FLEXO: By and large, every printer’s efficiency improvement plan hinges on reducing waste, enhancing productivity and trimming costs. How will INFOFLEX support those strategies?
ANDERSON & VREELAND: We’re very excited to share many new innovations and workflow management tools during INFOFLEX—from cloud-based software solutions, plate and processing equipment, right down to RFID vendor-managed inventory systems—to reduce transactions, costs and automate inventory control of consumables. All these solutions are designed to be more automated and to reduce human interaction while increasing overall throughput and efficiencies.
DAETWYLER: The largest knowledge base for our industry will be present at INFOFLEX. Tap into these resources by planning head-on who you want to see, check to make sure they will be in attendance, organize a meeting and be prepared. Determine what you want to accomplish at INFOFLEX and who you need to meet with. Schedule meetings and organize next steps. Have an open mind for new technologies. Stick with suppliers who can support their products and assist in helping you reach your targets.
MIRACLON: Suppliers across the industry are converging at INFOFLEX to showcase their latest innovations, and at the Miraclon booth, that includes demonstrating the productivity, cost benefits and revenue opportunity PureFlexo Printing technology delivers. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to hear how it can impact their bottom line.
PCMC: Access to industry experts and best practices is second to none. This gives those participants who invest themselves in the event great opportunities to learn and grow. Take time prior to the show to review the participants, highlighting those whom you specifically want to meet—so as to be efficient. But, set aside a considerable amount of time to dedicate to walking the show floor and absorbing what the participants you didn’t identify prior to the show have to offer. You may find something that you didn’t even know was out there.
tesa tape: INFOFLEX is a great way to network and learn more about new, innovative product offerings and technologies that add value to multiple production streams. Depending on your specific production goals for 2022 and beyond, you can map out walking the show—based on vendor product offering(s). Many vendors, including tesa, are excited to have a consultative discussion on how to best partner with you to achieve your individual goals and initiatives.
FLEXO: Optimization of production sits atop the list of most attractive capital expenditure options. What help is available on that front by networking strategically at INFOFLEX?
ANDERSON & VREELAND: INFOFLEX is our opportunity to network with all attendees to share the innovations that are critical to today’s business environment. From front door to back, we have aligned ourselves with the most innovative solutions throughout the flexographic manufacturing process.
DAETWYLER: Consider automation in any capital expenditure to reduce the need for additional workforce. Don’t forget, it’s not just the press that can be automated. There are tons of supportive tasks and processes that can be automated, so your best people can work on their most productive task.
Address critical initiatives. While at INFOFLEX, meet with your key suppliers and organize in-plant training. Get a clear understanding of your current training needs. Don’t be afraid to request this from multiple vendors and possibly organize a day or two-day session where multiple suppliers collaborate to bring a well-rounded training program designed to cover a specific focal area. Discuss ideas on how this training can be implemented, so it sticks and supports longer-term initiatives.
MIRACLON: Our award-winning KODAK FLEXCEL NX technology delivers enhanced operational efficiencies from prepress to the pressroom. Miraclon team members bring with them a breadth of expertise across all flexographic disciplines including inks, narrow and wide web press operation, printing, plates, press and workflow optimization focused on helping customers maximize their return on investment.
PCMC: Every day is dedicated to evolving our products and the products our customers produce. We treat INFOFLEX as an opportunity to share those innovations and technological advances that we’ve been working on, while also using it as an opportunity to talk to, and learn from, printers who are attending the show.
tesa tape: Innovative technology that optimizes production is key. At INFOFLEX, companies like tesa are showcasing products that optimize several areas of production: ROI, efficiencies and sustainability. The opportunity to walk the floor and network with key players in the flexographic industry will help ensure that you are able to optimize your production strategy in 2022 and beyond.
FLEXO: How and why will this event make printers “smarter,” “leaner,” more productive,” “less wasteful,” “more automated” and better at everything they do?
ANDERSON & VREELAND: One thing is for certain—there are no two operations facing the same daily challenges with the same variables. INFOFLEX provides the ability to identify the most innovative solutions that help you overcome your specific challenges. Take the opportunity to learn more about the most advanced solutions to tailor to your specific needs. Having all these suppliers in one location and the ability to network and build personal relationships to enhance your knowledge and business success is immeasurable.
DAETWYLER: Thinking about how to get the most out of your time at INFOFLEX leads me to repeat some great advice put out by Susan Friedman, aka “The Trade Show Coach.” To paraphrase the plan: “Have a clear plan of action. Make a list of your goals for the show. Read through the promotional materials. Consult the trade show directory to prioritize your route. Make a list of must-see stops. Come with useful questions prepared, so as not to waste time on small talk. Maximize time on the floor. Record vital information—don’t just grab every brochure offered. Take time to organize information gathered—sort it by priority. Follow-up with vendor contacts.”
MIRACLON: While the pandemic has slowed some industries down over the past two years, the innovation and growth the printed packaging industry has been seeing makes this an exciting time to be in flexography. Members of the flexographic industry should make the best use of returning in-person events, like INFOFLEX, to ensure they stay on top of the latest innovations.
We look forward to building relationships and sharing how Miraclon can enable them to drive business growth, while transforming the future of the flexography by maximizing on-press efficiency, minimizing waste, and improving their bottom line.
PCMC: Active participation and engagement will allow printers to be “better.” INFOFLEX is a gathering of the “greatest minds in printing” all in one place at one time. If participants engage with these great minds, they will surely pick up things that will help them be a better printer.
tesa tape: We believe in developing a product solution offering that solves various printer pain points. Our team takes a consultative approach to the market, offering product suggestions based on customer feedback. The best way to address concerns is to really listen to identify the root of the problem, and then work together to address it. INFOFLEX is the venue to get it all done!