by Cassandra Balentine
The increased adoption of digital print technologies for corrugated applications leads to more reliance on sophisticated software solutions to improve efficiency and profitability. These solutions come in the form of manufacturing execution system (MES) and enterprise resource planning (ERP).
Above: ePS Escada Automatic Corrugator Warp Control addresses the challenge of board warp. 2. ePS CorrSuite includes Escada, a closed loop corrugator control system that offers highly sophisticated functionality for efficient wet- and dry-end machine control.
“Adopting digital print has prompted corrugated manufacturers to re-evaluate and enhance their use of ERP and MES software to accommodate the short-run requirements and opportunities presented by digital printing technology. This includes tighter integration with digital printing equipment, dynamic job scheduling, enhanced data analytics and reporting, streamlined workflow integration, and increased agility and flexibility in production operations,” suggests Aleks Zlatic, VP product portfolio and market development, eProductivity Software (ePS).
Digital print goals often differ from analog print goals due to the distinct advantages and capabilities offered by digital printing technology. “As customers transition to digital printing they typically need to watch margins much closer due to the smaller/segmented quantities. As a result they need distinct features and capabilities in MES and ERP software,” shares Zlatic.
Capabilities such as personalization, short-run flexibility, quick turnaround times, cost-effective prototyping, variable print quality, substrate versatility, and environmental sustainability are essential requirements. Zlatic feels that these demands reflect digital printing technology’s unique advantages and opportunities in today’s competitive and dynamic market landscape.
Software Breakdown
Two types of software solutions stand out for corrugated printing, MES and ERP. “The heartbeat of any box or sheet plant is its manufacturing efficiency,” comments Zlatic.
MES solutions are designed to enhance plant management by automating manufacturing processes and optimizing schedules, providing total machine and labor visibility to manage the plant floor and customer expectations effectively. “These specialized modules save time and resources and significantly reduce errors from manual data input throughout the production process. The real-time visibility these intelligent solutions provide translates into increased productivity and reduced wasted time and resources.”
When it comes to ERP, Zlatic points out that finding the right business system to manage an entire box plant enterprise can be daunting. An ERP that empowers customers with tools for precise cost modeling helps to enable accurate estimating and confident decision making regarding product margins and profitability. “This level of granularity is vital in an industry where precision and efficiency are paramount,” adds Zlatic.
In Demand Features
Users look for features that address the unique challenges and requirements of corrugated board manufacturers and box converters.
Zlatic says these features include things like precise cost tracking, efficient inventory management, scheduling optimization, automation features, and flexibility in solutions that allow for seamless integration into existing systems and workflows.
Product Round Up
Here we share information on valuable resources for corrugated board manufacturers and box converters.
Arden Software
Web-based platform WEBcnx integrates with Arden Software’s packaging CAD/CAM software Impact, as well as other workflow systems, acting as a virtual project manager. According to the company, it’s the ultimate workflow solution for the packaging sector, enabling users to automate the project management of their packaging production from wherever they are in the world, streamlining workflow in the packaging supply chain.
Advantive
Advantive offers both packaging ERP and MES. These tools are designed to automate and simplify complex manufacturing processes with Advantive’s corrugated and packaging ERP software; make smart decisions based on real-time data visibility and insights across global supply chains; and reduce material handling costs by managing raw material and roll stock more effectively. All of which are important features for corrugated manufacturing.
Amtech Software
Amtech Software’s completely integrated family of software, solutions, and technology ensures its customers achieve operational and bottom-line excellence throughout their entire business. For corrugated, its flagship software solutions suite is EnCore.
ePS Packaging
To address the demands of corrugated customers, ePS Packaging delivers on modern corrugated software requirements through its Corrugated Suite (CorrSuite) solutions, particularly through tailored solutions, cost modeling and estimating, efficient inventory management, automation and real-time visibility, and flexibility and integration capabilities.
The CorrSuite includes specialized modules such as CorrPlan, CorrTrim, and CorrTrac, which are tailored to address the unique challenges of the industry. Corrugated Business System (CBS) can be added to have a system to manage the entire business.
ePS’ CBS within CorrSuite is an ERP that empowers customers with precise cost modeling and estimating tools. CBS enables accurate decision making regarding product margins and profitability, addressing the need for granularity in cost analysis.
The CorrTrac module within CorrSuite addresses the demand for efficient inventory management by tracking every facet of paper inventory management, from ordering to consumption. This ensures optimal inventory levels, minimizes waste, and reduces the over ordering of stock, streamlining production processes and reducing costs.
The MES modules within CorrSuite automate manufacturing processes and provide real-time visibility into plant floor and customer data. These solutions help customers save time and resources, reduce errors from manual data input, and increase productivity, meeting the demand for automation and real-time visibility.
ePS Packaging’s solutions, including CorrSuite, are flexible and seamlessly integrate into existing ERP systems and workflows.
HiFlow Solutions
HiFlow Solutions offers a management information system tuned to the needs of corrugated converters with end-to-end production and management systems designed to improve productivity and profitability.
Intelligent Automation
Modern corrugated printers benefit from intelligent solutions to drive efficient and profitable digital printing. Both of today’s ERP and MES solutions are able to help plants determine when, where, and how to run jobs as they enter the workflow.
“Automation coupled with data and meaningful insights gives manufacturers plant-wide visibility to adapt and respond,” says Zlatic. “As corrugated businesses navigate the challenges of today and prepare for tomorrow, investing in technology and personnel development ensures our solutions meet current demands and anticipate and address future challenges.”
Apr2025, Industrial Print Magazine
