Mediahuis Noord Grafisch Bedrijf, formerly NDC Mediagroep Grafisch Bedrijf, is taking the next step in the modernisation process of their print site in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. After investing in a complete automation package from QI Press Controls (QIPC) with regard to print quality with colour density, register, damp and ink control, it is now up to its sister company EAE Engineering Automation Electronics (EAE) to modernise production planning and order preparation.
Says Paul Mutgeert, project manager at Mediahuis Noord Grafisch Bedrijf: “With the decision to optimise and modernise the production planning and order preparation, the decision for EAE’s software was made at a glance. We have been working with software solutions from EAE for decades, such as press planning tool Print 6 and the page workflow software Print-Image. Now we are adding the VIP operating system including the reel data system. Whereas before we had to use different applications, with the introduction of VIP we can process the order flow from a single central system.”
VIP (Visual Intelligent Plant) is a system that allows planning and visualisation of the entire production flow. This applies to the entire process, meaning; before, during and after -printing. It provides support; for example, in planning creating plates and paper feed, press configuration, packaging and inserting; right down to bundling at the loading dock. Reel data records everything concerning paper consumption and provides insight into stock as well as consumption and quality data. This expansion provides company-wide cost optimisation and efficient cost control.
Adds Paul Mutgeert: “With the utilisation of the VIP system, we mainly expect to be more efficient in the realisation of the production planning and order workflow. In addition, it will also be possible to gain good insight into the progress of the productions through clear reporting.”
Mediahuis Noord Grafisch Bedrijf in Leeuwarden will set up the workflow in a similar way as they have previously done at their printing plant in Paal Beringen in Belgium. Meanwhile, all their other printing plants are now equipped with QIPC-EAE’s quality control solutions.
“Because all locations use the same software and equipment, we can easily exchange knowledge and increase the quality of our processes and products. Partly due to the many years of experience we have with QIPC-EAE’s products, we know that we are dealing with a very reliable, service-oriented and solid partner. In our industrial environment, the quality of the products is considered as reliable and robust. And problems that may arise are always solved very quickly and appropriately,” Paul Mutgeert points out:
“We expect the cooperation with QIPC-EAE to remain as good as it has been in recent years. We know very well what we expect from each other. The mutual contacts are therefore familiar, informal and approachable.”
EAE Engineering Automation Electronics GmbH, the Ahrensburg-based company, is active in graphic industries, automation solutions and automation technology. The company, founded in 1962, is the leading supplier of controls, automation solutions and software for newspaper printers. EAE’s solutions are being used in all areas of a newspaper printing plant – from pre press to the mailroom. Worldwide more than 550 newspaper printing plants are using EAE’s control systems to produce more than 125 million newspapers each day.
January 2023
from Webdoux