Print software specialist CERM, a unit of Heidelberg, found a novel way to grab the attention of journalists at a pre-drupa press conference this week that showcased latest workflow technology from several innovative and allied Belgian firms.
"CERM is performing a live demonstration by capturing, processing and digitally printing all images of attending journalists on a personalised label,” said Peter Heyse, head of product management at Oostkamp-based CERM Benelux.
More than 60 print industry journalists from around the world gathered in Bruges for the two-day event titled Press on the Future that focused on new MIS workflow and production updates to be showcased at drupa in Düsseldorf in May/June. The event included press conferences by Esko, Enfocus, X-Rite Pantone, CHILI Publish and CERM, as well as an update from flexo plate developer Asahi Photoproducts and, on day two, tours of the Xeikon plant at Lier and Agfa’s headquarters at Mortsel near Antwerp.
Heyse said the photo demonstration was aimed at highlighting CERM’s drupa 2016 theme of Inspiring Collaboration.
“The picture was taken upon arrival on 16 March of each journalist, then personalised on Chili Publish, processed on the Esko Automation Engine and finally printed on the Xeikon presses. All journalists picked up their personalised set of printed labels the next day at the Xeikon premises. All of this is driven by the powerful Cerm MIS engine."
"Inspiring collaboration is not just a slogan or tagline for us,” said Cerm MD Geert Van Damme. “Our solution improves collaboration between all co-workers within the printing company. That is exactly what an MIS should do. But we go even beyond this by actively developing and integrating industry partner communication tools on the shop floor. The target is to reduce setup time and waste in administration and production, streamlining processes within the print shop. At drupa, we want to express this focus with an audacious approach: we will be present and active everywhere without even have our own booth."
Esko required journalists to sign a non-disclosure agreement before the global supplier announced several new product launches to be featured at drupa. Further details remain under embargo until 5 April.
CHILI Publish, which has enjoyed remarkable growth since being founded by three savvy entrepreneurs just five years ago, revealed a new version of its flagship online editor CHILI Publisher and the debut of a new product called CHILI rendro.
“Buckle up for CHILI rendro,” CEO Kevin Goeminne told the audience. “We’re about to rock your world. It’s a new star in our constellation."
This breakthrough release improves how PDFs are rendered, giving users the rendering, streaming and 3D viewing of PDF’s onto any platform that supports the HTML5 canvas. When files require urgent approval, consultation or editing, CHILI rendro facilitates fast, accurate communication and collaboration.
The company will also showcase CHILI publisher 5.0, the next generation of its online editor, at the upcoming drupa 2016. The release includes a range of new features, including a new user interface that aligns with the way users are editing documents today.
Since its inception, CHILI publish has fostered working relationships with leading providers who offer a wide range of technical solutions. The list of solutions includes: MIS (Tharstern, Cerm, Gamsys), e-Commerce platforms (Magento, Woo commerce, Nop commerce, Intershop, Shopify), Asset Management (North Plains, Canto Cumulus, Adam software), Cross-Media and Web-to-Print solutions (XMPie, Dalim, Pageflex), packaging (Esko), workflow automation (Enfocus) and digital printing solutions (Xeikon).
“Industry partnerships are important to us,” said Goeminne. “The robust APIs that are part of CHILI publisher, along with our ongoing investment in product development and market expansion, attract partnerships with best-in-breed technical companies who wish to integrate our solutions into their offering."