Packaging Suite 4.0 is a fully automated ERP-based program for the packaging and labels sectors.

According to David Taylor, EFI’s general manager of Enterprise Software Solutions, huge interest was shown at the show, and this interest has manifested itself into a large uptake in orders of the suite, especially from UK buyers. 

Taylor said: “It was fantastic, and was a real opportunity for us to showcase. We had a very high level of interest and since then I have been working with lots of people showing them the benefits of the Suite. It was one of the best shows we ever had.

“I think there’s more understanding since Drupa of what software can do for your business. Historically, the market has been very much driven by machine capability, but with the Packaging Suite, people are starting to see the value of being able to create and optimise print. That’s one of the messages that came back from Drupa. People can enhance their business through this and don’t necessarily need to add more hardware on the floor.” 

The Packaging Suite includes 20 certified workflows that combine EFI’s Radius ERP solution with modular components from EFI’s portfolio, including third-party components, such as Esko’s Automation Engine. 

It comes with estimating and planning components, with advanced job capabilities for folding cartons, and a Packaging Suite Workbench, all meant to save companies on excess capacity.

The Suite also has data collection software that can put all of a company's print jobs onto mobile, which Taylor said is “making a huge difference to the way people are looking at jobs on the shop floor".

Andrew Hartwig, general manager of UK-based carton maker Firstan Packaging said the big plus of the Suite is in the “data capture and planning".

Drupa was referred to by a number of commentators within the industry as Drupa 4.0, with one its key themes being the concept of Print 4.0, automation and integration.

“It took a long time for this to come to market, involved a lot of planning and has been the amalgamation of many years work to bring the suite of components together,” said Taylor.

“We’ve got some really exciting developments around the future of estimating coming up, so you’re going to see more coming to market as we enhance that capability and find a method establishing what the most effective and productive route is for the shop floor.”