EFI unveils optimized ERP and one-pass LED inkjet workflow

The production line features the 13in-wide EFI Jetrion 4950LX LED narrow web press, which is now available with a new white ink module.

EFI’s label converting production line is on display on the company’s Labelexpo Americas 2014 booth (#6423), which also features the EFI H1625 LED printer, a new 65in-wide hybrid roll/flatbed printer suitable for high-quality label proofing and packaging prototyping applications.

EFI, which has seen its sales of advanced packaging MIS/ERP products double over the past two years, has also launched the latest version of the EFI Radius ERP system, v15.1, which offers new scheduling, CRM and order entry tools for streamlined, automated converting workflows.

Flower City Printing has purchased v15.1 of EFI’s Radius ERP software to facilitate faster, more streamlined estimating, scheduling, data collection and accounting in the company’s packaging, printing and paper converting operations.

The printer has accelerated its growth in the past five years, expanding beyond its core litho label and retail point-of-purchase signage offerings into flexo and digital print labels and tags. Many of the signage and packaging products are assembled at different facilities and shipped together as marketing and display kits for consumer brand goods, a process that requires the type of advanced coordination and communication EFI Radius software is designed to provide.

‘We knew we had to make a move eventually if we continued to expand,’ said Kirk Ellsworth, Flower City Printing’s vice-president of customer-focused teams. ‘Other packaging ERP systems are not flexible enough to address all the print technologies we provide. We believe Radius offers the advantage of accommodating all the different aspects of our diversified, growing operation.’

‘Radius will give us a line of sight through the entire company,’ added Trieu La, Flower City Printing’s IT director. ‘Plus, it has the capabilities to handle a lot of unique situations in our manufacturing operations without creating complicated workarounds.’

EFI said this new end-to-end production line has been introduced as the company has just surpassed the 200-press milestone for its installed base of Jetrion equipment.

Stephen Emery, vice-president of EFI’s Jetrion and ink businesses, said: ‘The Jetrion 4950LX press’s productivity, quality, and low cost per label – combined with the ability to go from blank substrate to finished labels in a single pass – will serve as a tipping point for the many flexo converters looking for a way to profitably add digital printing capabilities.

‘This press and our industry-leading Radius workflow exemplify the technical innovations that help so many EFI customers become top performers in the packaging market.’