Connex Offers New Possibilities for Connectivity
As a prime example of Finishing 4.0, the Connex data and process management system offers new standard interfaces to three partners – Prinect by Heidelberg, HP Production Center and Switch by Enfocus – in addition to standard integration via JDF and JMF, in order to meet the increasingly important requirement for connectivity of individual process steps. That makes integration with existing workflows even easier for Muller Martini customers.
“We have been speaking about connectivity and workflow for twenty years now,” says Bruno Müller, CEO of Muller Martini. “However, now its time now really has come. Shorter runs and the capabilities of printing presses today make a seamless workflow essential for many applications.” That is because it is only possible to make products in one operation and therefore cost-effectively if the entire process is completely automated and integrated. With the Connex data and process management system, it is possible to optimally automate all Muller Martini systems, from a standalone machine to complex production lines. Thanks to the new standard interfaces, Connex can facilitate communication between Muller Martini machines and the workflows of other manufacturers.
Connex Interface to Prinect from Heidelberg: From drupa onwards, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG will enable the exchange of data between its Prinect integrated printing and media workflow and Connex. Prinect ensures the smart integration of all aspects of a printing plant, from management through pre-press and printing through to print finishing, and also enables online communication with customers and other business partners. Workflows play a major part in driving the digitization of the entire value added chain at printing plants.A new interface of the Prinect Postpress Manager (Prinect module for print finishing) will therefore also enable the integration of Muller Martini saddle stitchers, perfect binders and hardcover systems.Graphic arts businesses with printing presses that have print finishing systems from both Heidelberg (with Prinect) and Muller Martini (with Connex) will benefit especially.
Connex interface to the HP Production Center: With this new solution, graphic arts businesses using digital printing presses can connect the control of Muller Martini systems via Connex seamlessly to the HP Production Center and thereby to the controls of HP systems. This automates workflow and feedback, minimizes data acquisition errors and speeds up the entire production process. In particular, Muller Martini machines accept jobs via JDF and provide a production status update. Upon completion of the job, the HP Production Center receives a report with production values such as production waste and times.
Connex Interface to Enfocus Switch: Enfocus Switch is a software solution for workflow automation at graphic arts businesses. Switch has a modular structure and connects various manufacturers and programs using so-called configurators. These interfaces enable customers to develop and control completely variable workflows simply and easily. Muller Martini will present its very own Connex SigmaLine configurator at drupa. It will be available shortly after drupa to all Switch customers worldwide. Thanks to these new configurators, jobs can be easily transferred to the SigmaLine digital book production system.Following drupa, Muller Martini will offer a specific Connex app via the Enfocus app store for the Switch integration of saddle stitchers, perfect binders, and hardcover systems.
Connex - features and functions
The Connex data and process management system developed by Muller Martini consists of various modules.
With the new standard interfaces to Prinect, HP Production Center and Switch, Connex offers new possibilities for facilitating communication.