Mark Andy launches sMart link monitoring system

Due to be demonstrated on Mark Andy booth 319 at the upcoming Labelexpo Americas in Chicago (September 13-15, 2022) , sMArt link gives production managers a real-time look at what is happening on the pressroom floor.  

 

sMArt link, which can be accessed via a cloud-based platform, can be used with new and existing Mark Andy presses, both flexo and digital, as well as other manufacturers’ press technology. Importantly, it ties all equipment together in one analytical tool that is accessible from anywhere with an internet hook-up.  

 

Mark Andy product manager Gretchen Tobol stated: ‘sMArt link uses our in-house expertise that is built from the ground up. Nobody understands narrow web technology like Mark Andy, and this knowledge and experience has been developed over many years of working closely with customers who use Mark Andy technology in everyday commercial environments. sMArt link is a converter’s tool, plain and simple, and it will allow them to maximize the effectiveness of their existing plant.’  

 

sMArt link is part of Mark Andy’s overall sMArt platform that includes automated set-up, ease of operation and software integration. It has been designed to assist operators and management in their everyday business.  

 

According to Greg Palm, executive VP Sales and Marketing at Mark Andy: ‘sMArt link is the result of numerous consultations with our customers. We uncovered real pain points when it came to understanding how productive each piece of equipment, operator, or facility truly was.’   

 

Overall equipment effectiveness at a typical label converting plant is estimated to run at between 35 percent and 45 percent, there is leaving significant room for improvement, the company said. With hundreds of sensors and advanced integration, sMArt link collects accurate data on run speeds, up time, down time and waste. This data allows converters to compare jobs, presses, operators, or facilities, and take action to improve overall effectiveness. 

 

Data is collected 24/7and can be viewed in real time as dashboards on phones, tablets, computers or monitors in the plant. The cloud-based data can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection providing visibility to any gaps in the production process. 

 

Mark Andy claims that sMart link offers targeted waste reduction averaging 3-5 percent, a capacity increase of 10-20 percent and an overall improvement in productivity of 5-30 percent.