Available as of the end of July, the new software-as-a-service package is being sold over the Prinergy cloud on a subscription basis, with a basic setup for CMYK print systems increasing in cost if customers make use of spot or speciality colours, or coatings.
Named Decision Analytics – Ink & Plate Usage, Kodak said the system uses companies’ own historical and predictive usage data, so they can continue to meet client requirements while reducing manufacturing costs and avoiding excess or waste.
“Prinergy Cloud’s Decision Analytics utilises cutting-edge technology from Microsoft to collect, store and analyse large amounts of production data collected from manufacturing operations in near-real time,” said Kodak product manager Stephen Miller. “The cloud service is applicable to any customer who wants to reduce materials cost and improve operational efficiency through the use of analytics and business intelligence software.
“We have added new functionality within Prinergy to automate the process of local data collection and analysing files as the job moves through the pre-press workflow.
“Interest in the new cloud service has been very high, across all segments and markets. The reason is there has been a long-standing need within the printing industry to improve results when estimating or forecasting usage of consumables in the pressroom.”
The service is designed to benefit customers through macro-level business insight, the reduction of labour costs, improving quote accuracy on jobs, reduction of consumable inventory carrying costs and hazardous waste elimination.
Miller said the initial release of the new software was focused on offset printing applications, with a view to expand to other applications and methods in the future. Next iterations will involve the service being extended to cover to flexo, gravure, wide-format inkjet and more printing methods.
Launched early last year at PrintWeekLive! 2017, Prinergy Cloud is focused on providing three services for its users – data storage, analytics and workflow. It is Kodak’s first offering in the area of smart factory automation.
