Adare has spent 20,000 on the JDF workflow, which also covers asset management and 3D modelling. According to Esko and Prism, it is the first JDF workflow with a "step-and-repeat" module, which helps speed up the process of getting job files onto the printing plate.

"JDF helps us to optimise our workflow and lets us work smarter, not harder," said Adare Packaging Solutions digital assets system manager Steve Balderson (pictured left). "We will see an overall cost and time benefit. The next module we will bring on board is the 3D modelling."

Wim Delagrange, Esko product manager for packaging workflow servers, said JDF allows Adare's customers to see how a job is progressing in real time.

Balderson added: "It helps us as we won't have customers always phoning us up asking how a job is going."

Prism development manager Phil Willis said: "This system will enable better data, and developments in data flow mean it is getting quicker all the time."

Adare's packaging division is one of its fastest-growing divisions. It has a turnover of 15m and a workforce of 80.