Mark/Trèce Inc. Further Streamlines Workflow with Installation of EskoArtwork's Automation Engine and Additional CDI 5080

"That number will increase–we are targeting higher-end business which will require the use of Automation Engine," said Grantham.

"With Automation Engine, we are working with the native files," noted Ashton. "It is a vector-based RIP, which helps keep the file sizes smaller, plus there is a lot less data going back and forth. We're not RIPping the file and then bringing it back in to work on it. We work with the native files; we don't have to RIP it first. This impacts time and quality–when you are handling things less and not pulling files across the serve, there is less room for error."

EskoArtwork's DeskPack lets operators continue to work in Adobe Illustrator–a big plus for Mark/Trèce. DeskPack turns Illustrator into a packaging prepress application, allowing changes and edits to be made easily and efficiently. It finds errors early on in the workflow, reducing costs.

Currently around 80 percent of Mark/Trèce's prepress workflow is digital, with digital flexographic plate production up to 90 percent and corrugated up to 40 percent–and growing, as customers realize the benefits of a filmless process.

"Within three-to-five years we believe our workflow will be totally digital," said Grantham. "The film costs are through the roof, plus you get the higher value graphics. It's a natural fit. In fact, I would not rule out another CDI joining our roster in the very immediate future."