 press, and an efficient workflow for our mutual customers.”

Setting of Canon output parameters in the PACKZ LS2000 interface.

“We are excited to preview the capabilities of the upcoming LabelStream LS2000 inkjet press that can help meet the ever-changing demands for digital, high-quality label converting,” said Shinichi “Sam” Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We look forward to Labelexpo Americas and demonstrating how our products can contribute towards efficient and versatile label production.”

*This product is currently under development and not available for sale or use in the Americas. Specifications and features may change and no assurances can be given that this solution, in the current or any other form, will be made available for sale or use in the Americas. This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

END

Download the press release here.

Our newest automation for auto-nesting CAD files streamlines folding carton prepress workflows, ensuring precision and efficiency.

00:08 – Effortlessly create nested step & repeats
00:11 – Upload presets for your preferred printing press
00:16 – Seamlessly import CAD files from EngView and set parameters
00:32 – Import the One Up design directly into PACKZ
00:41 – Achieve precise, space-saving layouts ready for print

Get ready to optimize your packaging workflow! Contact us today to start optimizing.

RESTful API connectivity between PACKZ 10 and EngView Packaging Suite CAD software

EngView’s software connection with PACKZ PDF packaging editor marks a significant advancement in packaging production. This collaborative solution in PACKZ 10 offers an extensive toolkit designed to streamline and automate everyday tasks within the printing industry.

By Mike Agness, Executive Vice President, Americas, HYBRID Software, for PFFC

Just by the nature of the job, there is a difference between printing different types of packaging, from labels to flexible packaging to corrugated. So, what makes label printing so unique? For starters, label printing tends towards digital. With the availability of digital printing, as more brand extensions are entering the market or being tested, they aren’t initially done in million run lengths. They’re printed in much smaller quantities.

The challenge owners need to address is to look at labels from the business perspective. Digital printing of labels is here to stay. When adapting digital, at what point do they cross the tipping point for revenue and how does one make that profitable? This can’t be done in a vacuum. To generate the same revenue and greater profits with smaller quantity jobs, it takes more digital jobs to reach that crossover point.

Several years ago we talked to customers about the convergence between revenue of digital to flexo jobs. While you’re selling a digital job for $1,000, a traditional job on a conventional flexo press can cost the customer $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Yet practically every digital job requires the prepress department to “touch” that job. For example, repeat jobs don’t just mean pulling plates and printing again. You won’t be competitive selling $1,000 jobs when every touch costs $25 to $50 in time against that revenue stream. Whether digital or traditional, all these steps, except for platemaking, occur for both digital and traditional presses. Digital just accelerates the process. You have to gain efficiencies, and this comes from the assistance of software.

Digital printing can reduce consumables and time – a reduction of “spend,” so to speak. While you think about the cross­over revenue point, there are other variables. For example, if you print on a flexo press, you can get more ink coverage, making the label stand out more. However, this also increases ink costs and can slow down the press, adding job costs. There’s a balancing act to consider.

Who knows what drupa is bringing? The industry is getting closer to digital label presses that can match or surpass the speed of some flexo presses. It will be easier to match run lengths without most of the changeover costs. However, digital ink costs will still be measurably more expensive than that of flexo, and there will still be the challenges of “feeding the monster.” How do you prepare files for an extremely fast-running digital press with the least amount of touches – and the fewest change­overs of print stocks? Automating production as much as possible, from a Web2Print or MIS system, becomes almost imperative.

Image 1: A prepress dashboard can help reduce manual touches.
Image 2: Content XML Technology is used for dynamic content creation using standard markup language.
Image 3: Showing the color accuracy of a spot color transformation.

Fewer Ink Units, Greater Color Gamut?

A flexo press can have as many as 10 or 12 units, making it easy to print brand colors with special inks. Times have changed, and many flexo jobs are printed with expanded gamut (an entire story on its own), but there are still color challenges. If a label printer moves from flexo back to digital – which happens with many brand extensions – color space coverage issues can arise. Marketers need to understand that six-color ink sets, for example, can closely match the special inks that they’ve relied on, although depending upon the brand colors and ink set, there could be challenges. Can the brand color be printed with an acceptable variance from spectral color, and can you predict that process?

Forward thinking might suggest that it would be wise to prepare different graphic designs if you think that a brand will be going from 100,000 to 1 million labels – which most likely will not run on a digital press. If you print a new label design digitally, there will likely be some minute color differences that occur between digital and flexo/offset. If you’re a new brand coming to market, you might want to invest upfront resources designing correctly for both print processes, betting that you’ll be using both.

Make Yourself Indispensable

While there are still many label shops, there has also been a lot of consolidation. Smaller shops – those who haven’t merged or been acquired – are being pressured to differentiate themselves with value-added products and services, like specialty finishing or exceptional online customer service. A lot of vendors are happy to help you upgrade.

This means even more pressure on production workflow software. A good software system can help create the layers – the inks, the separations and where they should be specified – and also provide 3D proofing to help visualize the finished product. The 3D prototypes are also needed for the “off-the-shelf” purchase that is not transitioning to the “Add to Cart” button on an e-tail website.

Each Label Can Be Unique

We haven’t even addressed variable data. What if labels must be serialized, for example? Even flexo jobs often rely on a separate digital unit to assist. Be ready to have software that can prepare this quickly for digital presses. The best way is to rely on the prepress software to do the work rather than the digital press front end. It allows the digital front end to stay dedicated to keeping the digital press running all the time, while relying on the robust prepress workstation to do all the heavy versioning work. That’s much faster.

Sustainable Substrates

Particularly in Canada and in some states, there is a greater emphasis on the impact of label material on the environment. For example, in Canada shrink sleeves are essentially banned. So, print stocks need to be eco-friendly, recyclable-friendly or sustainable. The pressure is on stock, inks, recycling, streams and related issues – affecting costs.

Single-use plastics are being considered a thing of the past. How do we replace the labels? Maybe there isn’t a label. Everything could be printed just like aluminum cans. Could this mean a trend to direct-to-object printing in the future? One thing is certain. It will most certainly be digital.

The differences between traditional and digital label printing comes down to the inherent nuances presented by the different types of jobs and determining which process makes sense. Good production and accounting departments who are able to cut through the complications presented by many print variables will make the digital vs. conventional decision much easier. The more you can adapt, the better off you’ll be.

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & packaging printing, will be displaying its full product portfolio at Labelexpo Americas 2024, Booth 3015. The new PACKZ 10, an all-in-one PDF editor and prepress application for both digital and conventional printing; CLOUDFLOW, the modern workflow engine; ColorLogic’s color management software; SmartDFE, the only AI-accelerated digital front-end for inline printing of fully variable data; and iC3D photorealistic rendering and prototyping will all be demonstrated. Hybrid Software technology is also incorporated in the offerings of a number of manufacturers of digital label printing presses across the show floor.

Hybrid Software serves a truly hybrid world

Digital presses are here to stay, but conventional printing is not disappearing. Efficient print production requires good manufacturing practices, and the craftsmanship and knowledge of traditional print developed over generations. Converters and printers expect connectivity across all their hardware and software systems, but the IT environment where they operate is challenging and unforgiving. Hybrid Software operates at the nexus of prepress production and cutting-edge IT: The IT experts who know prepress, and the prepress experts who know IT.

Commitment to Innovation

Hybrid Software will be highlighting several new products and technologies at Labelexpo. They include:

Hybrid PACKZ 10: The latest version of Hybrid’s popular all-in-one PDF editor adds new capabilities for both digital and conventional printing, including enhanced 3D visualization and ray tracing for shrink sleeves and die-formed metal cans, utilizing a tight integration of two Hybrid Software products, iC3D and Capture 3D.

Hybrid Software’s auto layout and step-and-repeat technology for roll-fed digital labels and stack offset printers, Packzimizer, includes new features to manage short print runs and smaller quantities. Packzimizer intelligently analyzes order data to optimize the layout and repetitions of labels on a roll based on quantity, offering maximum substrate usage and press uptime.

Hybrid CLOUDFLOW: Hybrid Software’s highly configurable enterprise production workflow system provides fast and effective automation of prepress tasks for many converters and printers worldwide. MyCLOUDFLOW is a 100% cloud-based SaaS solution running in a dedicated Amazon Web Services (AWS) cluster and supported by Hybrid’s dedicated team of IT professionals, with strong data protection and immutable backups.

CLOUDFLOW’s ProofScope tool for artwork viewing and approval now includes a 3D approval system based on iC3D technology. Users can visualize product labels as well as embellishments like glitter and varnishes, applied directly to three-dimensional shapes including cartons and bottles, accurately distorting artwork to assure the highest quality shrink sleeves.

ColorSpace: Built on technology from Hybrid Software’s ColorLogic business, ColorSpace offers optimized color matching for digital and conventional printing to all users of PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW. ColorSpace supports different color spaces, from process color and extended gamut printing (ECG) to specific brand color inks. It offers non-experts—sales reps, CSRs and others—an automatic selection of the best ink configuration for each job, on a given printing press, based on the smallest deviation from the desired spectral color (∆E), with reporting to MIS/ERP for accurate quoting.

SmartDFE turnkey digital front end (DFE) for digital presses: SmartDFE is targeted for high-speed, single-pass presses printing fully variable data. It is built upon Harlequin Direct, the world’s fastest PDF RIP, providing rasterization and inkjet drop generation for the best possible image quality and quickest printing speeds. It offers independence from third-party core RIP solutions, relying on Hybrid’s own Harlequin Core—the world’s fastest RIP core—as well as workflow technology based on CLOUDFLOW, and color management from ColorLogic – all developed in-house. SmartDFE is used to power a number of digital label presses that are displayed at Labelexpo, although it is often marketed and sold under Hybrid Software OEM customers’ own brand names.

Hybrid Software has maintained its focus on building the most productive tools for label and packaging printers and converters. “All Hybrid Software companies have one common mission: We are the heartbeat of industrial printing and packaging, whether flexo, offset or digital printing. For example, we are the only company that can drive any digital press with technology developed 100% in-house. This includes all the tasks required to manufacture print, from file preflighting and ink estimation, to prepress workflow and layout, to all facets of color management, RIPping files to a digital printer, overseeing inkjet printhead performance, to analyzing and reporting to networked MIS/ERP solutions,” explains Mike Agness, Hybrid Software Executive Vice President, Americas. “Yet, just as important as our technology is that we care, on a very local level, about our customers’ successes.”

For more information about PACKZ and other Hybrid Software solutions visit: www.hybridsoftware.com.

END

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1 – SmartDFE is the only AI-accelerated digital front-end for inline printing of fully variable data

2 – Hybrid Packzimizer includes new features to manage short print runs and smaller quantities.

3 –  iC3D offers photorealistic rendering and prototyping

4 – ColorSpace offers optimized color matching for digital and conventional printing to all users of PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW.

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, the innovative leader in 3D packaging design software, is excited to announce the release of iC3D Version 10. This newest version brings significant enhancements and essential fixes, reinforcing Hybrid’s commitment to providing industry-leading 3D solutions for packaging designers and manufacturers.

“Our tenth release of iC3D is a testament to our continued innovation on behalf of packaging professionals,” said Heath Luetkens, Hybrid Software Business Manager – 3D Graphics. “The deep integration with our recently acquired Capture 3D technology for accurate metal can printing strengthens our comprehensive solution suite for both brands and packaging converters, delivering a high-quality suite of tools trusted by the entire value chain.”

Enhancements in iC3D’s 10th Release

iC3D version 10 introduces several groundbreaking features designed to improve the user experience and expand creative capabilities:

Capture 3D — precise grid management for accurate deformation and modeling within PACKZ — now has direct integration with iC3D.

• Advanced Warping Template: The new advanced warping template, integrated with Hybrid Software’s Capture 3D distortion software for metal cans, allows users to select scanned model data, set parameters for the distortion grid, and generate designs for use in PACKZ. This enhancement streamlines the design process for metal can packaging, ensuring supreme quality and accurate printing. Additionally, iC3D’s photorealistic live 3D viewing unlocks new opportunities for branding and innovation in metal can packaging.

The OpenGL viewer is improved for more realistic material rendering and works seamlessly with the newest version of 3D Proofscope for more right-first-time approvals.

• Improved OpenGL Viewer: The updated OpenGL viewer, or “Standard” view, now includes enhancements to material rendering, offering more realistic visuals. This viewer features tools for soft proofing and facilitates customer feedback through a secure web browser. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Hybrid Software’s workflow production suite, CLOUDFLOW, ensuring a smooth and efficient production process.

iC3D 10 users can now scale bottle models up or down in size accurately by simply inserting the desired volumetric number.

• Volumetric Transform: A new option within Transforms allows users to adjust a model’s size using volumetric information. This feature is particularly beneficial for creating accurate bottle models, as it enables scaling based on volumetric calculations.

Time-saving functionalities, such as keyboard shortcuts to switch between the OpenGL and Ray Tracing window, improve user experience and create 3D models more rapidly.

With these new enhancements and many additional improvements, users of iC3D will experience a significant boost in their design efficiency and overall 3D experience.

END

Download the press release here.

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, an international software company specializing in label and packaging printing prepress, workflow, and 3D solutions, announces its participation in ‘Project Halo’, a unique consumer experience spearheaded by Diageo, the world leader in beverage alcohol across spirits and beer categories.

The Experience at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, Scotland

During August, visitors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh will be immersed in an experience where they are invited to co-design their very own unique bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. In collaboration with Scottish artist Scott Naismith, the experience begins with visitors answering a few simple prompts to compose AI generated artwork with various colors, locations, artistic styles, and times of day. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork printed directly onto the bottle in a matter of minutes and is believed to be the first ever to combine world-class Scotch whisky, art, and AI.

The ‘Project Halo’ Partnership Is a Commitment to Innovation

Championed by Diageo, ‘Project Halo’ was engineered by an industry-leading team of experts, including Phantom, Amazon AWS, GMG, Roland DG, and Hybrid Software. Their collective mission of this project is to propel brands to success by pioneering cutting-edge technology with personalized consumer experiences.

At Johnnie Walker Princes Street, visitors are invited to explore the world of direct and variable on-site bottle printing hands-on. The unique and innovative integration with AI technology molds a special connection between the brand and the consumer, aiming to reinforce brand recognition and loyalty.

Igor Vandromme, Brand Manager at Hybrid Software, shares: “Our CLOUDFLOW enterprise software plays a crucial role in powering an automation workflow with many moving parts, including spontaneous consumer decision-making, resulting not only in seasonal and variable data printing but now in AI-driven artwork printing. It is a revolutionary step in the future of highly personalized consumer experiences of brands, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Consumers can book the Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith experience (£240) here.

ENDS

Download the press release here.

During the Flexo Label Advantage Group’s (FLAG) Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony Awards night on June 12, 2024, HYBRID Software was recognized as recipient of the FLAG 2024 Vendor Partner of the Year award. The award is given for excellence in serving FLAG and its Members, who are label and packaging converters. Recipients are Vendor Partner companies who provide exceptional support, proactive communication and commitment to the entire FLAG organization.

Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG) was founded in 2010 when its founder, John McKay, saw an opportunity in North America for a label buying group, based on his personal experiences with successful buying groups in other printing industry segments. FLAG is an independently owned company, now with over 140 Members.

FLAG negotiates national group incentive agreements on products and services converters purchase every day. Their Members maintain their independence, and negotiate their own invoice pricing while receiving quarterly incentives and direct savings, because they are part of the group. FLAG also offers independent label converters benefits similar to what large national converters can provide for their facilities with multi-location backup and support, should a catastrophic event take place. It provides opportunities for its Members to be more competitive as a buyer’s group in the marketplace, and become stronger companies, without sacrificing their independence.

The Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony Awards night was just one small portion of FLAG’s Annual Meeting, which was held this year from June 11-13, in Buffalo NY. The summit gave Member companies a chance to continue to learn, network, and grow. It featured industry experts, thought leaders, panel discussions covering a range of topics relevant to label converting, and a Vendor Partner tabletop expo highlighting services, products and new technologies. This year, the group also toured FLAG Member and host company Niagara Label’s facility to see first-hand the culture that has enabled them to grow significantly while staying true to the family-owned company values that have guided them for over 38 years.

Last year, Mike Agness, HYBRID Software Executive Vice President, Americas earned the FLAG Brad Brown strategic partner award, exemplifying commitment, creativity and excellence in his support of FLAG. “However, as a group, I am thrilled that HYBRID Software has received the FLAG Vendor Partner of the year award again; only one of two vendors have received the award twice. It is prized by us because it honors the way we support our customers,” says Agness. “We believe in our commitment to FLAG because of the value and true win-win-win approach. We thank FLAG again for giving us the platform to offer its members our portfolio of production workflow tools, and meeting an exceptional group of converters.”

“HYBRID Software is an excellent example of the way a vendor should support our members,” remarks McKay. “They have always been an active vendor partner, offering not only competitive pricing for our Members but, most important, exceptional workflow solutions and outstanding customer support. They have played a valuable role in the continued success of FLAG and our Members.”

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Latest version of PDF editor offers cutting-edge features to enhance automation, unlock new opportunities for branding, and increase productivity for label and packaging printers

Ghent, Belgium, June 18th, 2024: HYBRID Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & packaging printing, announces the release of PACKZ 10, the latest version of its popular all-in-one PDF editor. A prepress application for both digital and conventional printing, PACKZ 10 introduces groundbreaking features including seamless integration with EngView’s CAD software, advanced 3D viewing capabilities for metal can printing, and enhanced functionality for managing small print runs. STEPZ 10 offers the same features in a scaled-down product aimed solely at digital printing.

“We showcased PACKZ 10 at drupa 2024 and it was met with great enthusiasm. HYBRID Software is dedicated to offering open, interoperable and innovative solutions that can be used safely and with confidence by the label and packaging industry. The latest version of PACKZ is a testament to this,” says product manager Pascal Wybo.

New features in PACKZ 10 include:

• Connectivity to EngView
  PACKZ 10 offers deep connectivity to EngView Packaging Suite CAD software, providing robust support for existing EngView users and a modern, user-friendly CAD alternative for folding carton printers. This collaboration enhances the extensive range of editing and automation tools in PACKZ 10, representing a significant advancement in packaging production for folding cartons.

RESTful API connectivity between PACKZ 10 and EngView Packaging Suite CAD software.

• Capture 3D technology
With advancements in HYBRID Software’s Capture 3D technology, PACKZ 10 delivers supreme quality and detailed printing on metal cans. The software now features precise deformation grids and live 3D viewing, unlocking new opportunities for branding and metal can packaging. This innovation follows the game-changing shrink sleeve technology launched earlier this year.

Capture 3D precise grid management with 2D and 3D mapping for accurate deformation and modeling in PACKZ.

• Packzimizer enhancements
Packzimizer, HYBRID Software’s auto layout and step-and-repeat technology for roll-fed digital labels and stack offset printers, includes new features to manage short print runs and smaller quantities. Packzimizer intelligently analyzes the order data to optimize the layout and repetitions of labels on the roll based on quantity, offering maximum substrate usage and press uptime.

Intelligent algorithms to gang labels quantity-based with print-ready layouts for roll- and sheet-fed printing.

For more information about PACKZ and other HYBRID Software solutions visit: www.hybridsoftware.com

ENDS

Download the press release here.

Randy McDonnell and Shanti Chadha of Kwality Labels.

Automating Artwork Prep

As with the variety of specifications faced on a daily basis for packaging, the preparation of artwork for labels and packaging differs from job to job.

Historically, prepress departments, either manually or with the help of automated workflow systems, have resolved several challenges. They include tasks such as:

• Preflighting: Assuring artwork file is ready to be printed.
• Colour management: Matching colour appearances as closely as possible from input to output and between devices, assuring colours will be printed as specified.
• Trapping: With traditional presses, assuring there are no gaps between type or images of different colours. Additionally, in flexo printing, consideration is given to keep aways or hold backs where required.
• Step and repeat: Determining the most efficient way to print jobs on press.

As these differ from converter to converter, the best way to illustrate how to consider file preparation would be to start from the beginning.

A PDF editor and cloud-based dashboard have automated many of the company’s prepress tasks.

Ground zero

Kwality Labels, owned by Shanti Chadha and based in Richmond Hill, Ont., began more than 40 years ago as a narrow web commercial flexo label printer. They have since expanded capabilities to include custom digital label printing for both long and short print runs. These include pressure sensitive, cut and stack, and double- sided labels, along with products like spirals. They offer a full range of products and services for their clients from industries like health, cosmetics, juice, and snack foods. Kwality Labels complies with several industry standards and has certifications such as G7, FTA FIRST, and IFS PACsecure, allowing them to achieve premium quality for everyone.

When Randy McDonnell joined Kwality Labels in 2019, they outsourced all prepress. After client approval, plates showed up and they ran the job. McDonnell, along with plant manager Joe Miller, were tasked with building a prepress department from scratch using a PDF editor.

“I always heard the rationale for using a PDF editor, but never understood it. Since I worked previously with Adobe Illustrator, I never had real workflow experience. In the very early days here at Kwality Labels, I did the work first in Illustrator, then moved the files into the PDF editor,” remembers McDonnell. “Now that I know how to use the workflow, I realized that I could process a file better and faster entirely with the PDF editor. If I’m spending eight hours on one file or on a series of SKUs in the editor, I’m going to spend much longer in Illustrator to accomplish the same.”

McDonnell gets artwork files from both ends of the spectrum. Once someone has edited a file, particularly for flexo, the struggle is getting both print runs to look the same.

“Consider a job that requires five designs—one new, but four repeated from last year. It’s easy to use last year’s file and tweak the text. But if there’s a new flavour or SKU this year, I’ll get a new design file,” says McDonnell. “How do I ensure the design file matches the ones I’ve already printed—and maybe not even by me, but someone else? That would be a challenge without a good workflow.”

The other issue is flexo vs. digital. Kwality Labels has digital HD and flexo presses. “We’re not going to run 5,000 or fewer labels on a flexo press. But I need to mimic its print quality on the digital press. Conversely, customers may order a print job of 5,000 labels today that we will print on a digital press—and may order 100,000 tomorrow, which we will print on a flexo press. The challenge, of course, is to match colour between presses.”

There are different ink and colour settings to be considered. This is where colour management comes into play. McDonnell relies on the CXF value of the Pantone colour, which includes the LAB value and the spectral data (essentially lighting conditions, as a package on the shelf looks different from a package under freezer lighting).

At times, McDonnell extends the print gamut by utilizing orange, green and violet.

“One of the tests of a better workflow, particularly when you want to colour manage it to expanded gamut, is the ability to convert everything: CMYK images, RGB images and others. Some just convert the Pantone or vector components. The more sophisticated systems apply it to all images,” explains McDonnell.

Step and repeat

The way Kwality Labels automatically steps and repeats jobs is innovative.

“We’re pulling the information from an updated database. For example, with nutraceuticals, there are about 40 different sized bottles and labels that we typically print. We input those sizes into an automated dashboard,” mentions McDonnell. “Once the customer okays the one-up, the system automatically finds that size in the database, and locates the step and repeats. We just say ‘go’, and we’ve got a stepped file sitting at the digital press to print—or RIPped to a 1-bit tiff file for plates.”

“The old way to send files for approval was via a low-res PDF. The problem is, what will you use as a viewer? Many people rely on a browser. Even the free version of Adobe Acrobat presents problems if settings are incorrect. Some customers might say, ‘Why does the type look fat?’ It’s because we put a trap on the type and it’s being looked at with the overprint off,” remarks McDonnell. “Now, if we try to send one of our larger clients a low-res PDF, they won’t even open the email message. It has to be approved via our online portal. The viewer on the automated dashboard forces everyone to view literally the same file, with the same rendering. Customers can leave notes on the file or on certain areas of the image. We just collect the notes and make a new version.”

Future plans

Kwality Labels’ future plan is to tie its MIS into their plate-ordering jobs. They can already automate the digital press front end (DFE). If a job is approved in digital form, it just goes to DFE and RIPs automatically at the correct settings. Preparing jobs automatically for flexo printing will take more work.

“If you’re still preparing your print production files with Adobe apps, you’re like the film stripper in 1990s, when desktop publishing was taking hold. Yes, you could do everything with film stripping. But at a certain point, it didn’t matter how good you were. Technology has changed,” concludes McDonnell. “There’s also a big change in PDF editing technology, and those who rely on other tools could be left behind.”

Visit the Kwality Labels website here.

By Mike Agness, Courtesy of PRINTACTION

Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software, and Pierre Hammond, commercial director of Hamillroad Software, celebrate their new partnership.

HYBRID Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & packaging printing, is excited to announce a strategic partnership to integrate Hamillroad’s Bellissima DMS screening solution into its CLOUDFLOW enterprise production workflow. The collaboration meets a growing demand for CLOUDFLOW support among Hamillroad’s customers and brings together the best-in-class technologies, offering significant advantages to flexo trade shops and converters.

CLOUDFLOW is a highly configurable solution that provides fast and effective automation of prepress tasks for more than 1,000 customers worldwide. Hamillroad’s Bellissima DMS is recognized as the leading screening solution for flexography, widely adopted by major brands, trade shops, and converters. The partnership between HYBRID Software and Hamillroad combines these advanced technologies to offer an enhanced solution. The seamless integration of Bellissima DMS into CLOUDFLOW will provide users with:

• Complete control of Bellissima DMS directly within CLOUDFLOW.
• Seamless selection between CLOUDFLOW’s built-in conventional screening and Bellissima.
• Access to Bellissima’s next-gen ‘ACE’ surface patterning and Intelligent Flexo.
• Full integration with all CLOUDFLOW modules, including ProofScope, CLOUDFLOW’s tool for artwork viewing and approval.

“The integration of Bellissima DMS into CLOUDFLOW aligns with our mission to deliver leadership in software for industrial printing and packaging, fostering long-term mutual partnerships and providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers that will enhance their processes and their business,” said Nick De Roeck, President, HYBRID Software.

Pierre Hammond, Commercial Director, Hamillroad Software, added: “Our customers have been asking for CLOUDFLOW support, and this partnership with HYBRID Software enables us to meet that demand. Together, we are setting new standards in the flexo printing industry.”

The integration is expected to be released in Q3 2024 and will include Hamillroad’s next generation of Bellissima DMS delivering unparalleled screening capabilities, including:

• The highest SID levels on traditional LAMs flexo plates for CMYK, spot color, and whites.
• Superior image reproduction quality, equivalent to 300-450 lpi.
• Exceptional fade-to-zero smoothness with tone values below traditional 3-10%.
• Compatibility with UV, solvent, and water-based printing on various manufacturers’ LAMs plates, including eco-friendly water-wash plates.

For more information, visit HYBRID Software at drupa 2024 on stand 7a/D03 or Hamillroad Software on the Asahi Photoproducts stand 8b/A13.

cloudflow.hybridsoftware.com
www.hamillroad.com/bellissima

Download the press release here.

We have an all star list of presentations planned for you every day of drupa. You won’t want to miss it, all happening in Hall 7A/D03!

On stage we will share the newest announcements of the software and hardware at the heart of industrial printing and packaging, and in addition our premium partners will share future-proof integrations for you to power your printing business.

Download the full drupa presentation schedule here.

We can’t wait to kick off the printing industry’s no. 1 trade fair with you.

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & package printing, will demonstrate Version 10 of its PACKZ PDF packaging editor at the Drupa trade fair starting on May 28 in Düsseldorf, Germany. PACKZ Version 10 adds deep connectivity to EngView’s Package & Display Designer CAD software to better support existing EngView users as well as any folding carton printer who is looking for a modern, user-friendly CAD alternative. This collaborative solution adds to the already-extensive range of editing and automation tools in PACKZ 10 and marks a significant advancement in packaging production for folding cartons.

Hybrid Software President Patrick Coussement states, “PACKZ has long supported connectivity with structural design software via open interfaces, but the direct connection to EngView is much more streamlined and productive for folding carton designers and printers. EngView has an excellent reputation and offers both Mac and PC versions of their software, just as we do with PACKZ. We’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership and continued innovation on behalf of our mutual customers.”

Boriana Stoimenova, Head of the Packaging Division at EngView Systems, comments on the integration between EngView Package & Display Designer and Hybrid’s PACKZ: “As two leading companies, committed to providing high-quality innovative solutions for the packaging industry, sharing the same customer-oriented values, it’s the natural progression for EngView and Hybrid to form an alliance. This collaboration aims to empower our customers by automating the packaging design and production processes. It will significantly improve their efficiency and reduce the time-to-market. Given the smooth and effective cooperation between our teams so far, I am genuinely excited about this venture and believe we can discover even more ways to integrate EngView’s and Hybrid’s products.”

Discover all innovative productivity tools of the only all-in-one PDF editors for label and packaging graphics at www.hybridsoftware.com, or visit Hall 7a, Stand D03 at drupa for a personalized demonstration.

END

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For our offices in Merelbeke, Belgium we are currently looking for a highly motivated Software Tester. You will join our QA team, which assists the development team in delivering high-quality software products to our customers.

Your Responsibilities:

• You will carry out manual and automatic testing on our interactive applications.
• You will carry out manual and automatic testing on our workflow products.
• You are in direct communication with Development for problem analyse and testing.
• You could be involved in activities such as requirements analysis, planning, test design, security and vulnerability testing, performance, releasing, documenting, training and post-release support.
• You will have the opportunity to develop and support automated testing scripts and procedures.

Your qualifications:

• Experience of manual testing (experience with test automation tools would be a bonus but not necessary).
• Scripting languages.
• Good written & verbal communication and the ability to work in a team.
• A good understanding of the software development process will help.
• A degree in ‘computer science’ or ‘graphics and digital media’.
• Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in English.

What we offer:

• We offer a job with flexible working hours, and a relaxed working atmosphere.
• A competitive salary in accordance with your experience.
• Excellent terms of employment in an international focused organization
• Informal work climate and variable working-hours.
• At Hybrid Software we value our customers and our employees. We have a flat organizational structure and we strongly encourage any initiative coming from our people.

Don’t hesitate to send your resume to HR-europe@hybridsoftware.com or to contact us on +32 9329 5753 in case you have any questions.

Download the job description here.

We warmly invite you to join us at The European Label Forum from 22 May – 24 May 2024.

As a proud sponsor, we look forward to gathering with the label industry for an unparalleled networking opportunity with those at the pulse of the label industry!

Register here to join us for  three enriching days in Athens Greece, where together we will be:

• Navigating industry shifts: across sustainability, digitization, workforce trends
• Gaining insights from top experts and thought leaders
• Networking with a global community of industry peers
• Experiencing the spirit of innovation and collaboration

Will you be attending?
Schedule a meeting with us at marketing@hybridsoftware.com.

Hybrid Software Group has announced that it has appointed Steven Steenhaut as Director of Marketing. In this role, Steenhaut will coordinate group marketing activities across the company’s six business units, building a unified effort and market presence. Steven will be based in HYBRID Software’s office in Gent, Belgium.

Steenhaut has spent most of his career in sales and marketing, primarily in high tech and IT companies—particularly software—spanning a number of global regions. Beginning his career in sales allowed him to apply that experience into marketing to fully support the sales effort. He has experience in start-ups as well as more institutionalized companies. All of this comes within an international context with the ability to manage and coordinate several remote teams.

While Steenhaut comes to the Hybrid Software Group from Igepa Belux, where he was Marketing and E-Commerce Manager, he spent most of his career at Nuance, market leader in speech recognition, AI, PDF and OCR software. There he ultimately managed the Global Marketing Demand Center, guiding and supporting local marketing teams across the globe. The company grew from $170 million revenue to nearly $2 billion before being acquired by Microsoft in 2021. Steenhaut began his career as a copier salesman for Océ-copiers, quickly developing experience in the marketing departments of Panasonic and Fujitsu-Siemens. He earned a Master’s degree in Applied Economics (University of Ghent) and an MBA from the Management School of Antwerp.

“Hybrid Software Group has undergone considerable growth during the past few years. We are comprised of six business units whose technologies complement each other, but we must act as one company to our customers. While we have contributed to the success of many print providers, we also provide vital OEM technologies to many vendors who use our products and expertise to create digital front ends as well as fast and powerful digital presses. As a group, we are much stronger than our individual parts,” states Mike Rottenborn, Hybrid Software Group CEO. “Particularly given the importance of making a strong presence at drupa in a few months, we are fortunate to be able to rely on Steven’s expertise. We look forward to Steven’s efforts to provide a strong, unified identity.”

END

HYBRID Software Releases iC3D Suite 9.5 for Precision and Flexibility in Packaging Innovation

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software is pleased to announce the release of iC3D Suite version 9.5, which introduces new features and user experience updates for the innovative packaging design and visualization software. The significant enhancements streamline the workflow for packaging professionals and graphic designers.

The new version introduces expanded support for additional 3D file formats, including GLTF, GLB, and FBX. These formats are widely used in the industry and offer efficient data transmission, compatibility, and precision in 3D scene data. This enhancement will allow users to import and export these formats, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in their 3D design processes.

iC3D 9.5 also brings major improvements to the internal PDF Editor. Users can now select Page Boxes of the PDF files being used, and improvements have been made to PDF layer visibility. These features leverage front-line technology from HYBRID Software’s own PACKZ PDF Libraries, delivering an elevated user experience and increasing productivity.

States Product Manager Heath Luetkens, “The PDF Editor is now available for the Select and Designer editions of iC3D in addition to our full-featured iC3D Suite. This expansion of features to more versions of the software ensures that a wider range of users can benefit from the enhanced capabilities of the PDF Editor.”

iC3D 9.5 continues to deliver on Hybrid Software’s commitment to providing fast, accurate, and photorealistic 3D virtual prototypes or press-ready proofs for the packaging design industry.

Visitors of drupa 2024 will be able to experience iC3D at the new Touchpoint Packaging arena in Hall 3 Stand B31 and at Hybrid Software’s booth in Hall 7A Stand D03.

END

Download the press release here

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & package printing, has launched Version 9.5 of its PACKZ and STEPZ packaging and label editors. Version 9.5 is a significant upgrade which includes several new technologies and numerous enhancements to improve operator productivity for digital, flexo, and offset printing of labels and packaging.

HYBRID Software’s new Colorspace color management technology is accessible from within both PACKZ and STEPZ, providing color consistency between different printing methods like flexo and digital printing as well as between different digital printing devices themselves.  Its easy-to-use interface simplifies the process of high-quality color conversion and optimization of CMYK, RGB, multicolor and expanded gamut printing.  The sophisticated technology uses spectral data, supports CxF/X-4 spot color definitions, and builds DeviceLink profiles on-the-fly with a high color accuracy across all printing methods, allowing packaging to be easily moved from flexo or offset printing to digital print production.

HYBRID Software’s Packzimizer now offers lane planning for efficient gang printing of roll-fed digital labels, while cut-and-stack labels that are printed in bulk on large sheets profit from the cost-effective block imposition with less wastage in cutting and finishing. The full complement of step and repeat solutions in PACKZ and STEPZ support all varieties of package printing and production methods while automating the layout process.

PACKZ 9.5 also marks the introduction of CAPTURE 3D, an optional expert application for shrink sleeve quality and 3D modeling. “We successfully showcased CAPTURE 3D at Labelexpo Brussels earlier this year, mapping 2D artwork to 3D modeling. With innovative technology of CAPTURE 3D, precise grid distortion can be performed in minutes instead of days, speeding up time to market while improving quality. And since CAPTURE 3D eliminates dead zones, shrink sleeves gain valuable real estate for increased visual appeal and brand awareness,” remarks Product Manager Pascal Wybo. PACKZ and STEPZ integrate with Capture 3D to display the compensation of artwork shrinkage live in a visually realistic 3D preview.

Last but not least, PACKZ’s industry-leading trapping technology, which compensates for unacceptable gaps between artwork elements during flexo printing, gets a major upgrade in PACKZ 9.5.
The Trap Rules feature models how artwork edges should be trapped and increase the efficiency and quality of trapping for both images and graphic elements in an interactive and automated prepress process.

Discover all innovative productivity tools of the only all-in-one PDF editors for label and packaging graphics at www.hybridsoftware.com.

END

As the end of the year draws near, we’d like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you for your trust and support generously given throughout the year. We appreciate your trust, partnership and friendship. We are looking forward to our projects in the new year, but for now, we hope you can make warm memories and recharge the batteries.

Discover our brand-new Packzimizer overview video for intelligent lane planning for digital print production.

Integrated within our PACKZ editor, Packzimizer intelligently analyzes the order data to optimize your labels’ layout and repetitions on the roll based on quantity. Achieve best possible utilization of your rolls, increase press uptime and minimize substrate waste.

• Intelligent algorithms for ganging labels or packaging
• Quantity-based
• Output print ready impositions for roll- fed digital printing

Contact us today to learn more about adopting intuitive and powerful HYBRID tools for your print production.

Article courtesy of CERM:

The CERM-HYBRID Partnership highlights our commitment to streamlining and enhancing prepress operations. We feel that awarding HYBRID Software our Premium Integration Partner quality label is another great step forward and adds extra punch to our high-end and automated prepress workflow solutions for the label and packaging printing industry.

The significance of prepress workflow automation

At CERM, we believe in connecting all elements of your business and creating a seamless integration of your complete workflow, from CRM to invoicing. An integrated workflow improves your productivity and from this conviction, we suggest automating as much of your workflow as possible.

Prepress workflow is often the ideal starting point for automation. Subsequent stages can smoothly integrate your printing presses and finishing machines into the already established automated prepress workflow. This step-by-step integration process ensures a cohesive and efficient workflow.

Key standard integrations with industry leaders

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, we have invested significantly in our partner integrations with leading prepress software suppliers for the label and packaging printing industry. Awarding HYBRID Software with the CERM Premium Integration Partnership is not just a quality assurance and sign of their proven excellence. It also further empowers our automated partner solutions for (prepress) workflows for CERM customers and prospects.

Inside the CERM-HYBRID CLOUDFLOW integration

The integration between CERM and HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW is designed to automate the entire process from product creation in the CERM MIS Software to the approval of the soft proof by the print buyer. CLOUDFLOW’s Proofscope module for soft proofing and collaboration is seamlessly integrated in the Web4Labels CERM application for a smart approval workflow.

This automation not only saves time and reduces errors but also allows prepress operators to focus on high-value operations, leveraging their expertise.

The CERM-HYBRID CLOUDFLOW integration operates on bidirectional JDF-JMF data exchange. Utilizing product properties from the CERM MIS system, JDF instructions are sent to HYBRID CLOUDFLOW, initiating an automated prepress job.

This process includes bidirectional synchronization of artwork status and the exchange of product color details, which become part of the product description in the CERM MIS. Finally, the soft proof PDF generated by HYBRID’s CLOUDFLOW is sent to the print buyer for approval. Upon approval, the prepress workflow for the product is complete, ready for production upon customer order.

Conclusion

This partnership and the integration between CERM and HYBRID Software combines expertise and technology. It sets new standards in the label and packaging print industry, emphasizing our commitment to innovation and excellence.

For more information on the CERM-HYBRID partnership, please contact our marketing department at marketing@cerm.net or reach out to our CERM Business Development Team at sales@cerm.net.

More information on the CERM MIS Software can be found at www.cerm.net, read all our latest news and client testimonials in the news section (www.cerm.net/news).

CLOUDFLOW CERM Integration

1. Approval Overview in CLOUDFLOW
2. Asset Viewer in the 3D Library
3. Workflow Approval

Specimen for the evaluation of new features as described in the R&D project.

HYBRID Software Extends CLOUDFLOW Maker for 3D Binder Jet Applications with Innovation & Entrepreneurship Grant from Flemish Government

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the global software solutions provider for the printing industry, announces its continued investment in the expansion of its Additive Manufacturing (AM) software portfolio, with an additional R&D project aimed at adding multiple new functionalities to its CLOUDFLOW Maker AM workflow software. The Flemish Government has committed to supplying HYBRID Software with a grant, confirming the relevance of the innovative research to be undertaken in HYBRID Software’s AM Business Unit.

The project’s goal is the development of next-level functionalities in CLOUDFLOW Maker, including a “from CAD to postprocess” software solution for Binder and Material Jetting technologies. These new functionalities will drive down the Cost Per Part while increasing the quality, reliability, and repeatability of the process.

Kris Binon, HYBRID Business Unit Manager for AM, is very pleased to hear the confirmation of government endorsement: “We have a solid business case, driven by true market need and delivered from our in-house expertise. We’re glad we’ve been able to adequately substantiate this claim to the government, as we believe this project is going to create tangible added value for AM machine operators. Our team has already begun setting up tests that will quantify some of the parameters to be applied in our software, in alignment with our goal of achieving positive effects on binder usage, print speed and energy efficiency.”

Nick De Roeck, Co-President of HYBRID Software, shares “The 3D-printing industry is at a crossroads: as printer producers and users turn towards industrialization, they need software to support that evolution. At such point in time, optimization and streamlining are key concepts. To achieve that, HYBRID can leverage its expertise in the industrialization of printing for labels & packaging and develop value-added functionalities for 3D and Additive Manufacturing. This project fits that scope entirely. It takes us where we intend to be and lays the foundation for further growth of the group.”

Adds De Roeck, “Some of the R&D efforts will also benefit our existing solutions. We’re particularly looking at applying AI to further enhance the development of new algorithms, for example for advanced dithering and ink management. Our co-development projects with the first selected Binder and Material Jetting OEM’s will also be announced in the near future.”

Kris Binon, AM Business Development Manager, poses with the Meteor Inkjet team during Formnext 2023 – the Hub for Additive Manufacturing.

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(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the global software solutions provider for the printing industry, is launching CLOUDFLOW Maker, an enterprise workflow solution for industrial-scale Binder and Material Jetting at the Formnext trade show in Frankfurt. CLOUDFLOW Maker was developed specifically for these Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies and provides printer producers and users with an exceptional tool to prepare and execute their prints.

CLOUDFLOW Maker is advancing the state of the art in many ways. First, the solution is truly industrial – which is what the AM sector is craving right now. Built on OPC-UA standards, the solution ensures interaction with all connected devices and machines. And, as the software is fully API-based, it offers smooth connections with all other systems – acknowledging the reality that one-solution-for-everything is non-existent.

Yet real world connectivity isn’t the only reason to consider talking to HYBRID Software, according to Kris Binon, AM Business Unit development manager. ”Having decades of experience in jetting the right drop on the right spot is just one thing; industrial printing software is about the ability to provide fast, secure and modular solutions, as well as customer-oriented support, maintenance and upgrades.”

To raise the bar from a technical perspective, HYBRID Software can rely on two other sources. First, parent organization Hybrid Software Group boasts the world’s major provider of printhead electronics for Binder Jetting: Meteor Inkjet. Combining their hardware with HYBRID’s own software guarantees a direct, secure data stream from CAD up to printhead. Meteor’s expertise on drop formation, binder delivery systems, waveforms, etc., is unique in the 3D-print industry, and CLOUDFLOW Maker complements the existing offerings from Meteor Inkjet and its partners. Second, HYBRID Software’s experienced engineering team has 12+ years of successful product development for industrial printing applications like labels and packaging to bring to bear for CLOUDFLOW Maker.

Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software Group, summarizes the company’s position in the AM sector as follows: “The 3D-printing industry is at a crossroads: as printer producers and users turn towards industrialization, they need software to optimize and streamline their workflows for high-volume production. To achieve this, HYBRID is leveraging our expertise in enterprise workflow for printing to develop value-adding functionalities for Binder and Material Jetting.”

Parties interested to discuss their CLOUDFLOW Maker implementation can meet with HYBRID Software at the upcoming Formnext in Frankfurt (DE), from 7 – 10 November 2023. HYBRID Software is sharing a booth with the Meteor Inkjet colleagues at hall 12.0, stand B102.

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Kris Binon, AM Business Unit development manager, celebrates with the CLOUDFLOW Maker software development team the launch of the new workflow solution in the Gent headquarters.

Introducing Capture 3D

Our newest technology, Capture 3D, is an optional expert application for on the mark 3D modeling and shrink sleeve quality. Via 2D artwork to 3D modeling mapping, heat shrinkage is accurately compensated, and results can be shared in a visually realistic 3D preview. With innovative technology, precise and easy grid distortion can take place in minutes instead of days, speeding up customers’ time to market drastically. And since Capture 3D eliminates dead zones,  your customers’ packaging gains valuable real estate for increased visual appeal and brand awareness.

How does it work?

The process begins by selecting the 3D grid pattern most applicable to your printing technique and packaging. Once chosen, print the grid and shrink the pattern around the model. Reflex cameras are then used to accurately scan 360 degrees of the model.

This generates a unique grid which compensates for distortion and is uploaded to Capture 3D. In the last step, the 3D artwork is mapped to a 3D model, which can then be shared as part of the HYBRID workflow for approvals and then sent on its way to print.

Processes which usually take days to perfect are integrated into a smooth workflow and completed in minutes. Contact us today to start your journey to unmatched shrink sleeve quality.

Customer Advisor Jens Fechtel and PACKZ Operator Sven Siegert

VN Reproduktion & Kommunikation GmbH is an owner-operated prepress house offering final artwork and repro service for brand owners and offset and flexo printers. The German based company delivers their customers creative packaging design, adaptation design and reproduction specifically implemented for the respective printing process. VN Repro has been creating artwork for folding cartons and cardboard boxes, outer cartons, displays, flexible packaging as well as labels for 30 years.

The Reason to Change Software Systems

As artwork for folding carton and displays becomes increasingly more complex, processing such orders without the right software becomes directly as difficult. Importing data manually is time-consuming and not to mention error prone. With their previous tool, VN Repro was not being supplied an evolving tool that was up to date with the printing requirements for print data preparation.

VN Repro needed a tool that was adept to support their daily processes and create print-ready exports from their proprietary system. It became clear that with ever-increasing demands on quality and timing, the need for productive software was the key to success in the future.

VN Repro needed a modern tool for data processing; a software that would support the modernization of their prepress department. They found this in the PDF editor, PACKZ, the establishment of a PDF workflow, and later, with reliable processes and customer collaboration in CLOUDFLOW.

“With HYBRID Software, we can meet the constantly growing requirements in terms of quality and deadlines.”

Ensuring a New Software Becomes Accepted

It is not always easy to change systems, it requires invested time and the team’s acceptance. VN Repro had the correct approach: by implementing HYBRID Software gradually, the prepress team was given time to get used to new processes and become convinced themselves of the potential efficiencies to be gained. After feedback was gathered, the optimal PACKZ workflow was introduced. VN Repro customers were also taken along on the journey from the beginning to minimize concern of errors from their side.

The PACKZ Advantage

Finally, the software was up to the mark: stable performance, complex PDF handling, including trapping and automation of instant color space and image resolution checks upon opening the PDF. Artwork from InDesign, for example, could suddenly be processed directly from within PDF, which significantly increased productivity in the repro phase.

“With PACKZ, we have found a powerful PDF editor that allows us to optimally prepare complex artwork for offset or flexo printing.”

Significant Improvement in Repro Productivity Through

• High performance software
• Innovative automation tools in PACKZ PDF editor
• Simple, efficient preparation of Adobe artwork for repro
• Strong quality control with PDF comparison and Analyze and Correct
• Historic transfer of previous jobs to PDF was easily achievable

However, the desire for further automations was now sparked, especially since they were dealing with shorter and shorter time to market deadlines.

VN Repro was interested in CLOUDFLOW for improved data exchange and communication with customers. A download portal was created for less manual data provision and necessary data to be generated from a complete document, including HighRes/LowRes PDF, Proof PDF, finishing, and more. Automations were added for barcode creation, the optimization of PDFs, and in the output process. Print data customization became a breeze with automatic retrieval and inclusion of customer’s unique number of licenses and logos filling in automatically.

Potentials Unleashed Through CLOUDFLOW Include

• • Innovative automation tools in CLOUDFLOW such as Live Objects and Pactions
  • Increased productivity and process reliability
  • Many manual data transfers have been automated so that operators have more time for their actual tasks
  • New employees can be trained much faster due to high automation.

“With PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, we were able to automate many recurring activities and improve our workflows. This increases our process reliability and creates freed up time that we can use for tasks that rely on our prepress expertise.”

Plans for the future?

Future goals include the extension of Proofscope for digital approval processes and quality management. This will provide the prepress team further quality improvements through PDF comparison in CLOUDFLOW’s browser-based app.

VN Repro is currently in the testing phase in their CTP department for digital printing plate production. By utilizing HYBRID Software for their existing plate production workflows, their goal is to harmonize internal production processes and increase flexibility as well for this division.

VN Repro Bio

• Print shop in Werther, NRW, Germany with 30 employees
• HYBRID customer since 2018
• Conversion from Esko to HYBRID Software in their repro division
• To come: HYBRID Software in their CTP division
• Several PACKZ licenses, CLOUDFLOW and PACKZFLOW
• Products, Printing Techniques and Services – Final artwork and repro service for brand owners, offset and flexo printers
  • CTP for packaging printers
  • Digital proofing and color management
  • Digital printing
  • Sample making, dummies

Visit the VN Reproduktion & Kommunikation website here.

Hybrid Software Group will be showcasing its wide array of software solutions and printhead electronics for packaging and all forms of digital and conventional industrial printing at booth #B8079 during PRINTING United Expo, from October 18-20, 2023. Featured will be Global Graphics Software’s SmartDFE, which received a 2023 Pinnacle Product Award in the Technology category, and ColorLogic’s CoPrA 9 color management technology, a 2023 PRINTING United Pinnacle Product Award recipient in the Non-Output Device category.

Product highlights from Hybrid Software Group’s six operating companies will include:

• HYBRID Software will demonstrate its complete portfolio of prepress & workflow software for labels and packaging. The updated HYBRID PACKZ editor adds tools to predict the color of printed artwork under various printing conditions, including different spot color strategies. The feature helps label and packaging producers accurately reproduce brand colors using the fewest possible spot colors—and therefore, the lowest production cost. Other recent developments include Content XML for dynamic content creation using standard markup language, and Packzimizer for intelligent ganging of digital and offset label production. MyCLOUDFLOW provides file processing, asset management, soft proofing and workflow automation hosted in the AWS cloud and professionally managed by HYBRID Software personnel. Both PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW now offer optional Colorspace modules built on ColorLogic technology for exceptional brand color matching along with cost-effective ink optimization.

• Global Graphics Software will be presenting live demos of its award-winning SmartDFE, the full software stack for high-speed, single-pass presses printing fully variable data. Built upon Harlequin Direct, the world’s fastest PDF RIP, and using patented components that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning, it provides rasterization and inkjet drop generation for the best possible image quality and fastest printing speeds. Its automation capabilities provide complete control of the print workflow as well as valuable information for QA and inspection, press maintenance and stock control.

• iC3D Software, developer of 3D visualization and rendering solutions, will demonstrate Version 9 of its iC3D Suite. This includes a major enhancement to its PDF Editor, leveraging technology from HYBRID’S own PDF Libraries to deliver an enhanced user experience and faster, pixel-perfect rendering. Version 9 also offers seamless integration with HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW for high volume 3D automation.

• ColorLogic GmbH, leading provider of cutting-edge color management software solutions, will be offering demonstrations of their three flagship products: ColorAnt, CoPrA, and ZePrA. In particular, award-winning ColorLogic CoPrA is essential for any print manufacturer embracing extended gamut printing, creating high-quality profiles with a user-friendly interface for any color space and printing process.

• Meteor Inkjet will showcase their complete portfolio of industrial inkjet solutions including the world’s largest range of electronics driving all major industrial inkjet printheads; cutting-edge printhead nozzle status detection and image quality enhancement technologies; software development kits enabling bespoke printers to be built from the ground up; and DropWatcher Systems to support printer OEMs in the design, optimization and production of inkjet print systems.

• Xitron, developer of Harlequin-based Navigator RIP and workflow products able to drive virtually any output device—including litho, flexo, screen printing, digital, and high-speed inkjet—will demonstrate their entire line of prepress workflow solutions. Offering true prepress independence in each segment and based on the fastest RIP on the market, Navigator workflows are cost-effective solutions that feature exceptional functionality with blended technologies from sister companies HYBRID Software and ColorLogic. For digital presses built with any inkjet printhead, Xitron will demonstrate Navigator DFE, which recently surpassed 5,000 installations worldwide.

“Hybrid Software Group is a unique resource for PRINTING United Expo 2023 attendees. Our software products have contributed to the success of many print providers, ranging from commercial printers to packaging converters as well as wide format/specialty printers. However, our six business units also provide vital OEM technologies to many vendors who use our products and know-how to create digital front ends for fast and powerful digital presses. We’re proud to deliver the heart of industrial printing to many of our co-exhibitors at PRINTING United Expo and look forward to showing everyone our latest technologies,” comments Mike Rottenborn, Hybrid Software Group PLC CEO.

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1. Stacked Label shown in Packzimizer, the solution for intelligent ganging of digital and offset label production

2. Packzimizer for Lane Planning maximizes press uptime and minimizes substrate waste

3. Both PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW now offer optional Colorspace modules built on ColorLogic technology for exceptional brand color matching along with cost-effective ink optimization

4. Content XML Technology is used for dynamic content creation using standard markup language

5. Content XML is shown being inserted in the PACKZ prepress editor

Join us at the Flexo Xperience Center in Atlanta, Georgia on September 24th, 2023 for the English session and September 23rd, 2023 for the Spanish session, as we present on HYBRID Software solutions for the corrugated printing industry. More information can be found at the-fxc.com.

Did you know?

As a supplier partner in the premedia and prepress stage of the flexo process, HYBRID Software presents workflow solutions in image correction, color management, file preparation, and advanced screening, among others. Read the official press release here.

Guido Van der Schueren, Olivier Moeyersoms, & Pascal Pernot of Hybrid Software ring the bell to celebrate a new order with Christophe Seguin, Managing Director of ELC Etiquettes

(Gent, Belgium) Hybrid Software is pleased to announce the successful outcome of Labelexpo Europe, held last week at the Brussels Expo. More than 550 companies visited the Hybrid Software Group stand for product demos during the four days of Labelexpo, and more than 30 customers placed orders for packaging workflow and editing software, with an order value of more than €1.5 million. Hybrid Software shared the stand with group companies ColorLogic GmbH, Global Graphics Software, Meteor Inkjet, and Xitron which together deliver the group’s value proposition: The Heart of Industrial Printing.

Labelexpo also marked the successful launch of Global Graphics’ SmartDFE, the fastest available Digital Front End (DFE) for digital printing of labels and packaging. SmartDFE is built entirely with leading edge technology from all Hybrid Software companies: blazing fast rasterization from Harlequin Direct, spot color matching for CMYK and extended gamut digital presses from ColorLogic GmbH, as well as workflow automation tools adapted from Hybrid’s CLOUDFLOW software and file preparation and VDP tools based on PACKZ. SmartDFE and Xitron’s Navigator DFE were on display at several partner booths at Labelexpo.

“This was my sixteenth appearance at Labelexpo in Brussels, one of the most important events for our industry,” stated Guido Van der Schueren, Chairman of Hybrid Software. “Although I look forward to the next incarnation of Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, I will always remember the Brussels exhibitions fondly and am very pleased that the final Brussels show was such a big success for Hybrid Software and our customers.”

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From left to right: Sascha Fischer, Head of Product Management Koenig & Bauer, Christopher Graf, Chief Marketing Officer HYBRID Software, and Ralf Sammeck, CDO and CEO Segment Sheetfed Koenig & Bauer, check the final details of PrintFusion in the press manufacturer’s CEC

Announcing PrintFusion: Exclusive Software from HYBRID Software for Koenig & Bauer Rapida Sheetfed Offset Presses

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the innovative software solutions provider for labels and packaging, and Koenig & Bauer, the leading press manufacturer have combined competencies to supply an exclusive product for Koenig & Bauer’s Rapida sheetfed offset presses.

Acting as a gateway, PrintFusion steers Koenig & Bauer presses with PACKZ prepress software and the CLOUDFLOW production workflow suite.

• Innovative workflow solution for packaging printing
• Koenig & Bauer and HYBRID Software combine competencies
• Short set-up times and greater efficiency when changing jobs

The key to optimizing the prepress to print workflow

Parallel to plate creation, all printing data is securely and efficiently delivered to Rapida sheetfed offset presses. As PrintFusion supplies all relevant setting data in advance, users benefit from automation through shorter setup times and greater efficiency between job changes. In addition, printing parameters can be conveniently stored with the job data for subsequent repeat jobs. This end-to-end packaging workflow solution allows for superior efficiency through an automatic retrieval of job data from connected MIS/ERP systems.

Thanks to intelligent learning, PrintFusion maximizes press and substrate utilization and continually optimizes printing accuracy. Koenig & Bauer Rapida Sheetfed Offset presses can run far more independently and with a substantially lower less risk of errors.

Ralf Sammeck, Chief Data Officer at Koenig & Bauer describes the partnership: „The strategic decision to join forces stems from a mutual understanding of our industry’s needs, with the prioritization of best-in-class standards and innovation. PrintFusion is the result of a symbiotic partnership: what is achieved together is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Christopher Graf, HYBRID Software Chief Marketing Officer reflects, „We have built our partnership on mutual trust and common values. Already today, it is much more than a traditional supplier-vendor relation. We have combined our people to develop an innovative solution for our customers; supplying a unique technology which drives productivity to new heights.”

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Photo 1:
At this year’s Sales & Service Conference, Sascha Fischer presented the new software solution for the packaging workflow

Photo 2:
The Proofscope module within PrintFusion provides a browser-based soft proofing and collaboration solution for a seamless end-to-end packaging workflow

Intelligent Flexo Implementation at Victory Graphics

HYBRID Software announces the first UK installation of its cutting-edge CLOUDFLOW module for high quality flexo print, Intelligent Flexo at Victory Graphics, a leading name in the UK’s flexo plate industry. Intelligent Flexo is an agnostic surface screening solution which eliminates common flexo problems such as trailing-edge void, dot gain, ink spread, and poor ink laydown.

Victory Graphics, with their team of skilled professionals, has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality flexo corrugated printing and varnish plates. Equipped with the implementation of Intelligent Flexo, along with their own bespoke exposure equipment, they are poised to take their services to new heights.

Intelligent Flexo is a revolutionary toolkit that allows Victory Graphics to customize traditional flexo screening by adding object-based intelligence. This innovative technology is designed to enhance the flexo printing process, addressing the inherent shortcomings of the Flexo printed corrugated world.

Automating the production of high-quality flexo plates

The implementation of Intelligent Flexo at Victory Graphics began with an in-depth and evaluation period to recognize the significant value it brings to their products and, most importantly, to their valued customers. Intelligent Flexo seamlessly integrates with Victory Graphics’ existing CLOUDFLOW configuration, further automating the production of high-quality flexo plates.

Karl Pampus, owner and Managing Director of Victory Graphics, expressed his enthusiasm for this transformative technology, saying, “The Intelligent Flexo technology is truly remarkable, enabling us to distinguish ourselves in the market and surpassing not only our own but also our customers’ expectations. The versatility of the software ideally complements our plate developments.”

With this pioneering installation, Victory Graphics reinforces its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The company is now better equipped than ever to provide top-tier flexo, label, corrugated and varnish plates to its clients.

Visit the Victory Graphics website here.

New collaboration between HYBRID Software and A B Graphic International raises the bar for label and packaging finishing automation

HYBRID Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for labels & package printing, and ABG, market leader in finishing equipment for label converting, are pleased to announce a collaboration to streamline operations and enhance efficiency on the shop floor.

The integration between the two industry leaders is centered around three key areas that promise to deliver unprecedented operational enhancements:

1. Streamlined Setup with Automated Slitting Parameters: HYBRID Software’s automation will seamlessly transmit slitting parameters to the ABG Digicon Series 3 machine through the ABG Connect platform. This integration will effectively eliminate the need for manual setup, reducing human touchpoints and paving the way for increased productivity.

2. Enhanced Inspection Automation: The partnership brings about a more automated process for driving ABG’s proprietary camera inspection technology, fleyeVision. Through a direct link to HYBRID’s CLOUDFLOW software, fleyeVision can effortlessly retrieve the “golden image” required for inspection, minimizing the potential for errors and optimizing quality control.

3. Efficient Laser Cutting: The ABG DigiLase machine will benefit from CLOUDFLOW’s ability to incorporate QR codes representing corresponding dielines for laser cutting. ABG’s laser technology and its innovative approach ensures precise and efficient laser cutting while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy.

Matt Burton, ABG Sales Director, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are very pleased with this new collaboration with HYBRID Software which marks another significant step towards reducing manual touchpoints in our processes. This is another key component of our ABG Connect package as we push towards automation that will not only add greater efficiencies to production but also reduce operator error whilst reducing waste and downtime.”

Bert Van der Perre, Associate Director of Sales at HYBRID Software, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Linking our prepress automation solution to ABG equipment elevates the overall equipment effectiveness for our many mutual customers. This partnership extends the boundaries of our software’s capabilities, showcasing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. We are truly going beyond print!”

The industry is witnessing a transformative leap in production efficiency and operational excellence. HYBRID Software and ABG’s collaborative efforts are set to redefine the landscape of label and packaging production, ushering in a new era of automation, accuracy, and innovation.

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Executive team members from Hybrid Software Group companies celebrate
winning two PRINTING United Pinnacle Product Awards in 2023

Hybrid Software Group is proud to announce that products from two of its operating companies have received prestigious awards from the PRINTING United Alliance. Global Graphics Software’s SmartDFE has received a 2023 Pinnacle Product Award in the Technology category. In addition, ColorLogic GmbH has also been honoured with a 2023 PRINTING United Pinnacle Product Award in the Non-Output Device category for its CoPrA 9 colour management technology.

“Colour management was the missing piece in our technology stack for digital printing of labels and packaging, and we filled that with the acquisition of industry-leader ColorLogic GmbH last year,” notes Mike Rottenborn, Hybrid Software Group CEO. “SmartDFE breaks through the performance ceiling for digital printing, combining on-the-fly colour management with powerful workflow automation from HYBRID Software, real-time rasterisation via Harlequin Direct, and the inkjet expertise of Meteor Inkjet and Xitron. We believe that it’s critical to develop these technologies in-house rather than license them from third parties who lack the deep industry expertise of our team of 280 employees. Our mission is simple: we’re the technology at the heart of industrial printing, with a technology stack that is unmatched in the industry, and we’re honoured and grateful to be recognised with these important awards.”

SmartDFE is a turnkey Digital Front End for high-speed, single-pass presses printing fully variable data. Built upon Harlequin Direct, the world’s fastest PDF RIP, it provides rasterisation and inkjet drop generation for the best possible image quality and quickest printing speeds. Its automation capabilities provide complete control of the print workflow as well as valuable information for QA and inspection, press maintenance and stock control. Thus, SmartDFE transforms the role of the inkjet printer: it not only meets the demands of OEMs who need to build wider and faster digital presses, but also meets the requirement to add a print subsystem to a manufacturing operation or a smart factory to produce mass-personalised products. OEMs can choose to take as much or as little as they require from the software stack to get their digital inkjet presses to market.

ColorLogic’s CoPrA 9 is an essential asset for any print manufacturer embracing extended gamut printing. CoPrA creates high-quality ICC profiles for any colour space and printing process—digital or conventional—and is a key component of the powerful ColorLogic Suite for a complete colour management solution. CoPrA also plays a key role building spectral profiles in SmartDFE so, in effect, it earned two awards this year.

Hybrid Software Group and its individual operating companies intend to make several major OEM announcements at both Labelexpo Europe and Printing United Expo over the next two months.

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Introducing Colorspace

• Facts-based estimation empowering print buyers, estimators, and prepress professionals
• Visual and ∆E reporting for informed decision-making
• Flexible output routing for automated color conversions to conventional, digital and hybrid print conditions
• Convenient experience for non-expert users
• Includes ColorLogic state-of-the-art spectral color technology
• Optimizes production costs through Extended Color Gamut printing and ink-saving technology

We are excited to announce the brand new color management solution accessible from within CLOUDFLOW. Colorspace redefines color management for labels & packaging, powered by HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW enterprise workflow and state-of-the-art spectral color technology from ColorLogic.

Colorspace optimizes production costs through Extended Color Gamut printing and ink saving technology. By expanding the color gamut and intelligently reducing ink consumption, packaging printers save costs (fewer plates, less ink, or fewer digital ‘clicks’) while maintaining exceptional print quality and color matching across all printing methods, analog and digital.

Maximizing efficiency is at the core of Colorspace’s design, with data-driven color analysis for automated decision-making. This automation optimizes production workflows by reducing consumables and increasing press uptime.

To provide comprehensive insights into spot color performance, CLOUDFLOW Colorspace offers essential tools like Proofscope and ∆E reporting. These tools visually and quantitatively analyze spot color accuracy, empowering print buyers, estimators, and prepress professionals with valuable data for informed decision-making.

Tailored to meet specific print conditions, Colorspace boasts a late-binding solution with advanced matching styles and decision analysis, perfect for the packaging and label industry. Colorspace brings a new level of automation to spot color matching in a comprehensive, all-in-one color management solution. 

Quality Assurance at its Highest Level: EyeC and HYBRID Software Present Groundbreaking Workflow Integration at Labelexpo Europe 2023

(Ghent, Belgium) EyeC and HYBRID Software have expanded their successful collaboration and will be presenting their latest workflow integration at Labelexpo Europe 2023. The direct integration of the web-based artwork proofreading system EyeC ProofText into CLOUDFLOW by HYBRID Software enables maximum efficiency already in the artwork creation process. The collaboration of the two software experts raises quality assurance within the pre-press stage to a new level.

The partnership with HYBRID Software, a leading developer of enterprise solutions for label and packaging printing products, aims at the joint development of web-based SAAS and on-premise software solutions for the graphic industry. Both companies have been working together successfully on various levels for many years to improve prepress processes with the help of smart productivity tools. In order to meet the ever-increasing demands of customers, the latest joint project focuses on the complex process of artwork creation.

To do this, EyeC ProofText uses Mako Core technology from Global Graphics Software, a HYBRID Software company, to process PDF documents. Designed as the ultimate software development kit (SDK), Mako Core uses a unique document object model (DOM) to control color, fonts, text, images, vector content, and metadata. Through so-called DOM APIs, content can be queried and edited across formats and platforms, and digital documents can be modified. The highly automated, web-based artwork proofreading system EyeC ProofText reliably detects and evaluates deviations within the revision check, including content and font style, within a single process step thanks to an intelligent algorithm.

The combination of the two companies’ technologies enables complete automation of repeat jobs in a fluid workflow. In addition to shorter processing times and the avoidance of costly errors, this ensures that the final product is of the highest quality right from the artwork management process. At the same time, the digital workflow principle optimizes quality assurance and saves resources by reducing manual effort. Even with very complex cases, the system combination offers up to 50 % faster performance.

“We are proud to further extend our successful partnership with HYBRID Software and to support customers with this innovative solution to increase their efficiency within their artwork management processes. The direct integration of EyeC ProofText into CLOUDFLOW enables a consistent connection between both systems, allowing us to offer our customers even more security in the pre-press process,” says Ansgar Kaupp, CEO of EyeC GmbH about the cooperation.

Christopher Graf, Chief Marketing Officer of HYBRID Software, adds: “The partnership with EyeC allows us to drive digitalization in artwork creation and further simplify increasingly complex workflows. At the same time, we are setting new standards together in the graphics industry by expanding our range of innovative solutions.”

EyeC and HYBRID Software experts will be at Labelexpo Europe 2023 from 11 to 14 September. Live demonstrations of the new workflow integration will be available at EyeC stand #A864 during this time.

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Introducing iC3D + CLOUDFLOW: the next-level automated 3D rendering solution. Combining iC3D’s visualization capabilities with CLOUDFLOW’s automation prowess for streamlined content creation. Generate stunning imagery and e-commerce assets entirely automated. Contact us to learn more.

“WE ARE THE IT PEOPLE WITH LABELS AND PACKAGING KNOWLEDGE OR THE LABELS AND PACKAGING PEOPLE WITH IT COMPETENCE.”

With offices in Belgium, Germany, Italy, UK, China and the US plus a global partner network, we are a software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the labels and packaging industry. Our top-notch team has over 1000 combined years of printing experience to help our customers tackle the challenges facing the labels and packaging industry today. Our CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ and STEPZ editors offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, vendor-in-dependent solutions based on industry standards, scalable technology and low cost of ownership. These products are used by thousands of customers world-wide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing.

Our responsive development and management teams listen to our customers to stay ahead of market demands. With a rapidly growing number of individualized solutions, your story of success is the basis for HYBRID’s success.

Our team

• We are experts in our fields, and we are always willing to learn something new
• Innovation is in our DNA: creativity plus intelligence fuels our work-life
• We prioritise and foster long-standing relationships with our colleagues, customers, and partners

Your benefits

• Competitive salary in accordance with your experience
• Excellent terms of employment in a successful and growing global company
• A flat organizational structure where self-initiative is strongly encouraged

HYBRID Software’s PACKZ Version 9 Becomes Only All-in-One Packaging Editor

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for labels & package printing, has released Version 9 of its PACKZ native PDF editor with significant enhancements in design automation, color management, 3D visualization, advanced trapping, and ganging of multiple jobs in a single print layout. These new features make PACKZ the only all-in-one editor for labels and packaging graphics that runs on both the Mac and PC platforms without the need for plug-ins or expensive 3rd party subscriptions.

“Nearly ten years ago we released the first version of PACKZ with the goal of providing a ‘Swiss Army knife’ of prepress tools in a single application, supporting both Windows and Mac, with no need for plug-ins. We’ve been very successful in this approach and have sold more than 5,000 copies of PACKZ, but many users still relied on other software for package design, 3D rendering, color management, ganging, etc. But with recent acquisitions by Hybrid Software Group, as well as continuous innovation by our crack team of software developers, we’ve closed that gap with PACKZ Version 9, and we will increase our customers’ efficiencies even further in future versions,” says Patrick Coussement, Co-President of Hybrid Software.

In response to increasing consumer demand for smart packaging, PACKZ 9 adds support for Content XML, a highly efficient solution for creating graphic designs using industry-standard XML data. Content XML provides an automated tool for managing nutrition facts and ingredients panels, anti-counterfeit labels, language translations, and variable data for digital output of labels and packaging.

PACKZ 9’s Advanced Color option incorporates technology from sister company ColorLogic GmbH to provide an accurate snapshot of printed artwork under various printing conditions, including different spot color strategies. The feature is designed to help label and packaging producers accurately reproduce brand colors using the fewest number of inks and the least amount of each ink to achieve the lowest cost and most sustainable production.

PACKZ 9 incorporates the newest rendering capabilities of iC3D, HYBRID’s photorealistic 3D visualization software, to provide instantaneous virtual prototypes of even the most complex packaging artwork and embellishments on-the-fly. IC3D uses real-time ray tracing technology to produce accurate and high-quality virtual proofs which can reduce or even eliminate the need to print physical proofs.

Product Manager Pascal Wybo remarks, “PACKZ 9 brings an updated version of Packzimizer for automated lane planning of digital package printing as well as stacked label imposition for sheet-fed cut & stack label production. We’ve also added enhancements to the trapping algorithm to allow different trap widths for different inks, based on opacity or specific printing conditions. This was requested by our customers and we listened and responded to their needs.”

PACKZ 9 supports both digital and analog printing: flexo, offset, and gravure. STEPZ 9 is a streamlined product designed for digital printing only. Both new products will be showcased at Hybrid Software Group’s booth #8B45 at Labelexpo Europe from September 11th to 14th, 2023.

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HYBRID Software Brings Leadership in Innovation to Labelexpo Europe to Increase Productivity of Label Production

Gent (Belgium) 11 July 2023 — HYBRID Software brings a major presence to Hall 8, Stand B/45, as Labelexpo Europe returns to Brussels on September 11th -14th after a four-year hiatus. This is a challenging time for the label industry, with a perfect storm of high prices for energy and substrates, a shortage of skilled labor, and higher interest rates that make capital equipment purchases more challenging. Software’s role in driving production efficiency is more important than ever. At Labelexpo, HYBRID Software will demonstrate our continued innovation to boost productivity and improve the competitiveness of our customers who print and convert labels.

HYBRID’s CLOUDFLOW software is used for workflow automation by thousands of label printers and converters worldwide. But industry consolidation has resulted in many printers with multiple printing locations, so centralizing prepress automation in the cloud provides a real advantage. MyCLOUDFLOW delivers all the power of CLOUDFLOW in a multi-tenant workflow solution hosted in the AWS cloud and managed by HYBRID Software to provide ease of use and extreme performance that is scalable on demand. MyCLOUDFLOW is not just for multi-site printers; even smaller label companies can benefit from lower infrastructure costs, with no servers to purchase or local IT support required, and a new customer can be up and running in a matter of hours.

True workflow automation requires a tight link between workflow and MIS/ERP systems so that the parameters for an order can be used to create the job layout and drive platemaking systems or digital presses. At Labelexpo, we will highlight MyCLOUDFLOW’s turnkey integrations with CERM, Label Traxx, and Radius, the leading MIS systems used in labels and packaging today. We’ll also demonstrate a major new release of Packzimizer for automated lane planning of label repetitions for digital print production as well as stacked label imposition for sheet-fed “cut & stack” label production.

With many label converters producing shrink sleeves and in-mold labels, 3D modeling has become an important prepress tool for the label industry. HYBRID Software acquired industry-leader iC3D last year and has now integrated their technology into Proofscope for high quality 3D rendering of labels and shrink sleeves, including photorealistic ray tracing and visualization of embellishments. This process can be automated with MyCLOUDFLOW for efficient production.

Workflow is only part of the story; creating high quality, press-ready labels remains a challenge for the industry, and HYBRID Software has continued to innovate with many new capabilities in the PACKZ editor. Content XML is a new technology in PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW which provides data-driven creation of labels and packaging by inserting text, graphics, and other design elements dynamically from an asset database. This is especially useful for creating multiple copies of a label in different sizes or languages and for managing nutrition facts and ingredients panels, but it can be extended for many other complex label applications.

PACKZ Advanced Color uses technology from our ColorLogic division to provide an accurate snapshot of printed artwork under various printing conditions, including different spot color strategies. The feature is designed to help label and packaging producers accurately reproduce brand colors using the fewest number of inks and the least amount of each ink to achieve the lowest production cost. Once the spot color strategy has been selected, it can be applied automatically using MyCLOUDFLOW for all future instances of that color.

HYBRID’s variable data printing (VDP) software has been enhanced for easier preparation of variable data labels for digital printing. Its output format is standard PDF which is compatible with any RIP, but it has been especially optimized for our own Harlequin RIP, the world’s fastest RIP used by many preeminent manufacturers of digital presses as well as our own Digital Front Ends: Xitron NavigatorDFE and Global Graphics SmartDFE. Customers tell us that PACKZ VDP jobs print up to four times faster than VDP jobs created with other software, enabling digital presses to run faster and produce more labels per shift.

But digital printing isn’t the only game in town; most labels are still printed with flexo, offset, or gravure presses, and we continue to innovate in analog printing as well as digital printing. At Labelexpo, visitors can see a variety of print samples from our new Velvet Screening, the next generation hybrid AM/FM screening technology for flexo printing which provides unprecedented control of highlight dots and smoother gradations on all types of flexo plates, even at lower output resolutions. Velvet Screening can also be combined with Intelligent Flexo, the surface screening solution for high quality flexo printing across a wide variety of plates and substrates.

Says Executive Chairman Guido Van der Schueren, “Labelexpo Europe is our most important show in 2023 and it never disappoints. This year’s show promises to be even more significant for HYBRID Software as it’s the last time the show will be held in our country, so we’re pulling out all the stops to provide a meaningful experience for our customers and visitors at the show. The label industry has always been a very important segment for HYBRID Software, and we work closely with our customers to provide software solutions that increase their production efficiency. I’m looking forward to demonstrating the results of our continued innovation.”

Example Packzimizer Stacked Label Imposition

Example Packzimizer Digital Lane Planning Imposition

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Cambridge (UK), 5 July 2023: Hybrid Software Group is primed to showcase its innovative stack of products which power the heart of industrial printing at Labelexpo Europe 2023, from 11th to 14th September 2023 in Hall 8 B/45. Hybrid Software Group is comprised of six globally recognised brands: ColorLogic GmbH, Global Graphics Software, HYBRID Software, iC3D, Meteor Inkjet, and Xitron.

“We are very much looking forward to Labelexpo Europe 2023, where visitors to the booth can not only expect to discover innovations to individual companies’ product lines, but also an advanced level of value as Hybrid Software Group technology is further synergised and new products are introduced to the market for the first time,” shares Christopher Graf, Chief Marketing Officer, Hybrid Software Group.

HYBRID Software will be demonstrating innovations to the PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors for prepress and the CLOUDFLOW modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, soft proofing and workflow automation.

The newest features of PACKZ include Advanced Color: Analyze & Fix for intelligent production estimation, which provides a snapshot of printed artwork under various printing conditions, including different spot colour strategies. The feature is designed to help label and packaging producers accurately reproduce brand colours using the fewest possible spot colours and therefore the lowest production cost. Other recent developments include Content XML for dynamic content creation using standard markup language, step and repeat for complex label production, and Packzimizer for intelligent ganging of labels, including sheet-fed and flexibles.

CLOUDFLOW’s highlights include the brand-new integration with ColorLogic technology for state-of-the-art spectral colour prediction, new flexo plate layout features in Tectonics, and Intelligent Flexo, the surface screening solution for high-quality flexo printing across a wide variety of plates and substrates. At Labelexpo, visitors will experience first-hand the launch of Velvet Screening, the next-generation screening technology for flexo printing and learn more about MyCLOUDFLOW, the SaaS offering of CLOUDFLOW, perfect for companies looking to modernise and ramp up production without the cost and hassle of initial setup and IT operation.

iC3D Software, developer of 3D visualisation and rendering solutions, will be demonstrating Version 9 of the iC3D Suite. Closing the gap for high-resolution rendering, iC3D Software will introduce CLOUDFLOW and iC3D Automate for high-volume 3D rendering production. Booth visitors will see the benefits of automated workflow integration and the cutting-edge technological innovation in its latest release.

ColorLogic GmbH, leading provider of cutting-edge colour management software solutions, will be providing live demonstrations of ColorLogic’s three flagship products: ColorAnt, CoPrA, and ZePrA and how they integrate with PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW.

Global Graphics Software will be presenting live demos of SmartDFE, the fastest Digital Front End (DFE) for digital printing of labels and packaging. Also on display will be SmartMedia, a suite of components that simplifies the process of obtaining the best quality and colour output from a digital press. Available with SmartDFE, SmartMedia also controls PrintFlat screens and ColorLogic colour profiles. SmartMedia packages all the OEM’s reference press settings for each media and ink set into a library of media definitions and enables press operators to easily select the appropriate media and ink set combination without needing specialist knowledge.

Meteor Inkjet will showcase their complete portfolio of industrial inkjet solutions for labels and packaging including the world’s largest range of electronics driving all major industrial inkjet printheads; cutting-edge printhead nozzle status detection and image quality enhancement technologies; software development kits enabling bespoke printers to be built from the ground up; and DropWatcher Systems to support printer OEMs in the design, optimisation and production of inkjet print systems.

Xitron, developer of Harlequin-based Navigator RIP and workflow products for litho, flexo, screen, digital, and high-speed inkjet, will be highlighting the powerful Navigator Flexo Suite: turnkey workflow automation optimised for flexo label printers, with a macOS- and Windows-compatible client interface, hybrid screening, advanced and automated step-and-repeat functionality, and robust trapping tools. Navigator Flexo Suite with SmartFlexo screening is completely configurable based on printing conditions. Finally, Xitron will also demonstrate Navigator DFE, the dynamic Harlequin-based front end for high-speed digital inkjet presses.

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HYBRID Software’s compare functionality from CLOUDFLOW’s module Proofscope is shown seamlessly integrated within TGS’s Flow

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Tallon Graphic Solutions (TGS), a Belgian software company that provides packaging and artwork management solutions for brand owners, retailers, and design agencies. HYBRID Software will become the preferred reseller for TGS’s flagship software product, Flow.

Flow is a comprehensive, SaaS-based artwork management solution that helps brands and retailers manage their large portfolios of complex graphical projects. It provides an easy overview of projects, supports detailed briefings, visual approval, and much more. Through its API functionality, Flow is easy to integrate with ERP, PIM, or DAM systems.

The partnership between HYBRID Software and TGS will allow for a common development and technology roadmap, leading to accelerated feature development and a consistent link between the artwork management process and various production workflows. Flow is tightly coupled with HYBRID’s CLOUDFLOW, bringing advanced pre-press functionality including Proofscope viewing, 3D visualizations, approval loops, and automated pre-press to TGS’s Flow customers.

Says Igor Vandromme, Hybrid Software’s Business Manager for New Market Segments, “HYBRID Software has long been focused on production applications, selling mainly to packaging printers and converters. But recently, the activity in the brand space has increased through the acquisition of iC3D and Quadraxis. Our new partnership with TGS is the next logical step to further grow our business in the brand owner and retailer segment.”

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Thank you to our amazing customers

Our Latin America team hosted Pascal Wybo, Product Manager of PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors, for the first PACKZ Operator Days in the region. We at HYBRID Software value these events, as it is a great time connecting in person and taking the time to receive feedback. Did you know we gather global feedback regularly so we can make your software wishes come true? It is because of the impulses we get from our customers that we evolve with specific needs of the industry!

HYBRID Software and ICScolor offer color-accurate Remote Director proofs directly from within HYBRID CLOUDFLOW

HYBRID Software and ICScolor, the world leader in remote digital color proofing, announce the seamless integration between HYBRID CLOUDFLOW and ICScolor Remote Director to offer a simple and exact way to view and approve color-accurate digital proofs. While CLOUDFLOW users could always access Remote Director, now they can launch the Remote Director color viewing window directly within CLOUDFLOW.

HYBRID CLOUDFLOW is a modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, and workflow automation. It is a web-based application platform specifically tailored for packaging graphics with support for PDF, color separation, trapping, screening, proofing and much more.

Remote Director patented software guarantees all are viewing the same color on calibrated monitors and “heals” the break caused by hard copy proofs in the otherwise totally digital workflow. All color conditions, version control, auto compilation of comments and approvals and full audit trail assure that a project is completed properly and accurately—reducing errors, cost and increasing quality while being more environmentally friendly.

While CLOUDFLOW with Proofscope has always allowed content proofing views and annotations, Remote Director adds the direct ability to view color-accurate proofs on a remote monitor. Using tools from Hybrid Software Group’s ColorLogic to create accurate profiles and IC3D three-dimensional views, CLOUDFLOW now offers a complete, color-accurate digital proofing environment.

To view accurate color, the user clicks a button within CLOUDFLOW that opens Remote Director. Anyone invited to review/approve a proof will receive an email message with a link. Remote Director will check the calibration of monitors and confirm ISO certification. If a monitor is not calibrated, Remote Director’s calibration module will guide the user to calibrate and profile the monitor correctly. That, combined with all the critical color information for proofing built into the design will assure that accurate proofs are displayed on the screen. Just as important, all critical proofing information, such as annotations or suggestions, will be easily available in one location.

“These days, the entire print workflow is digital until a provider creates an inkjet proof, places it in an envelope or box, and mails it to somebody. You can stay fully digital. ICScolor understands that getting to market quickly is perhaps the most important impetus for brand owners,” explains Vicki Blake, ICScolor VP of Business Development. “The direct link to Remote Director from within CLOUDFLOW saves a lot of time and ensures the client sees accurate color. We are really looking forward to this. I think the partnership with HYBRID Software is going to be very beneficial for both of us as well as our clients.”

“Our work together really started during the pandemic, when it was more urgent to easily provide realistic, contract quality soft proofs virtually. It is terrific to show the openness between two organizations and our technologies. The implementation was quite straightforward. It’s another example demonstrating that open systems can play ‘nicely’ with each other,” comments Mike Agness, HYBRID Software Executive Vice President, Americas. “For anyone who wants to conduct accurate color proofing, it is seamless from within CLOUDFLOW.”

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Laura Grondey, who is Managing Director of Siemer Verpackung GmbH together with her sister Maren Grondey, takes us behind the scenes of our work together:

“Since taking over the business in its fourth generation in 2011, we have developed a clear vision for the further development of Siemer Verpackung as a medium-sized, owner-managed company. The realignment of our internal prepress plays a central role in this, in order to increase efficiency, security and capacities there and to establish a stable digital process.

A thorough analysis of the prepress processes clearly showed that there was a need for action. After creating new competencies through personnel expansion, we researched innovative, technical solutions for the digital prepress process.

Our first contact with HYBRID Software at PRO.PACKAGING 2022 immediately piqued our interest. Their focus on efficiency and value creation in digital prepress made HYBRID the perfect partner for us in the technical renovation of our prepress. In addition to the innovative technologies, HYBRID’s many years of expertise quickly convinced us.

A logical, first measure to realize our goals was the introduction of PACKZ as a “Swiss army knife” for prepress. This software solution proved to be a key factor in significantly improving automation and efficiency in our prepress operations and laying the foundations for the following steps. Thanks to PACKZ’s intuitive features and flexibility, we were able to successfully renovate our established but aging ways of working and adapt them to the current demands of the market.

We have recognized that a successful future also requires comprehensive digitalization. Therefore, further measures in the area of our digitalization are already being planned. We want to optimize our processes so that we can respond more flexibly, quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers.”

Visit the Siemer Verpackung website here.

Our German/Austria/Switzerland team has toured 6 cities in the region during the last few weeks to gather impulses from packaging professionals directly and share new innovations in our software. Thank you to all our guests for the countless inspiring conversations.

Enjoy below impressions from the event, and a customer testimonial from PRO.PACKAGING attendee Idriss Brockmann-Serbis, who is CEO & Sustainable Digital Transformation Consultant at NightlyCode.

He reflects: “Thanks to the team of HYBRID Software for the very successful PRO.PACKAGING 2023. The program, but also the exchange with other users of HYBRID solutions was particularly valuable. In no web conference can so many experiences be exchanged so intensively and in such a short time.

Once again HYBRID Software proved that they understand the requirements and challenges of the printing and packaging industry correctly. In my view, HYBRID’s solutions are and will remain the absolute reference in terms of facilitation and automation for prepress. Performant and absolutely practical. The functions and innovations presented at PRO.PACKAGING 2023 have confirmed this once again.

The fact that HYBRID is now expanding its offering with MyCLOUDFLOW to include a SaaS model was, in my opinion, a logical step and absolutely overdue: Now the story is simply complete. This means that companies can finally focus on the essentials and make progress in the production process instead of racking their brains over IT issues.

For me, it has been confirmed that HYBRID is the right partner for professional software solutions in the printing and packaging industry. And they understand how important it is to gather the right people. I am already looking forward to the next collaboration!”

Watch the interview with our valued customer Geostick

Geostick is a printing company based near Amsterdam and is a supplier of self-adhesive labels, card products, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, TTR ribbons, label printers and labeling machines. An independent and leading family business since 1924.

Geostick operates our PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW software product in their daily operations of label printing with their HP and Bobst presses. PACKZ is an innovative PDF editor which equips prepress operators with dedicated tools and automated action lists for seasonal or variable labels and packaging.

CLOUDFLOW’s seamless workflow integrates with MIS systems, in the case of Geostick, with CERM, and supports multi-layer label production at ease. CLOUDFLOW is a modular production workflow suite for file processing and approvals, asset management, soft proofing and workflow automation.

We are at interpack, Düsseldorf with our partner Fujifilm in Hall 8a / F65. Fujifilm introduces their digital press for flexible packaging using water based inks at the fair by showing a mockup of the press — with our “Yum Yum” packaging design. We are enjoying our presence here and look forward to the interesting conversations to come.

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the leading software provider and innovator for the label and packaging industry, announces MyCLOUDFLOW, enterprise workflow software delivered as a leading edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.

MyCLOUDFLOW presents customers with rapid, hassle-free access to their award-winning CLOUDFLOW enterprise workflow software. MyCLOUDFLOW is hosted by HYBRID Software on the fastest cloud computing platforms to bring convenience and security to the label & packaging industry, without requiring in-house IT support or heavy capital investment.

MyCLOUDFLOW not only fast-tracks access to powerful workflow tools hosted within the cloud, but also assures customers of unbeatable availability and performance, top-notch security, and vigilant monitoring of system health including daily backups and disaster recovery. MyCLOUDFLOW’s multi-tenant architecture gives each individual customer their own private workflow experience and assures maximum data security for all users.

“With MyCLOUDFLOW, we put the power and scale of cloud computing in the hands of customers who are looking for an easy, cost-effective way to implement enterprise workflow software”, explains Nick De Roeck, Co-President of HYBRID Software. “Cloud computing is very scalable, and is ideally suited to quickly adopt new automated processes, to grow in alignment with business growth – or even to scale up to deal with temporary or seasonal peak periods. We call it ‘Smart Print IT’”.

MyCLOUDFLOW service is available on a subscription basis. To discover more about workflow automation and the unique benefits to your business requirements, contact HYBRID Software at hybridsoftware.com/contact-locations.

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Recipient of 2023 Brad Brown Strategic Partner Award from the Flexo Label Advantage Group

Our Executive Vice President – Americas, Michael Agness, has been awarded the 2023 Brad Brown Strategic Partner Award from the Flexo Label Advantage Group (FLAG). The Brad Brown Strategic Partner Award is presented annually to one person who exemplifies Commitment, Creativity, and Excellence – three character traits of Brad’s – in their support of FLAG.

Through photorealistic high-res rendering in iC3D, to prepress automation in PACKZ, and finishing with top-notch quality prints with HP Indigo. Thank you to our partner HP for filming our “Yum Yum” fruity bears printed on their HP Indigo Press — we love the results!

Curious to learn more about automating your workflow? Contact us today at hybridsoftware.com/contact-locations.

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software has created an internal startup unit within its Ghent office to develop and advance the company’s software solutions for the 3D & additive manufacturing sector. The unit plans to develop new application-specific solutions and will initially utilise the existing products and expertise throughout the company to create new 3D applications. The unit is headed up by Kris Binon, the former director of Flam3D, the Benelux Additive Manufacturing Association.

Nick De Roeck, CTO and co-president of HYBRID Software, explains, “HYBRID sees 3D & additive manufacturing as a significant growth opportunity. Our recent acquisition of iC3D and the purchase of the Quadraxis IP gives us key technologies to further develop our business in this market. Inkjet 3D printing is one of the most flexible additive manufacturing technologies. Its ability to create radical new products is helping to drive 3D printing adoption in the traditional manufacturing space. The company’s expertise in industrial inkjet systems is already extensive. We bring a huge amount of value to manufacturers whom we help to harness the power of inkjet for additive manufacturing applications without the distraction of having to design electronics and software solutions in-house. In view of the growth potential of this market we felt it was time to consolidate the many skills that are distributed across the company to expand our offering.”

3D & additive manufacturing are strategic markets for Hybrid Software Group, which owns Cambridge-based Meteor Inkjet, a leading developer of printhead drive electronics, software, tools and services for industrial inkjet systems and printing devices. Meteor’s customer base already includes some of the largest manufacturers of 3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment. Global Graphics Software and Xitron, two other Hybrid Software Group companies, also have decades of experience in providing solutions for inkjet printing manufacturers.

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Press Preview, from our latest module Advanced Color allows users to instantly visualize their printed artwork under various printing conditions. Spot colors can be defined as named Pantone colors or specified directly using the CXF standard. In addition, PACKZ and STEPZ now support the new GMG Version 2 API for full compatibility with the latest GMG Open Color software. Contact us today to learn more.

Content XML is our latest feature integration for standard markup language, allowing print service shops to drive production through XML variable data from their ERP or MIS systems. The creative variation of text, linework, colour, and images can be easily leveraged in digital print-on-demand web solutions for engaging one-to-one packaging. Contact us today to learn more.

Ever wished you could experience the power of CLOUDFLOW in a production-like environment?

Now you can.

Playground puts the power at your fingertips and is your opportunity to explore the potential CLOUDFLOW holds to increase your business efficiencies. Experiment today in a production-like environment via representative application scenarios.

Upload your own printing files, conduct quality checks with PDF Preflight, Design Comparison, 3D Preview with iC3D, RIP HXM Screening and collaboration tools for soft proofing and approvals– all from a comfortable web-based application. Read more in the official press release here.

Access Playground here

Upon registration, you’ll have direct access to a continually growing number of CLOUDFLOW apps. For a personal consultation to discuss specific efficiency enhancements possible for your business, contact us today.

Playground provides you access to:

Prepress automation and quality checks

• Proofscope: the turnkey solution for soft proofing and approvals
• Web-based prepress automation based on native PDF files
• Unmatched speed: 64-bit multi-processing and multi-threading
• Complete set of prepress functions, such as document preflight and correction, separation handling, barcodes, transformations, trapping, flattening and many more
• Creation of job info panels, slug-lines, bearer bars, etc.
• File and asset management
• User management and permissions

Realistic 3D Preview with iC3D

• Workflow automation for 3D generation and viewing
• High-res 3D viewing in the web browser, no plug-ins required
• Seamless integration in workflow and approval processes
• Automatic generation of 3D previews based on 3D models and PDF graphics
• Built with powerful iC3D technology

Lightning Speed RIP Technology

• Fastest RIP for packaging output based on proven Global Graphics Harlequin RIP
  technology
• Visual inspection on dot level
• Reliable output for various output devices
• 1-bit and multilevel AM, FM and hybrid screening
• Full control of screen sets and calibration, including support for object-based screening
• Optional HXM hybrid screening
• Fast, multi-threaded host renderer

Collaboration Tools in Browser Experience

• Correct high-res preview in the web browser
• Support for native PDF, screened TIFF, LEN and other image formats
• Difference viewing with auto alignment and separation selection
• Advanced markup and annotation tools
• Measurement tools for ink densities, distances and angles
• Easy to embed in existing web portals with full API

CLOUDFLOW is our modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, soft proofing and workflow automation.

It is a web-based application platform specifically tailored for the packaging graphics with support for PDF, color separation, trapping, screening, proofing and much more.

Customers can now add digital watermarks to their artwork with just a few simple clicks. The implementation of digital watermarks enables users to encode crucial digital data into their artwork surface with an imperceivable pattern to the human eye. These tools within PACKZ and STEPZ are ideal for those looking to incorporate brand identity protection into their packaging, as well as intelligent packaging recycling for proper waste material sorting. Contact us today to learn more.

Hunkeler Innovation Days 2023 in Lucerne, Switzerland

We are excited to be here with Hybrid Software Group this year in Hunkeler Innovation Day‘s fourteenth edition. The international print industry event is especially conducive to valuable exchange surrounding high-performance digital printing and finishing.

As the world’s digital paper processing experts gather and connect, companies acquire new ideas for innovation and further developments. In a comparatively small space, all renowned manufacturers in the industry meet owners, managing directors, management and experts — making the international industry meeting unique worldwide.

Discover the possibilities with Hybrid Software Group

Our Hybrid Software Group team look forward to the exchange this week and to providing more insights on our innovative solutions. Visit us at booth 45 at the Lucerne Exhibition Center!

(Ghent, Belgium) To champion growth into new market segments, HYBRID Software, the innovative software solutions provider for labels and packaging, announces the appointment of Igor Vandromme as Business Manager for New Market Segments.

Mr. Vandromme boasts a 27-year career spanning various managerial positions, including 22 years in the label and packaging industry. With his expertise and strong industry knowledge, HYBRID Software looks forward to having him on board in his new role.

Igor holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Management from Arteveldehogeschool in Ghent, Belgium, and earned his Executive MBA at ESCP Europe.

Igor joins HYBRID Software after 5 years as Vice President of Global Services Healthcare at Barco. Previously, Igor was employed at Esko for 14 years where he was Vice President of Global Services.

Igor Vandromme remarks, “I am thrilled to join the HYBRID Software team to lead their new business development efforts. As a renowned global solution provider for the labels and packaging industry, HYBRID Software has built a massive portfolio of software capabilities dedicated to the industry. In my new role, the plan is to leverage and extend the HYBRID Software toolkit to address new and adjacent market segments. With my own experience combined with all the expertise within Hybrid Software Group, I am ready for the challenge.”

Chairman Guido Van der Schueren adds, “I have had the pleasure of working with Igor Vandromme since 1996 and have always been impressed with his integrity, his drive to succeed, and his dedication to customer satisfaction. I’m delighted to renew our working relationship at HYBRID Software and wish Igor much success in his new role.”

END

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Our team ventured out for PACKZ Operator Days this week in Belgium and the Netherlands, to meet with our PACKZ community for in-depth exchange.

We value that our customers came to spend the day with us, share their experiences operating PACKZ, and brainstorm for future solutions! It is thanks to your invaluable feedback that we can continue offering innovative solutions to our industry.

Enjoy some impressions from the event below– and thank you to our partner HP Barcelona for printing our Yum Yum candy packaging!

PMG Flexo

PMG Flexo is a proud customer of ours from Brazil, who is committed to meeting the highest technical level of market demand for all segments including the packaging industries, label and tag converters, pre-press companies and individual professionals. Acting also as a services company, PMG Flexo takes care of pre-print jobs, color management and color management consulting. The Brazilian company has operations in three separate cities: Goiânia, Blumenau, and Vinhedo, and since working with HYBRID Software has experienced so much comfort for their employees to work, “with an assertiveness which HYBRID tools provide in their daily lives.”

Vlademir Cassiano da Silva, HYBRID Software Sales Manager in Latin America shares, “PMG Flexo is our customer for a few years and I am very happy to be attending to them. Due to their constant search for process improvements, working together is extremely rewarding. It’s something that sets the company apart from others in the market.”

PMG Flexo benefits from PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, rework rate for prepress artwork was reduced to only 0.5% and they have experienced 70% higher performance in their prepress team.

“I have yet to experience a software with so much capacity as HYBRID’s system, CLOUDFLOW“, shares Diego Mendonça, Director of Operations at PMG Flexo “At my old company, my productivity was higher than the majority of my colleagues, but here I do my work the same way, but I can produce almost twice as much as I did there because of the ease and practicality that HYBRID Software provides. At PMG Flexo, we have everything inside the system – so everything is available at our fingertips!”

Watch the Testimonial Video

We invite you to watch the interview we had with Diego Mendonça, Director of Operations at PMG Flexo, and Vlademir Cassiano da Silva, Sales Manager at HYBRID Software. Vlademir has 22 years in the flexographic market, and speaks on the outcome across their three facilities, in regard to employee satisfaction and improvements of work output.

Visit the PMG Flexo website here.

Our team is at C!Print in Lyon, France this week! Check out some impressions from the event – we hope to see you there. Learn more about the event, here.

(Gent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, a leading enterprise software company for the label and packaging industry, announces the release of PACKZ and STEPZ 8.5 PDF production editing software. This is a major release for both products containing hundreds of new features and enhancements that meet the challenges of professional packaging prepress and illustrate once again the power of innovation.

Pascal Wybo, product manager of PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors, shares: “To support the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging, we are excited to announce a new feature called “Press View”. The functionality supplies professionals with instant views of how graphics, especially spot colors which are critical to brands, are printed under various printing conditions. In many cases, accurate colors can be printed with fewer inks, less plates, and faster press speeds.”

Spot colors can be defined as named Pantone colors or specified directly using the CXF standard. In addition, PACKZ and STEPZ now support the new GMG Version 2 API for full compatibility with the latest GMG Open Color software.

PACKZ 8.5 Press View shows the color accuracy of a spot color transformation

PACKZ 8.5 also introduces a powerful new feature called Content XML, allowing print service shops to transform PDF artwork templates into standard XML markup language, with the ability to drive high quality dynamic artwork creation from their ERP or MIS systems. The creative variation of text, linework, colour, and images can be easily leveraged in digital print-on-demand web solutions for engaging one-to-one packaging.

A packaging file is transformed into “Content XML”

PACKZ 8.5 also adds tools to create Digimarc digital watermarks, which encode the artwork surface with an imperceptible pattern for new data insights and smart packaging recycling for a circular economy.

Finally, HYBRID Software closes the loop with the verification tools in PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, allowing error-free inspection of Digimarc watermarks within the PDF editors and workflow processes.

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Download the press release here

Watch our webinar What’s New in PACKZ 8.5 here.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season

For us at HYBRID Software, the work that is done together with our customers is what drives us, and it is because of our valuable relationships that we can continue serving solutions which best suit you.

Thank you for your trust in us.

We look forward to our work together in the new year, and in the meantime, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season.

We are happy to announce that we have been awarded by the Brazilian Flexo Association (ABFlexo) as Premium Supplier 2022, in the category of software and accessories. For the future years ahead, we will continue dedicating ourselves to the research and development of our innovative products.

We had a strong start at day 1 of the International Graphic Arts Show 2022 at Tokyo Big Sight.

We, along with our sisters companies in Hybrid Software Group, are ready to engage with existing and prospective customers to understand their printing challenges and to help with our portfolio of world-class technologies and solutions.

We had a great time in Bangkok, Thailand at the no. 1 industry event in Southeast Asia, Pack Print International. Our team enjoyed a lot of traffic at our booth via the help of our local partner Berli Jucker and Arden APAC. We were happy to give demonstrations to the technical teams of many visitors who were keen on learning more about PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, as well as to our valued customers including SCG Packaging. We hope to see you again next time.

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the innovative software solutions provider for packaging, labels, and print, will showcase its products along with Hybrid Software Group’s sister companies’ technologies (Global Graphics Software, iC3D, ColorLogic, Xitron, and Meteor Inkjet). On display on booth N763 will be a broad spectrum of packaging, digital and commercial print applications at Printing United Expo, October 18-21 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

One of the HYBRID Software booth highlights will be 3-D visualization throughout the entire prepress process offered by recent acquisition iC3D. iC3D’s software suite offers the industry’s largest library of modelling templates for digital packaging and POP design and prototyping. iC3D lets users generate live 3D virtual mockups on the fly, along with in-store and outdoor visualization.

HYBRID Software highlights will include:

• PACKZ 8, HYBRID Software’s native PDF editor: Complex layered artwork can be viewed in color and wired modes simultaneously. The Smart Flattener professionally manages spot color and transparency interactions as well as press gamut conversion. The Pactions programmed toolset with action lists reduces the amount of operator time needed to edit, approve, and print a new package design.

• CLOUDFLOW workflow management, controlled from a web-browser, features a wide range of production workflow components along with a plug-in suite that facilitates interaction from the desktop or from Adobe Illustrator and PACKZ.

• STEPZ 8, an interactive software package based on the award-winning technology of PACKZ, allows for the preparation and execution of step-and-repeat and variable data tasks for high-speed digital printing of labels.

• Variable Data Printing (VDP), an InterTech Technical Award recipient, highlights the ease of use and capabilities of variable data preparation and execution of files, while providing customers the use of any open output device they require.

“Printing United is a comprehensive printing event and, while HYBRID Software has focused on packaging our products, combined with our sister company technologies, offer solutions for a wide variety of applications. What is also attractive is that our technologies are modular. You do not need to invest in an entire suite of solutions, but just easily connect one to the other, as well as a broad range of partner solutions—for example, MIS/ERP,” explains Mike Agness, HYBRID Software executive vice president, Americas. “We look forward to showing visitors why there is probably a productive Hybrid Software Group solution for just about any print facility.”

END

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An Interview with DPS Magazine

In your opinion, what types of software are utilized to add automation to the print production process?

There are many pieces of production automation software. In the front end, particularly with jobs that are reasonably rote or repetitive, we start with order entry. Typically, CRMs will get involved in describing the job in MIS/ERP systems. This provides not only job specifications, but can trigger the workflow to operate in a particular way.

Then you get to production software. Preflighting will assure that all the pieces of a job are available for processing correctly. Sometimes this could include editing software to fix problems in the file (or to make customer-requested changes; or AA’s). Automated print production takes the file and prepares it for the press—traditional or digital. Color management will get involved to assure the job’s colors are printed correctly, no matter the output device. Often a layout optimization application will prepare the plate or print job to save as many resources and materials as possible.

Somewhere there is the artwork approval process to allow for (typically) soft proof reviews, edits, and approvals. From there, the job is sent to a RIP for output.

How does it extend to finishing?

Finishing is part of the complete print process. Just as with printing instructions, a good print production system can communicate effectively with finishing equipment, providing cutting, folding, stacking, etc. instructions.

In your opinion what are the most common areas for automation in a print environment? And the least?

We find that most areas have been automated within companies. Perhaps packaging companies require greater time-to-market efficiencies to compete. Maybe it also has to do with quality or error reduction. However, we find that web-to-print, prepress/preflight, color management, estimating/scheduling, MIS/ERP, document composition, imposition, output management, post-press, and inventory management systems are commonly implemented.

Those areas that we find less often include CRM, data analytics, and content management. Perhaps this is because these are not 100% directly tied to production. These are very important tools in their own right, but more to serve customers, offer a marketing service (in the case of content management), and tools to help printers improve their processes.

How have these tools evolved in the past two years? What is a driving factor?

When discussing the effects of COVID, the obvious requirement is communication and the ability to operate effective, secure production processes from outside the walls of the facility—and all the others who are involved in the supply chain. COVID has driven everyone to figure out how to offer easier access away from the office.

Where does artificial intelligence fit in?

We are not finding artificial intelligence. Perhaps it is found upstream with the brand, but not during print/packaging production.

There is one facet, but we would not really consider it ‘intelligence’. A good workflow system can be driven to go through different steps automatically, dictated by customer job specifications. Would we consider this intelligence? Not really. We would just consider this as conditional logic built into a very functional workflow system.

What are the biggest drivers for automation in the print production workflow (labor shortages, more digital work, e-commerce demands, etc.)?

We find that most automation is driven by customer requests—and the greater prevalence of digital presses. With product extensions, more SKUs, greater variety, and faster turnaround required, the use of automated production workflows is the only way to produce artwork fast enough to feed presses and meet brand deadlines.

In your opinion, what leading challenges/issues are leading to bottlenecks in print production workflows today?

We find that reluctance of the printer to reject technological change is one of the greatest differentiators between failure and success. By embracing new technology—and this is not only by management but by every operator on the plant floor—we usually find that almost anything is possible.

Another important determinant is the connectivity between Web2Print, MIS, and production workflow systems. This not only speeds the communication of job data throughout the facility and allows workflows to adapt to each job. It also allows a printer to tie all business functions together—estimating, job setup, production, approvals, shipping, billing, etc.

Can you describe a highly automated print environment? What differentiates this from an environment with medium or low automation?

We have seen companies introduce different software pieces of print production for decades. So, what makes a highly automated print environment? It’s the ability to integrate everything together. This means Web2print, CRM, MIS, and production systems. Those who are not doing this are markedly less efficient. The way we describe it to people is very simple. Is paper transmission to different departments efficient? Do you think Amazon is printing a ticket to assure it sends an order to you?

Please describe your workflow automation solutions for print and finishing. Where does it fall in the production lifecycle? What types of devices/equipment does it support?

We connect all of HYBRID Software’s solutions to everything. As we like to joke, ‘We’re the monkey in the middle’.

Without data, you’re not manufacturing. Customer job information is always ultimately handed over to prepress. As prepress systems, our solutions gather, collect and fix customer data and files. And we connect the job to the customer for review/approval. From there, it goes to finishing.

We’re the ones in the middle, taking graphics and data and preparing a job for print.

Our apps include:

CLOUDFLOW is a modular production workflow suite for file processing, asset management, soft proofing and workflow automation. It is a web-based application platform specifically tailored for the packaging graphics with support for PDF, color separation, trapping, screening, proofing and much more.

PACKZ, for labels and packaging, is the unique blend of automated actions and dedicated prepress tools. With its editing and quality assurance functions, the professional PDF editor makes designs print-ready for any printing process. PACKZ enriches designs with priming and finishing separation, handles ink sets and object-based screening, applies trapping and generates dynamic marks and panels.

The application also produces unique seasonal packaging and personalized labels with the VDP wizard, produces warp and 3D visualizations, and even optimizes substrate utilization using numerous step and repeat solutions, and more. Running on OS-X and Windows, the adaptive multi-display work environment in PACKZ ensures maximum performance and usability.

STEPZ is a powerful PDF editor based on the award-winning PACKZ technology. The complete and easy-to-integrate prepress software is perfect for digital printers looking to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of their prints. STEPZ offers solutions for variable data printing, step and repeat, print optimizations, quality control and more. STEPZ transforms the condensed prepress cycle into a time-effective operation.

What sets your software apart from the competition?

We like to think that HYBRID Software solutions are the most open packaging production workflow systems available. All our applications are based on open, data standards. They are easy to access from any other application. I’d like to think that is why we were the first to ever receive FTA Technical Innovation awards in two successive years.

In terms of customer service, we offer a favorable licensing model that is scalable and expandable and provide world-class support. It’s why I think people want to buy solutions from us.

What segments does HYBRID Software support?

Of course, an automated production workflow system could work almost anywhere. However, our systems are more configured to work among label and package printers, general commercial printing and, in some cases, wide format. We are found among print facilities that use traditional presses as well as those who feature digital print.

How do your tools integrate with others to support end-to-end automation?

We connect very well to just about any application. We have an open API, and our applications are built on industry standard formats. We believe we never met a database we couldn’t talk to.

Article courtesy of dpsmagazine.com.

Join us from October 12th to 15th at the leading fair in Eurasia

We are off to a strong start, together with our partner Jetron, and already busy giving demos of our software. Our team looks forward to your visit in hall 8 stand 829B. Contact us at marketing@hybridsoftware.com to make an appointment for a demo. Learn more about the event.

Did you know our PDF editors offer in-app solutions to ease daily prepress tasks?

The lead in and out solution is just one of many time-saving tools available today that save our customers clicks. Contact us to learn more about creating a seamless prepress workflow.

FlexoPlatte reflects on acquiring CLOUDFLOW during Expográfica 2022

FlexoPlatte, headed by Ferel Garay in Guadalajara, Mexico, has become a recognized company in the prepress, flexography and packaging segment, thanks to its continuous commitment to technology and high quality. During Expográfica 2022 earlier this year, they acquired CLOUDFLOW, our modular production workflow package for file processing, asset management, soft proofing, and workflow automation. The web-based platform is a dedicated packaging application with support for PDF, separations, trapping, screening, color proofing, and more.

Ferel Garay, Operations Manager from FlexoPlatte shares, “As a trade shop, integration is key. HYBRID Software solutions have allowed us to communicate with our customers efficiently and securely, helping us to be more effective and reliable; we have found them to be powerful tools with an excellent cost-benefit ratio.”

Working together with Gráfica GX

Carlos Arizpe, Sales Director LATAM at HYBRID Software remembers, “When we started this project with FlexoPlatte, together with our channel Grafica GX, we knew the level of demand of the client, their extensive knowledge, and the care for their processes. They presented us with the challenge which they wanted to solve. We worked closely with them during the implementation of our solution in their workflow. What they have achieved in such a short time is the result of the work that FlexoPlatte, the channel, and we put together to solve the challenge. We are very satisfied with the outcome of added efficiencies and improved processes.”

Gráfica GX is focused on offering solutions for the packaging industry, specifically focusing on flexo solutions. General Manager Ricardo Xoconoxtle remarks, “We found HYBRID Software’s technology convincing immediately. Today, we can offer our customers and prospects solutions ranging from state-of-the-art prepress software, imaging equipment, processing equipment, and consumables. By working together with our engineering team and HYBRID Software, we have been able to demonstrate to our customers the benefits of prepress tools. Our customers feel the impact of being able to achieve greater efficiency and that is very positive. In the end, we all grow, as Gráfica GX has since generated new business as well as consolidating existing ones.”

Visit the Flexoplatte website here.

From left to right: Digi-Paq Director Stefaan Parrein, Operations Manager Frederik Parrein and Bert Van der Perre, HYBRID Associate Director of Sales.

Digi-Paq, a commercial printer based in Kortemark, Belgium, has been using HYBRID Software’s PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW solutions for a year now. Digi-Paq’s managing director Stefaan Parrein says: “The number of manual interventions in the upstream process – taking orders, approving them and preparing them for the print queue – has dropped so much that we are doing twice as much work as before with the same team.”

Digi-Paq began in 2017 by offering rolls of self-adhesive labels printed exclusively digitally, which makes this very young company quite unique. Its machine fleet consists of three Screen Truepress Jet UV inkjet presses with inline finishing systems. The gap in the market was real, as evidenced by its growth figures and the number of employees, which has since increased to over 20. Digi-Paq serves a customer base that ranges from local SMEs to top international companies. The company is also BRC-certified and serves customers from the chemical industry to the food sector.

Growing pains

However, rapid growth often leads to a few teething problems. Digi-Paq has not escaped this either, admits Stefaan Parrein: “Digital printing technology has made us very responsive. We deliver within a week, or even within a day if we really need to. The upstream process was still manageable in the beginning, but with the demand, we eventually reached our limits. Too much time was being wasted checking files, making changes if necessary, and waiting for the customer to give the green light. After a thorough study, we decided to trust HYBRID as the best solution.”

Connection with CERM

Digi-Paq chose a full HYBRID configuration, with PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW. From there, a connection was established with CERM’s MIS for Labels & Packaging software, which has been in use in the company since its inception. Frederik Parrein, son of Stefaan and Operations Manager at Digi-Paq, remarks: “The previously manual checks of all incoming files have been fully automated. CLOUDFLOW makes sure that each file is directed to the right folder without any human intervention. We don’t have to worry about that anymore either. Thanks to the intelligent connection with CERM, we have a complete overview of the production process at all times and from anywhere.”

Simplified changes and approvals

Fixing incoming files has also been greatly optimized. Frederik: “Corrections are now done directly in the PDF with PACKZ, which also makes a world of difference. Source files are no longer necessary and every change to the product is fully trackable in the customer history. Once the file is ready, the customer receives a notification and can view one or more files at a time, which he can validate in a web portal. Before, everything was done by e-mail, a time that is fortunately over. The serenity that prevails today in prepress – you have no idea!”

Automation of repetitive tasks

Once the file has been validated, it is automatically prepared for printing. Stefaan explains: “There’s no need to pull your hair out. The file data, such as the inks to be used and the barcode, as well as the data from CERM, are automatically generated in a dashboard, which provides the operators with a perfect overview of all job-related information at all times. The repetition and addition of print marks required for printing and finishing is also fully automated.” Stefaan concludes: “Looking back on the past year, I can only congratulate us for making the right decision in choosing HYBRID as our partner. The difference compared to a year ago is drastic; this solution meets all our hopes and expectations. Everything went perfectly, both in terms of consultation with HYBRID and its customized interventions to meet our needs. HYBRID’s open structure and reactivity have also pleasantly surprised us.”

Visit the Digi-Paq website here.

Meet us there at booth 3015

We are kicking off this week at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, Illinois. At the largest label event in the Americas, we are looking forward to meeting customers (old and new) and introducing our newest product developments. At the fair from September 13th to 15th, Hybrid Software Group is participating, which includes  Global Graphics Software, ColorLogic, Xitron, Meteor Inkjet, iC3D and ourselves.

Corrugated Packaging Prepress in PACKZ 

PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors introduce innovative technology at all levels of the packaging industry. The Safety Zone Corrector for corrugated prepress is made with the advanced automation tool Pactions, in which creative prepress teams turn their solution thinking into a completely new personalized editing tool.

Safety Zone Corrector: available in MARS now

The Safety Zone Corrector highlights cut, crease, and scorelines, and allows movement of overlapping artwork elements with a simple drag and drop action in a safe zone. Available now in MARS, the PACKZ and STEPZ in-app solutions store.

We are proud to announce that we are a supplier partner at the Flexo Xperience Center

The Flexo Xperience Center (The FXC), founded by MacDermid Graphics Solutions and SOMA, is the only flexography-focused center telling the story from design to post-print inspection. It brings the industry’s best innovation providers together in one place. The center is a collaborative hub for pre-media suppliers, printers, converters, brands, CPGs, the educational community, and anyone interested to experience the best that flexo has to offer.

As a supplier partner in the premedia and prepress stage of the flexo process, HYBRID Software joins other companies presenting workflow solutions in image correction, color management, file preparation, and advanced screening, among others.

“We were thrilled with the turnout at The FXC’s opening event. It is great to see industry suppliers actively bringing customers to see and experience the venue. Visitors were very impressed at the inaugural event. They had no idea of the extent to which resources are available to them,” exclaims Mike Agness, HYBRID Software Executive Vice President, Americas. “Just as important was the industry camaraderie—people working together with others. It’s a valuable opportunity for all of us to show how we can achieve integration among each other’s solutions in an open, cooperative environment.”

The center is a place to collaborate, research, experiment, and learn to achieve excellence in the flexo process. “We are excited that The Flexo Xperience Center in Atlanta will act as a collaborative lab environment for the industry to experiment new technologies and theories. It will allow us to move our development efforts internally at warp speed within a perfect non-disruptive testing environment,” explains Agness. “With access to a SOMA press, and the help and power of MacDermid’s chemists and lab technicians, the changes that can occur are greater than the eye can see.”

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Photo taken at the inaugural event in Atlanta, GA, USA

Read the summer edition

With the premiere issue of our group newsletter, you’ll receive a glimpse into the many activities, product developments, and customer projects our group has been working on. Hybrid Software Group’s unique product offering provides critical technology for manufacturing a diverse range of goods, from labels and packaging, to textiles, tiles, laminates, wall coverings, and even additive manufacturing and 3-D printing applications. Skim through the various stories and read through the articles at your pace, in one place! We can’t wait to see you there.

Enterprise software for industrial print manufacturing

The strategic focus of Hybrid Software Group is to provide technology to offer OEMs more integrated solutions for their production digital presses, to increase market share in the fast-growing inkjet market, to provide efficient and innovative enterprise software tools for packaging production, and to expand the geographical reach of our solutions. With more than 300 employees worldwide and a pedigree stretching back more than 30 years, we provide critical technology for manufacturing a diverse range of goods, from labels and packaging, to textiles, tiles, laminates, wall coverings, and even additive manufacturing and 3-D printing applications. We are the only full stack supplier of all the critical core technologies needed for inkjet. The companies include ColorLogic, Global Graphics Software, iC3D, Meteor Inkjet, Xitron and us, HYBRID Software.

HYBRID Software showcases the power of iC3D visualization at Labelexpo Americas 2022

On booth 3015, Hall B, HYBRID Software focuses on virtual mockups, workflow automation, and variable data for digital label printing

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, the innovative software solutions provider for labels and packaging, will showcase its recent acquisition of iC3D by showing 3-D visualization throughout the entire prepress process at Labelexpo Americas 2022, September 13-15 in Rosemont, IL. On booth 3015, Hall B, HYBRID Software and iC3D will join a number of their Hybrid Software Group sister companies, including Global Graphics Software ColorLogic, Xitron, and Meteor Inkjet.

One of the highlights will be the integration of PACKZ and iC3D, allowing HYBRID Software users to visualize 3D packaging in real time, from labels and flexible packaging to shrink wrap products. iC3D is an all-in-one visualization software package that lets users generate live 3D virtual mockups on-the-fly. At the booth, people can see how easy it is to model and drive a design, whether it’s a label or flexible package. High end effects, embellishments and lighting will be shown.

Other highlights are:

• Version 8 version of PACKZ, HYBRID Software’s native PDF editor: Enhancements include complex layered artwork that can now be viewed in color and wired modes simultaneously, and object-based screenings can be inspected per separation. The Smart Flattener guarantees artwork quality and consistency, professionally managing spot color and transparency interactions as well as press gamut conversions. Pactions is a programmed toolset with action lists, responding to customer needs for advanced automation. It reduces the amount of operator time needed to edit, approve, and print a new package design.

• STEPZ 8, an interactive software package based on the award-winning technology of PACKZ, allows for the preparation and execution of step-and-repeat and variable data tasks for high-speed digital printing of labels.

• Variable Data Printing (VDP), an InterTech Technical Award recipient, highlighting the ease of use and capabilities of the variable data preparation and execution of files, while providing customers the use of any open output device they require.

• CLOUDFLOW will be highlighted to demonstrate workflow management controlled from a web-browser. Featured CLOUDFLOW components include PACKZFLOW, PROOFSCOPE, CLOUDFLOW RIP, and the plug-in suite that facilitates interaction with the workflow, from the desktop or from Adobe Illustrator and PACKZ.

• SmartDFE combines products from all Hybrid Software Group companies to provide a turnkey digital front end (DFE) for high-speed digital presses. It combines Harlequin Direct, the world’s fastest RIP, along with Meteor Inkjet’s printhead electronics, ColorLogic color mapping, and CLOUDFLOW’s workflow automation tools into a powerful DFE that is fast to integrate and efficient in its hardware requirements. SmartDFE will be featured by key OEM partners at Labelexpo Americas 2022.

“The conference’s theme is ‘Turn your converting playbook from good to great.’ HYBRID Software believes it has been doing that for its clients for years—and we continue to build on PACKZ, the standard for PDF editing and the CLOUDFLOW enterprise packaging workflow system,” comments Mike Agness, HYBRID Software executive vice president, Americas. “While we have always worked well with complementary systems—including MIS/ERP—we now have a roster of new sister companies including iC3D and ColorLogic. HYBRID Software is in an ideal position to combine our label and packaging print expertise to build all-encompassing systems for any printer or converter. We believe Labelexpo attendees can benefit from a visit to our booth, and look forward to meeting them.”

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Introducing CLOUDFLOW’s customizable and secure approval workflow

CLOUDFLOW for approvals is the surefire way for a flawless labels and packaging production cycle. CLOUDFLOW’s two-step approval allows for internal and external approvals in one interactive HTML workflow. CLOUDFLOW’s features for additional security and customization get your files approved faster and easier. Watch the video to learn more or visit cloudflow.hybridsoftware.com.

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, developers of innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry and a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group (Euronext: HYSG), has appointed industry veteran Dan Pulling as product manager for flexo technologies.

Mr. Pulling has a wealth of experience in flexography. Between 2000 and 2020 he worked in a variety of roles at Artwork Systems and Esko Graphics in Belgium including business development, product management, support, quality assurance, and applications. In 2020 he set up an independent consultancy to specialise in flexographic printing technologies.

Dan will become worldwide product manager for flexo technologies at HYBRID Software. In this role, Dan will work closely with the HYBRID engineering team, and the sales force and directly with HYBRID’s printer/converter customers base to continue to drive flexo technology to new heights.

Dan says, “Joining the HYBRID Software team that just received back-to-back FTA Technical Innovation awards for flexography seems like the ideal next step in my career. Building powerful and open solutions is at the heart of HYBRID’s DNA, and helping focus more of that effort and innovation on flexography is exciting. Flexo is the fastest growing packaging segment worldwide, and PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW are powerful products which allow our customers to control their flexo printing. The CLOUDFLOW RIP, with its extensive features to manage curves and screening, Intelligent Flexo to intelligently apply quality enhancement, and Tectonics to optimize plate use and reduce cost, are perfect examples of HYBRID’s commitment to innovation on behalf of flexo printers.”

Nick de Roeck, CTO of HYBRID Software, comments, “I’m delighted to have Dan on board. His expertise in flexo and screening, and his many years’ experience in technical sales support will help drive our customers’ adoption of our products. With more innovations in our pipeline, Dan’s appointment comes at the right time as we expand our offering to help customers improve their print quality from their existing equipment and increase their productivity. His technical background and communication skills will make him an important resource for our customers.”

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Don’t miss any of our events in the future: just visit Event Hub.

We’re constantly innovating based on customers’ feedback and industry changes! Stay up to date on the latest trends in the label and packaging industry with our:

• Brand-new series Late Week with HYBRID Software product managers (demo plus Q&A)
• Meet us in person for a valuable exchange and a lasting connection at international fairs and HYBRID roadshows

Visit Event Hub for all of our global events

Simply visit our website and find “Event Hub” in our menu or visit hybridsoftware.com/eventhub directly. There are three different viewing methods of our virtual and in-person events in standard, calendar, or list view. Search for different events by the series name, industry topic, or filter your preferred language. And most important: register for the event directly through the event organizer or with us. We look forward to meeting you!

Missed an event? Watch it in our Media Center

Our Media Center is our one-stop-shop for our interactive media. Past webinar recordings, e-learning, Workbench product feature movies, and customer testimonials are available for you in the Media Center today!

Simply visit our website, and find “Media Center” in our Menu or visit hybridsoftware.com/media-center directly. For easy viewing toggle between list or icon view, select your preferred viewing language, and discover topics that are interesting to you via the search functionality. We look forward to your visit!

Vineyard Concha y Toro transforms their creative process with our iC3D visualization technology.

“By being able to visualize products with greater detail and fidelity before they are produced, we can make more accurate and faster decisions in the creative and development process.” – Teresa Errázuriz, Creative Design Manager

Viña Concha y Toro is one of the most recognized names in the world of wine. This company, founded in Chile in 1883, has transcended the Latin American market and has been named among the top five most admired wine brands worldwide for over five consecutive years.

Viña Concha y Toro has reached a presence in more than 130 countries, which requires a high turnover of projects and designs throughout the year. The design department handles more than 2,400 annual requirements and more than 150 design projects for its various wine lines. This workload represented a challenge for the 23 designers at the headquarters in Santiago, Chile, since accurately modelling and representing the multiple products in a digital format was not a standard and straightforward process, as is their wine production.

Introducing iC3D

Since the introduction of iC3D Suite, digital layout has changed significantly for Concha y Toro. Teresa Errazuriz, Creative Design Manager, tells us how the process has been transformed since they chose to use digital layout software. “Before iC3D Suite, the digital layout process was through the search for references and then retouching in Photoshop,…. then to have a more finished digital model, the best quality mockup was purchased, but always having a supply limitation.”

By changing the workflow with iC3D Suite, the team has optimized the time spent on each proposal, as they obtain realistic images with greater detail in fewer iterations and can visualize the final product in its entirety. Teresa tells us what the results have been so far: “By being able to visualize the products with greater detail and fidelity before producing them, we can make more accurate and faster decisions in the creative and development process.”

Our iC3D team specializes in providing training focused on customer needs. In the case of Concha y Toro, the focus was imaging with a better level of finish and detailed visualization of print finishes such as metallic foils, dies, and UV varnish. Being able to bring out the print details more clearly was of paramount importance, as these are what communicate the beauty and quality of the labels.

As Creative Design Manager, Teresa tells us the most important aspects to meet the market’s demands today and continue innovating within the packaging industry. “The important thing is not to lose sight of the business strategy, the essence of what we do and be clear about the pillars that mobilize success in design, which in our case are methodology, technology and specialization.”

Visit the Viña Concha y Toro website here.

Going digital together

About ten years ago, Vollherbst and HYBRID Software entered a partnership.

Vollherbst is a print shop for special labels, a family business now in its 4th generation, that passionately caters to the wine, spirits, and high-quality luxury goods industry. The creative team at Vollherbst’s blood pumps for the production of authentic and strong brands via story-telling labels. Not too far from our HYBRID office in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, a relationship was formed as Vollherbst was beginning its digital transformation in 2011 with the HYBRID products PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW. Since then, 40 of their employees have ditched paperwork and implemented digitally based administrative operations.

Flash forward to 2022, the team at Vollherbst is taking the next step with HYBRID Software to modernize their prepress software. Although the benefit of digitization and automation is easy to rationalize, the fear that comes with change sometimes doesn’t budge – especially if this means a different way of doing your work. Vollherbst understood that the employee’s satisfaction with the software is a top priority, and didn’t give up until their team was on board. We understood this challenge and supported the team at Vollherbst with coaching, where the team’s questions could be answered while processing real production jobs.

At the end of the coaching, we are happy to say that the employees felt convinced of the benefits but moreover confident that this was the correct decision.

Visit the Vollherbst website here.

With CLOUDFLOW PageBuilder customers are able to create custom web-interfaces on their own. For example, like queuing systems for all output devices or considering different substrates. Combining these interfaces with Packzimizer allows users to intelligently gang different designs based on their quantities and finishing options. Watch the introduction to our Packzimizer Hub in the video below.

We are so happy to be meeting with you at exhibitions again. We hope you enjoy the collection of photos from our recent events and we look forward to welcoming you at the next events around the world. Find them all, here.

GraphisPag in Barcelona, Spain this week

This is our first booth printed completely on corrugated cardboard.

Gulf Print & Pack 2022 in Dubai this week

Packaging Innovations & Empack in Birmingham, UK this week

C!Print in Lyon, France

Print4All in Milan, Italy

Expográfica in Guadalajara, Mexico

Xeikon Café in Lier, Belgium

ExpoPrint in São Paulo, Brazil

Don’t miss any of our events in the future: it’s now all in one place.

• Stay up to date on the latest trends in the label and packaging industry
• Learn from us and our industry partners
• Meet us in person for a valuable exchange and a lasting connection
• Discover our newest innovations and enhance your knowledge of our products in educational webinars

Visit the Event Hub today!

Visit our website and find “Event Hub” in our menu or visit hybridsoftware.com/eventhub directly. There are three different viewing methods of our virtual and in person events: standard, calendar, or list. Search for different events by the series name, industry topic, or filter your preferred language. And most important: register for the event directly through the event organizer or with us. We look forward to meeting you!

Visit us at the Flexo Xperience Center – a place to collaborate, research, experiment, and learn to achieve excellence in the flexo process

We are proud to announce we are a supplier partner for the Flexo Xperience Center (The FXC), the ideal place which brings the industry’s best innovation providers together. From design to post-press and print evaluation, The FXC is the first and only xperience center in the Flexo industry, telling the print story from start to finish. The center is a collaborative hub for pre-media suppliers, printers, converters, brands, CPGs, the educational community, and anyone interested in flexo to xperience the best that flexo has to offer. The founding partners are MacDermid Graphics Solutions and SOMA.

Book Your Xperience today

The FXC is for anyone interested in flexographic printing. If you are a pre-media supplier, we can show you the best workflow software and advanced screening, and the latest in platemaking techniques. Printer/Converters, you can see the entire flexo workflow in one location, from prepress to platemaking, mounting, color and ink management, advanced press operations, and post-press cleaning and evaluation. For brands and CPGs, this is your chance to see how flexo can meet your printing needs, ensure brand integrity, reduce your costs, and meet your sustainability goals. Students and Universities, you have the chance for hands-on learning and research.

The center is located at 500 Chattahoochee Row, Atlanta, GA, 30318, USA. Click here to book your visit today or visit the website for more information.

HP One Package Software

HP is a proud partner of ours and a household name around the world due to its successful product and service suite including personal systems, home and office printers, 3D printing, and industrial printing solutions. In the search for communication with other vendors and customers with the highest efficiencies, HP One Package Software was born. Built into the HP T-series presses, the HP One Package Software integrates and acts as a hub, connecting every component in the system, and attaining more flexibility and faster time to market for customers. HP One Package Software unites multiple vendors including GMG for color management, BST Eltromat for 100% print quality inspection, and Tilia Labs for planning, while CLOUDFLOW spearheads the communication at the core. The open architecture of these organizations allows for multi-vendor support for the greatest flexibility for our mutual customers.

HP and HYBRID Software

When HP started to design the One Package concept, they found that, whilst different customers had similar needs, there were always small differences concerning the integration with the different parts of the box-plant systems. HP realised that they needed a flexible platform that was easy to adapt to individual customer needs. They found this flexibility in HYBRID CLOUDFLOW.

After training by our team, the team at HP could independently set up a successful solution. After a short modification round from us, the final prototype solution was completed from start to finish in three short months.

“That’s it?!” – technician onsite for HP after the installation took less time than anticipated to deploy and get up and running

Digital Preprint for Corrugated Packaging

The HP PageWide T1190 Press with One Package Powered by CLOUDFLOW was up and running faster than any other press that HP had deployed. Since CLOUDFLOW is built on open standards, it has always been able to communicate freely to different systems, providing the solution HP was wishing for. CLOUDFLOW was adeptly able to solve HP’s challenge of pulling data from various inspection, corrugated, and planning systems, and our PDF Editor PACKZ supports the growing popularity of variable data printing including serialization for individual boxes and sheet-based serialization.

Mike Agness, Executive Vice President of HYBRID Software Americas, oversaw this project. He shares, “HYBRID Software solutions should be in the first line brilliantly simple. We aim to provide brilliant software solutions that at the end of the day create a comfortable experience for the end-user. The work together with HP to create HP One Package Software was a great collaboration of technology, and a project I am proud to have been a part of. This allows corrugated converters to achieve increased efficiencies like never before, and I look forward to the new possibilities for corrugated applications as well as for digital label printing. We orchestrate in planning the roll, whether that roll is 13 inches wide or 110 inches wide.”

Summary

When HP customers now have requests, they are taken care of very quickly, without any extra development needed, just configuration, and their customers benefit from rapid time to market. In addition, because HP utilized Global Graphic Software, our sister company, for state-of-the-art RIP possibilities, HYBRID Software’s central data management software connects flawlessly to the HP RIP.

Visit the HP website here.

Benefits:

• Lowered Costs
• Increased Production Capacity and Flexibility
• Extensive manufacturing process
• Open and fast
• Increased efficiencies with the customer
• Quicker to the market

Visit us at the Xeikon Café

Our Pre-Sales Manager/ Solution Engineer, Neal Inghelbrecht, gives an introductory overview of our innovative products live from the Xeikon Café in Lier, Belgium. Learn more about the event here.

Watch the interview

HYBe Issue 5 is online!

Our fifth issue of the HYBe newsletter is here and we have very exciting things to share with you this time around. Enjoy many recent customer success stories, and an innovative project announcement we have been working on with HP. And per usual, we have several employee spotlights for you. Be sure to check it out!

• The power of CLOUDFLOW for HP Preprint T-Series Presses
• GP Hummingbird builds leading-edge prepress workflow
• Our attendance of global events
• Product news and more!

Click here to enter: HYBe – What’s moving us

Subscribe here to receive our next issue in your mailbox!

Visit our new Media Center today

We are excited to announce our Media Center, the one-stop shop for all of HYBRID Software’s interactive media. The Media Center serves as a platform for our community to engage with us, learn, and share. Webinar recordings, e-learning content, short videos for tips and tricks from our Workbench series, and customer testimonial videos are available for you in the Media Center today!

Simply visit our website, and find “Media Center” in our Menu or visit hybridsoftware.com/media-center directly. For easy viewing toggle between list or icon view, select your preferred viewing language, and discover topics that are interesting to you via the search functionality. We look forward to your visit!

A Closer Look at PACKZ and STEPZ PDF Editors

Pascal Wybo, Product Manager of PACKZ shares, “to succeed in a highly competitive label and packaging supply chain, companies are constantly looking for opportunities to elevate the productivity of their prepress processes. HYBRID Software fulfills this by providing an endless loop of viable solutions and products that blend human expertise with technology.”

LICOS – HYRID Software’s License Control System provides global license accessibility and flexibility to PACKZ and STEPZ license holders from anywhere in the world. Via its web-based control interface, licenses can be dynamically distributed in for seasonal or cyclical demands.

MARS – PACKZ and STEPZ are the only PDF editors with a built-in solution store. MARS offers ready-made dynamic marks and digital proof templates, automatic action lists and tools, preflight templates, color books, work environments, and more. The PDF editors also come with a link to HYBRID Software’s e-learning platform.

Environments – brings an à la carte user interface fine-tuned to the operator’s needs and comfort. PACKZ and STEPZ workspaces are accessible across multiple monitors and store presets, customized functions and tools, menu items based on job requirements, and create unique parameter sets based on client expectations.

Barcodes – PACKZ and STEPZ’s Barcode Scanner readily detects barcodes in linework and images and adapts them to match the artwork and printing conditions. Digital watermark elements are added to artwork using traceable barcodes to ensure brand integrity.

CLOUDFLOW Modular Workflow Suite

Intelligent Flexo – Intelligent Flexo not only offers a way to avoid issues such as trailing edge void, pin holing, dot gain and bridging, but does this while maintaining a completely agnostic approach to RIP vendor, CTP manufacturer, or plate supplier. Whether a file is screened with CLOUDFLOW RIP or another 3rd party solution, vast image manipulation and surface screening capabilities provide all the tools you’d need to treat problem areas individually with the unique attention that it requires. This toolset allows trade shops and printers to improve the quality and speed of both plate production and printing, reduce costs by using less ink, and fully automate their processes.

Tectonics – A web accessible plate layout and optimisation module for Flexo and Corrugated markets. It offers a wealth of cost and time saving features including automatic plate cropping and waste management: lending itself for maximising plate utilisation and intelligently reusing plate waste thus saving on expensive materials. Most recently, Tectonics boasts staggered cutting functionality which supports PDF cutting definitions and integrates seamlessly with PACKZ 8.0. Not to mention the ability to drive various CTP, cutting table, and mounting units.

MARS – The in-app store is not only limited to PACKZ and STEPZ but is also available within CLOUDFLOW. Here users can find a library of pre-built applications maintained by HYBRID Software which include workflows, files, and interfaces which can be installed and used with a single click.

We had an excellent time at ExpoPrint & ConverExpo Latin America 2022 in São Paulo, Brazil. The show is one of the largest exhibitions in Latin America, which takes place every four years and hosts more than 50,000 visitors from the printing industry. We are excited to be showcasing our modern, award-winning solutions for labels and packaging printing.

Visit us at Expográfica 2022

Click here to register for a live demonstration from our team at Expográfica, in Guadalajara, Mexico from May 4th to 7th, 2022.

The benefits of CLOUDFLOW’s Proofscope

It can be very expensive and time-consuming to capture a mistake on the press, instead of beforehand in prepress. That’s why it’s essential to have the right tools at your fingertips and tailored for the task at hand. Proofscope offers an incredible level of file inspection and QA with the powerful LRM (Live Render Mode) feature-set that facilitates layer toggling and deep zooming to check trapping and other small details even on specific layers.

Compare your artwork in Proofscope gallery view

To make the whole process more efficient, the newest addition of Proofscope gallery view has been added to allow prepress managers to compare reference files, last-minute changes, or other artworks quickly and accurately.

From left, Mike Rottenborn, Trevor Haworth, and Guido Van der Schueren celebrate the acquisition

Cambridge (UK), 15 March 2022 (08:00 CET): Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG) announces today that on 14 March 2022 it acquired the business and assets related to iC3D from Creative Edge Software LLC.

The iC3D software suite generates photorealistic 3D virtual mock-ups on the fly, allowing cartons, labels, flexibles, bottles, shrink sleeves, point of sale displays, and in-store visualisation to be accurately rendered for design verification and e-commerce applications. In addition, iC3D offers the industry’s largest library of modelling templates for digital packaging design and prototyping as well as an online viewing platform which allows designers, brands, and print providers to collaborate on new designs with accurate real-time 3D rendering. Further information can be found at https://www.creativeedgesoftware.com/ic3d/.

Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software Group, comments, “3D and additive manufacturing applications are one of our fastest-growing market segments for printhead drive electronics and software, but visualisation of packaging designs in 3D was a gap in our technology portfolio. The acquisition of iC3D strengthens our 3D offering and closes the loop between the design of high-end labels and packaging and industrial print manufacturing. We already have an integration of iC3D in our PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW software with a substantial installed base of users that have licensed the iC3D option and we look forward to broader integration of iC3D in our Digital Front Ends (DFEs) and other software products.”

Trevor Haworth, CEO of Creative Edge says, “We formed Creative Edge Software in 2013 to develop 3D software that would give packaging and label designers an all-in-one product to replace the many partial rendering solutions in use at the time. Since then, iC3D has become the product of choice for many leading brands. Almost since the start, HYBRID Software became one of our largest value-added resellers by combining iC3D’s fast visualization capabilities with their range of packaging production software products, and a close relationship between the development teams was established. Our acquisition by Hybrid Software Group is the logical step in co-development of some exciting new products for the packaging market and I look forward to our expansion under the additional resources provided by such a successful group.”

Consideration for the acquisition is $4.0 million in cash, which has been paid in full.

Watch a video about iC3D here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHerA0zj9w

Ends

Download press release

The 28th South China International Exhibition on Printing Industry

Together with our industry partners Kinoca Minolta and our MIS partner EIN, we experienced a successful exhibition at the Printing South China fair in Guangzhou. Particularly popular was our live production of personalized gift boxes, including a teacup, for our visitors! Our team gave live presentations to the audience and we are happy about the connections we could make at the fair.

Access our unique gateway with the in-app solutions store in PACKZ and STEPZ

HYBRID Software has created a unique gateway to cutting-edge solutions through access to the PACKZ and STEPZ in-app solutions store.

Conveniently build premium-quality prepress services faster and more accurately with ready-made dynamic marks, augmented infopanels, swatch libraries, color books, and dedicated Paction tools. Access the world of rich and intuitive parameterized action lists, XML export templates, and much more in the solutions store today.

Benefit instantly from the PDF-editors’ in-app store and focus on your core business instead of working out do-it-yourself solutions. What are you waiting for? HYBRID Software has a team of technology specialists ready to assist you to achieve packaging excellence!

Watch the video

Get in the driver’s seat of your production management with Cockpit

Cockpit is our process management module for the print production of labels and folding cartons. In our orderly, browser-based application, job, item and tool properties are driven directly from your ERP/MIS system, while process and workflow templates for file delivery, editing, correction and approval cycles, step-and-repeat, and RIP-output are always ready for use.

Due to these key features, Cockpit delivers increased efficiency through high-level automation and organization. As a result, Cockpit simplifies the collaboration between customers, sales, and prepress operators tremendously. Discover more about Cockpit from CLOUDFLOW’s web-based application.

Watch the introduction video

Puzzling over making seamless pattern repeats for sealed blister packaging, gift papers and security threads? PACKZ suggests hundreds of solutions in a fraction of a second matching with your production needs.

How does it work?
Load and set the preferred cylinder dimensions in the tabular step and repeat, and link one or multiple artworks with it. Users can simply request to make a seamless repetition by setting the desired orientation and stagger arrangement. PACKZ PDF Editor lets you search, filter and choose the solution that fits the unique production needs, while the seamless repetition automatically adapts for smooth plate making and mounting. Finally, dynamic marks and cutting lines are added for further uses in CLOUDFLOW Tectonics, HYBRID Software’s high-performance Flexo Plate Layout solution.

Learn more about taking the next step to PACKZ and achieving your prepress goals with maximum efficiency or contact us for more information.

HYBRID Software Announces Release of Version 7.5 of PACKZ PDF Editor for Labels & Packaging

(Ghent, Belgium) Version 7.5 of PACKZ, HYBRID Software’s native PDF editor, delivers the next generation of prepress software for labels and packaging. STEPZ 7.5 is being released concurrently for digital printing applications. Both tools provide bespoke solutions for prepress experts who require high efficiency, quality, and performance in preparing packaging files for conventional or digital printing.

Production jobs in the packaging industry have been increasing and as a result, many package printers and converters are converting to data-driven production. Pactions 7.5, the automated toolset in PACKZ and STEPZ with parameterized action lists, responds to the needs of these customers for advanced automation. This powerful tool decreases the amount of operator time needed to get a new package design edited, approved, and printed and connects seamlessly to packaging RIPs, workflows, and Digital Front Ends (DFEs). Pactions can also be used for barcode generation, including the GS1 Digital Link Datamatrix code.

In-App Solution Store
PACKZ and STEPZ now offer a direct link to HYBRID Software’s online store, allowing customers to download ready-made templates, dynamic marks, and metadata export filters quickly as required for new production methods or job types.

Key Improvements 7.5 Versions
Both PACKZ and STEPZ 7.5 support the newest M1 processors from Apple for real-time editing.

Complex layered artwork can be viewed in color and wired mode simultaneously, and object-based screenings can be inspected per separation. Enhancements to the Smart Flattener guarantee artwork quality and consistency, professionally managing spot color and transparency interactions as well as press gamut conversions.

PACKZ 7.5 automatically tags artwork elements with Processing Steps defined in the ISO 19593 standard, while the Analyze and Fix technology checks incoming files for compliance.

HYBRID Software continues to champion innovation on behalf of label and packaging printers and tradeshops to surpass their requirements for accuracy, cost reduction, process automation, and faster turnaround times.

END

Download the press release here

PACKZ In-App Solution Store

Ready-made solutions are just a few mouse clicks away with the PACKZ in-app solutions store. Just search, download, and instantly use solutions, such as the instant application of information panels. PACKZ is the only PDF editor with a built-in app store containing pre-made marks, pactions, color books, and much more.

Personalized tools make you more efficient

Watch the video to see how intuitive it is to create an action list that adds primer and finishing separations to your artwork files. Learn more about our prepress automation tools by contacting us or at packz.com.

Hybrid Software Group reduces carbon footprint with Ecologi

Cambridge UK, 21 December 2021: Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG) has partnered with Ecologi, the platform that facilitates the funding of carbon offset projects and tree planting around the world, to offset its carbon footprint.

Since October this year, Hybrid Software Group has been working towards compensating for the environmental footprint of every employee in their work and personal life. At work, the Group is implementing policies to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 footprint such as sourcing renewable energy and low-carbon travel, and is talking with supply chains to measure and push down on Scope 3 carbon footprint. Through the partnership with Ecologi, the Group now offsets the carbon footprint of all Group employees, whether at home or at work.

To date the Company has achieved an offset of 655 tonnes of CO2e and contributed to environmental projects across the globe such as solar power generation in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, India, and using waste biomass to produce electricity in Chile. More information about the projects and the positive environmental impact can be found on the Company’s dashboard at https://ecologi.com/hybridsoftwaregroup.

Chairman Guido Van der Schueren comments, “As a board we are very aware of our responsibilities towards the environment and to our employees. Driving sustainability goals through the business is not only the right thing to do for future generations but it makes good business sense too. For instance, in many of our key growth markets, such as packaging and textiles, environmental factors are influencing how those markets develop. Improving our environmental credentials shows our commitment to the expansion of these markets as they continue to transition towards digital production.”

Hybrid Software Group is the only full stack supplier of all critical core technologies for inkjet printing. Its solutions enable OEMs to be nimble in their response to develop new digital printing equipment for emerging applications and enable print service providers to benefit from the added value of digital production. Inkjet production is inherently more sustainable than analogue, generating less waste, facilitating just-in-time production, and permitting the use of more sustainable raw materials.

END

Download press release here

Packzimizer – sheet and ganging imposition for maximum press uptime and substrate coverage

Packzimizer serves the label printing industries’ evolution towards digital print. Packzimizer is available in all of our software products and is integrable with your MIS/ERP solution for an efficient workflow. The module conducts nesting according to your needs: based on existing die-cuts as well as free nesting. Lastly, collect and nest several quantity dependant SKU’s, and create a print-ready PDF file with finishing marks that support either traditional or laser cutting.

Watch our video on Packzimizer

We and our sister companies at Hybrid Software Group wish you a warm season’s greetings! We’d like to thank our customers for your loyalty throughout the year. We look forward to our next projects in 2022!

Finepack is a flexible packaging manufacturer outside of São Paulo, Brazil, and a loyal customer of ours. We are happy to work with their dynamic team to successfully improve their productivity and performance in the Brazilian market. Learn how Finepack has improved the workflow in their prepress department in the video.

Visit the Finepack website here.

Productivity “in the veins”

Inverted separations for digital print embellishment

Watch one of the PACKZ and STEPZ solutions to invert primer and embellishment inks in-line finishing equipment of your digital press. Be efficient and automate the entire process using CLOUDFLOW, Packzflow and Pactions.

HYBRID Software and Digimarc announce avant-garde solutions for packaging printing

(Ghent, Belgium) HYBRID Software, a global software company focused on innovative prepress and workflow tools for the graphic arts industry, has entered into a partnership with Digimarc Corporation. This agreement positions HYBRID Software as the ideal solution for driving sustainability and efficiency in the packaging pricing market.

Combined with HYBRID’s cutting-edge software, this partnership will leverage Digimarc’s expertise in digital watermarking techniques to deliver a seamless solution in the automation of brand protection and traceability.

“Our partnership with Digimarc will allow HYBRID Software to enhance our technology to address our customers’ increasing needs in sustainable packaging and brand integrity solutions,” said Patrick Coussement, Managing Director HYBRID Software. “We look forward to a long relationship with Digimarc and a shared commitment in providing scalable technology for our customers and partners.”

The Industry Benefits from the Forward-Looking Partnership

HYBRID and Digimarc have a longstanding history of providing leading technology to the packaging print market. Digimarc Verify has been available to select customers since 2020, in HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW software to allow for error-free inspection of Digimarc digital watermarks within automated workflow processes. Digimarc digital watermarks offer covert and overt protection for physical products, packaging and digital assets, adding a crucial layer that supports brand protection. These digital watermarks are fully compliant with industry standards, yet imperceptible to the human eye. Since the imperceptible watermark is embedded throughout the artwork’s entire surface area, scanning is expedited.

Users of Digimarc Verify benefit from an extra level of security due to the integrated robust workflow automation. The margin for error from the creation until the approval cycle is drastically reduced, and expensive printing mistakes will be avoided. Building on the integration already available in CLOUDFLOW, HYBRID Software also plans to add Digimarc support to its PACKZ PDF editing software enabling application and detection of digital watermarks during the prepress phase.

SGK, a leading global provider of packaging and brand experiences and trusted partner of HYBRID Software and Digimarc, has implemented new Digimarc functionality in HYBRID’s CLOUDFLOW packaging workflow system, across its facilities worldwide. “We believe that our partnership with HYBRID Software and Digimarc directly benefits SGK’s global clients by offering advanced levels of automation and quality control on jobs with Digimarc watermarks,” said Francois Estellon SVP, Global Operations & Chief Technology Officer. “Our intent is to play a key role in the future development of greater integration of Digimarc watermarking into HYBRID Software solutions, thereby helping the world’s leading brands and retailers accelerate their packaging connectivity and sustainability initiatives.”

Upcoming Availabilities in HYBRID Software Products

The current integrated version of Digimarc Verify with CLOUDFLOW is available today, offering robust reporting and verification tools. The next version, scheduled for early 2022, will include advanced decoding and extended grading of Digimarc digital watermarks.

“We are excited to join in this partnership with HYBRID Software,” said Ken Sickles, Digimarc chief product officer. “Our organizations will continue to work closely to identify further opportunities for integration and a seamless customer experience across both platforms.”

The release of HYBRID Software’s native PDF Editor, PACKZ 8, is scheduled for release mid 2022. The PACKZ user community will be able to recognize the Digimarc digital watermarks using the Barcode Recognition functionality.

END

Download press release

Create Custom Pages in Minutes

Take advantage of the templates in Pagebuilder to create pages in minutes, for your job management pages or kiosk forms. Watch the video to learn just how!

For the 3rd time, we have been awarded the “Professor Sergio Vay Flexo Quality Award” in our Brazilian market. Since 1993, the award ceremony has been organized by ABFlexo/FTA Brasil (Brazilian Technical Association of Flexography and Conversion).

“This 3rd Professor Sergio Vay Flexo Quality Award confirms the success of our solutions in the Brazilian market, as has been happening in other markets around the world where HYBRID Software is present. Solutions such as PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW are extremely well accepted in trade shops and converters in Brazil, helping customers to work more flexibly, assertively and dynamically in the pre-printing of label and packaging files”, shares Vlademir Cassiano, Sales Manager of HYBRID Software Brazil.

Color Coding of Proofscope Notes 

Organize approval rounds to be more manageable, by defining the note color based on user profiles. Watch the video to learn more!

Export Proofscope Notes to PDF

Notes can now be edited after saving, as well as exported conveniently to PDF. The offline storage of approvals provides you with extra flexibility and to help work around security constraints when needed.

Grace Period for Approval Revokes

Have you ever had a customer send approval of an artwork file, only to realize later they still would like something to be changed? CLOUDFLOW users and their customers can now enjoy an approval grace period. Assessments can be undone easily within 24 hours via the web browser without extra phone calls or emailing threads.

Zoom In More Than 3000 % Closer

Get as close as you want to your files with Live Rendering Mode’s Deep Zoom functionality. Improving from 800%, users can now view artwork with 25,000%+ zoom. Even the smallest distances, such as traps, have the correct measurements. The 2-Point click measures across large distances (wider than your screen) and works with scrolling: to reposition simply select the new endpoints.

Are you searching for a modern solution for flexible packaging printing or your trade shop, and a step forward in your digital transformation?

If your flexible printing facility or trade shop is up to its ears in processing new orders, and seeking to reduce time-to-market by optimising prepress performance, we would like to introduce you to our software solution.

HYBRID Software helps our thousands of customers around the world surpass their goals every day by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and speeding up turnaround times. Our software’s modulation of your unique business process allows touch points usually done with manual labor to be optimised with lights out automation: increasing efficiency and avoiding risk associated with human errors.

Our global company is motivated to supply innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry. Our award winning products, including PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and STEPZ are used by our customers around the world in many areas of prepress and print. By addressing the challenges of our industry, we have grown solutions to guide how you print for the future!

HYBRID links your people to its processes beginning from data delivery and artwork editing, all the way to quality control, customer approval, and step and repeat. We supply you with automations, so that your business (and not your headaches!) can continue growing. We can do this since our software retrieves the information from your order management system. All output automatically will refer to the correct barcodes, item and customer numbers, which is especially useful for variable data printing. We save you countless hours of searching and spare you costs associated with errors. By supplying optimal press speed calculations, we get you quicker to press.

HYBRID is flexible and open and we create solutions secure and unique to your needs, all while being easily accessible through our user-friendly web-browser interface. Take a closer look in our movie for flexible printing and trade shops. Hover over the movie to jump to different chapters – or steps of  your printing process!

Are you searching for a modern solution for increasing production for your corrugated printing business and setting up for your digital transformation?

If your corrugated packaging printing facility is searching for organisation tools to process an influx of new orders, or you’re even looking to pave the way for digital printing, we would like to introduce you to our software solution.

HYBRID Software helps our thousands of customers around the world surpass their goals every day by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and speeding up turnaround times. Our software’s modulation of your unique business process allows touch points usually done with manual labor to be optimised with lights out automation: increasing efficiency and avoiding risk associated with human errors.

Our global company is motivated to supply innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry. Our award winning products, including PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and STEPZ are used by our customers around the world in many areas of prepress and print. By addressing the challenges of our industry, we have grown solutions to guide how you print for the future!

HYBRID links your people to its processes beginning from data delivery and editing, all the way to quality control, customer approval, and step and repeat. We supply you with automations, so that your business (and not your headaches!) can continue growing. We can do this since our software retrieves the information from your order management system. All output automatically will refer to the correct barcodes, item and customer numbers, which is especially useful for variable data printing. We save you countless hours of searching and spare you costs associated with errors. By supplying optimal press speed calculations, we get you quicker to press.

HYBRID is flexible and open and we create solutions secure and unique to your needs, all while being easily accessible through our user-friendly web-browser interface. Take a closer look in our movie for corrugated printing. Hover over the movie to jump to different chapters – or steps of the corrugated printing process!

Click here to tell us your problems. If you would like to learn more about our solutions for digital corrugated printing, visit this page!

Are you searching for a modern solution for folding carton printing and a step forward in your digital transformation?

If your facility for folding cartons is up to its ears in processing new orders, and you’re seeking a way to automate repetitive orders and accelerate turnaround times, we would like to introduce you to our software solution.

HYBRID Software helps our thousands of customers around the world surpass their goals every day by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and speeding up turnaround times. Our software’s modulation of your unique business process allows touch points usually done with manual labor to be optimised with lights out automation: increasing efficiency and avoiding risk associated with human errors.

Our global company is motivated to supply innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry. Our award winning products, including PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and STEPZ are used by our customers around the world in many areas of prepress and print. By addressing the challenges of our industry, we have grown solutions to guide how you print for the future!

HYBRID links your people to its processes beginning from data delivery and artwork editing, all the way to quality control, customer approval, and step and repeat. We supply you with automations, so that your business (and not your headaches!) can continue growing. We can do this since our software retrieves the information from your order management system. All output automatically will refer to the correct barcodes, item and customer numbers, which is especially useful for variable data printing. We save you countless hours of searching and spare you costs associated with errors. By supplying optimal press speed calculations, we get you quicker to press.

HYBRID is flexible and open and we create solutions secure and unique to your needs, all while being easily accessible through our user-friendly web-browser interface. Take a closer look in our movie for folding carton printing. Hover over the movie to jump to different chapters – or steps of the folding carton printing process!

Are you searching for a modern solution for label printing and a step forward in your digital transformation?

If your label printing facility is up to its ears in processing new orders, and receiving increasingly specific demands such as personalised, regionalised, anti-counterfeit labels and more, we would like to introduce you to our software solution.

HYBRID Software helps our thousands of customers around the world surpass their goals every day by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and speeding up turnaround times. Our software’s modulation of your unique business process allows touch points usually done with manual labor to be optimised with lights out automation: increasing efficiency and avoiding risk associated with human errors.

Our global company is motivated to supply innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry. Our award winning products, including PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and STEPZ are used by our customers around the world in many areas of prepress and print. By addressing the challenges of our industry, we have grown solutions to guide how you print for the future!

HYBRID links your people to its processes beginning from data delivery and artwork editing, all the way to quality control, customer approval, and step and repeat. We supply you with automations, so that your business (and not your headaches!) can continue growing. We can do this since our software retrieves the information from your order management system. All output automatically will refer to the correct barcodes, item and customer numbers, which is especially useful for variable data printing. We save you countless hours of searching and spare you costs associated with errors. By supplying optimal press speed calculations, we get you quicker to press.

HYBRID is flexible and open and we create solutions secure and unique to your needs, all while being easily accessible through our user-friendly web-browser interface. Take a closer look in our movie for label printing. Hover over the movie to jump to different chapters – or steps of the label printing process!

Updates to the Asset Viewer in CLOUDFLOW

We’re happy to announce recent updates to enhance the experience of our CLOUDFLOW users. To save our customers’ time searching for files, we’ve improved the workflow to include a simple search for files based on approval state, tags and file/folder type, plus an advanced search using AND/OR operators. Additionally, users can now duplicate files, shift-click to do multiple operations in a single go, and enjoy the comfortable drag and drop functionality. To make the most of the plug-in suite, files can be opened directly in PACKZ or revealed in Finder or Explorer.