Konica Minolta and Screen partner on workflow

A hybrid workflow that combines Screen's Equios prepress and production management software with Konica Minolta's digital presses is being developed through a collaboration between the two companies.

Konica Minolta and Screen have enhanced collaboration in the digital commercial printing area to achieve seamless hybrid workflows and increase user-friendliness in offset printing and digital printing. The two companies will further improve efficiency, expand business opportunities, and deliver new value in the commercial printing industry.

In the commercial printing industry, digital printing equipment is being increasingly introduced due to growing demand for high-mix small-lot printing to meet the diverse needs of consumers. In some cases, users cannot take full advantage of the equipment because the CTP workflow RIPs for offset printing – the core of workflow systems – cannot fully control the equipment.

Konica Minolta and Screen have enhanced data exchange in the Job Definition Format (JDF) between the Equios universal workflow systems offered by Screen and the Accurio inkjet and toner digital presses offered by Konica Minolta.

This enhanced data exchange enables users to directly perform digital printing from the Equios, achieving seamless operation that encompasses colour management and finishing. This solution increases commercial printing efficiency in a production environment and offers new business opportunities by taking full advantage of on-demand printing.

Konica Minolta has a competitive edge in variable digital presses, and aims to further open up the market in the digital commercial printing area.

Screen offers an extensive line-up of high-speed variable digital presses and CTP systems, and has a competitive edge in integrated workflow systems combining CTP systems with digital presses to automate the printing process and eliminate the need for skilled users.

Yoshinori Koide, head of marketing of PP Business Unit at Konica Minolta, said: ''Our KMI IC-60x ‘controller’ already connects Screen Equios by using JDF/JMF. So, CP customers can print via Equios UI directly. To enhance this, JDF connectivity continuously with Screen, KM has collaborated with Screen to promote seamless hybrid workflows. This will increase customer efficiency and make is user friendly. It enables the Equios users to directly change the Accurio’s printing settings such as colour, paper and so on.”

Toru Kawada, head division of business development division at Screen Graphic Solutions, said: “Screen has continuously improved the Equios universal workflow systems that combine CTP workflow systems with cutting-edge inkjet printing technologies. To meet diversifying printing needs, Screen will promote automation of the printing process and offer a solution environment that creates customer value by using the Equios as the solution platform or as the core system for efficiently using offset presses and digital presses.”

The two companies will enhance collaboration to further improve the value proposition for customers of the respective companies based on an open partner strategy through which each company further enhances its own competitive edge while utilizing the other’s technologies and assets.