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EskoWorld 2024, held at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, TX, brought around 400 packaging and label converters, brand representatives, packaging experts, and other industry professionals together with roughly 100 Esko senior executives and technical staff. From June 24-27, attendees were immersed in a world of innovation, networking, and learning. The event showcased the latest advancements in Esko’s software products, focusing on automation, efficiency, and sustainability in the packaging industry.
Streamlining Workflows with the S2 Platform
One of the most significant topics across many sessions at EskoWorld 2024 was the company’s S2 platform. This multi-tenant, cloud-native platform integrates Esko applications, leveraging cloud computing, data sharing, and artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time access to data and resources. The S2 platform is designed to enhance workflow efficiency by ensuring seamless integration across all Esko Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products and secure data sharing throughout the design and production phases. Notably, job onboarding within the S2 platform aims to streamline job entry, reducing prepress staff interruptions and speeding up time-to-market.
Enhancing Automation and Security
Esko’s Automation Engine received notable updates over the past year focusing on speed, quality, and security. A new browser interface allows for remote access, enabling users to manage workflows and quality control directly from their browsers. Advanced quality control tools integrated within the interface provide detailed inspections, while the achievement of ISO 27001 certification underscores Esko’s commitment to high standards of digital and physical security. The introduction of Automation Engine SaaS offers operational flexibility, disaster recovery, and global standardization in workflows, making it a robust solution for modern prepress operations.
Improving User Experience and Integration
WebCenter, Esko's packaging lifecycle management solution, saw several enhancements aimed at improving user experience and expanding content management capabilities. The updated viewer now includes CAD and artwork 3D enhancements, deep zoom capabilities, and reference file viewing features. The dashboard interface has been revamped with advanced scripting, deep copy support, and customizable columns, optimizing the interface for specific tasks. Strengthened integration with other Esko and third-party systems supports seamless communication and data exchange, facilitating efficient project management.
Leveraging AI and Machine Learning
The new Sales Assistant tool utilizes AI and machine learning to streamline the packaging design and quotation process for small and medium-size brand owners. This tool provides an online portal where users can upload designs, clarify product requirements through a smart chat feature, and receive instant customized price proposals. By reducing the complexity and lead time for obtaining quotations, this makes packaging design more accessible and efficient.
Innovating with PrintClone and Remote Press Approval
Two innovative products, PrintClone and Remote Press Approval, demonstrate Esko’s commitment to utilizing AI and virtual reality (VR) technologies for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. PrintClone uses deep learning to match physical printed samples accurately, significantly reducing the time needed for manual adjustments. Remote Press Approval leverages VR to allow approvers to participate in the press approval process remotely. This approach not only reduces the need for travel but also aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with physical press checks.
Partnering for Sustainability
Esko’s collaboration with CarbonQuota highlights its dedication to sustainability. CarbonQuota provides automated technology to help businesses in the print and packaging sectors reduce their carbon emissions. By offering detailed carbon footprint measurements and actionable insights, CarbonQuota supports companies in achieving their decarbonization goals efficiently and transparently. This partnership underscores Esko’s commitment to a low-carbon economy and sustainable business practices.
Innovating for the Future
The innovation room showcased AI-driven, working prototype concepts, some of which utilize augmented reality goggles. These included 3D walkthroughs of stores where visitors can not only see products generated from COLLADA files but pick them up for close inspection, too. Store lights reflected from their surfaces while liquids inside sloshed around with realistic physics. Other demonstrations showcased AI-driven specification and alternative design generation from PDF files and AI-driven print quality inspections.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
EskoWorld 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the company’s innovative solutions aimed at transforming the packaging industry. The introduction of the S2 platform, along with significant updates to Automation Engine, WebCenter, and new AI-driven tools like the Sales Assistant, PrintClone, and Remote Press Approval, highlight Esko’s forward-thinking approach. Attendees left the event with a sense of excitement and optimism for the future, driven by Esko's pioneering advancements in automation, efficiency, and sustainability.
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