Asahi Photoproducts demonstrates remote Smart Glass installation

This approach was driven by pandemic-imposed travel restrictions, forcing a decision to either delay the project or utilize alternative technologies to start up the system. Comexi already had experience with Smart Glass technology as part of its service offering helped smooth the process between both companies. This process resulted in defining Asahi’s standard remote support operating procedures which can be used for future installations to save time, eliminate the need for travel, and provide an overall more effective experience for the operators at the installation site.

‘The Smart Glass installation was great. Everything was well prepared, and it went smoothly from the very beginning,’ said Yago Lulin, technical consultant and prepress manager at Comexi. He continued, ‘The installation was done in a few days, and the Comexi team was given a subsequent training on platemaking in detail. Smart Glass support for this type of activity is ideal as it provides flexibility regarding the installation date when it comes to any last-minute changes, but it also saves 2-3 days of engineering travel time and costs.’

Asahi Photoproducts sees this approach as a major advance for the ‘next normal.’ While Asahi Photoproducts’ technical team is always available to do site visits to help with technical or training issues, being able to remotely do a full installation using modern communications technologies means a more cost-efficient and timely approach to many of the activities that normally would require the time and travel cost associated with conventional technical support.

Another important advantage noted by Yago Lulin was the fact that the process gave staff more hands-on experience with the equipment than they might have had during a normal on-site installation. He added, ‘all members who participated in the installation were really motivated to learn how the processor works, both for operation and for future maintenance. This approach is ideal for this type of installation.’