Under the umbrella brand KBA 4.0, KBA-Sheetfed Solutions is utilising digital transformation for data-based business models in customer service (see also our press release of 1st March 2016). But KBA 4.0 is more than just that: It also encompasses the idea of a networked print factory, in which products, presses and tools are continuously exchanging information via wireless chips and sensors. Presses configure themselves on the basis of the supplied data, change automatically from one job to the next, and relieve the operator of routine tasks. KBA Service Complete will be presenting a number of examples in the Sheetfed Service Innovation Lounge on our drupa stand in hall 16.

Where status and action data from the shop floor are automatically made available to the top-floor management information system (MIS) in real time, this achieves the transparency which is necessary for company-wide planning and control, as well as fast and flexible reaction to customer demands. 

360° overview of company activities

This goal calls for purposeful networking of the relevant business processes with both the production centres and the measuring and control systems on the presses. To this end, all pertinent data are shared between the departments responsible for sales, job preparation, planning, production, operational management and logistics, and are even integrated with web-to print systems, where appropriate. The real-time communication within a full closed-loop solution ensures that complete information is available at all process steps along the value creation chain – structured, analysed and across the whole company. Management is provided with a 360° overview of all company activities.

Networking according to needs

KBA has offered corresponding networking solutions for many years. The production planning and control software LogoTronic Professional is the key to a networked print factory. It serves as the link between MIS, prepress, print and postpress. Job, material, scheduling and PPF data are acquired from the MIS and prepress, and provided to the presses in the form of job lists and presetting data. LogoTronic Professional subsequently returns real-time production and resource data to the MIS. Production becomes transparent and costs are kept under control – the desired 360° management perspective is achieved.

MIS solutions: Intelligent, high-performance motor for all business processes

KBA-Sheetfed offers a range of high-performance MIS solutions as the heart for all workflow implementations. At the upcoming drupa, KBA will now be presenting a new entry-level solution Complete PrintX. This is a compact system tailored precisely to the needs of commercial printers and can be installed with a minimised investment outlay. Its scope includes all modules of a modern MIS, such as job and master data management, price calculations, planning, cost accounting, inventory control and a link to financial accounting.

The high-end solution Complete Optimus Dash expands these capabilities with unique process- and substrate-independent functionalities, right up to online solutions for print providers and their customers. Complete Optimus Dash is a global solution for packaging, commercial and digital printers, and can be expanded step in step in line with individual needs. Powerful and flexible templates require only a minimum of keyboard inputs and offer a host of additional functions, e.g. time management, inventory control  or order and invoice processing,  as well as in-depth reporting options, including a business intelligence tool for the visualisation of lean management KPIs. The add-on module Complete Cloud W2P, furthermore, enables an intuitive approach geared to the simplification and automation of print product purchasing. With Complete Cloud Mobile, quotations can be issued, orders can be accepted and customer-specific information can be called up quickly and precisely.

Open for individual workflow solutions

With the Complete production workflow, KBA-Sheetfed offers an integrated one-stop solution: Everything from a single partner, tailored to the specific needs of the user. Depending on individual requirements, it is possible to realise complete networking of the whole print company, right down to routing of the last network cable. This is accomplished either in cooperation with KBA technology partners (Kodak, Optimus, Printplus) or else as a manufacturer-neutral project. Many users already appreciate this open approach, as it permits the integration of existing products and software solutions via open interfaces.