Get sMArt with Mark Andy! – If you are looking to improve your narrow web press utilization
The new sMArt link real time press monitoring system is designed to optimize production efficiency on Mark Andy flexo and digital presses as well as those from other manufacturers
In a move that it describes as ‘ground-breaking’, Mark Andy, the leading American manufacturer of narrow and mid web print technology, has announced the launch of sMArt link, a new real-time on-press monitoring system designed to optimize press utilization for label and package print converters.
Due to be demonstrated on Mark Andy booth 319 at the upcoming Labelexpo Americas in Chicago (13th – 15th SEPTEMBER 2022) , sMArt link gives production managers a real-time look at what is happening on the pressroom floor, and based on this information, make better decisions on how to reduce waste and boost efficiency to improve the bottom line.
The rationale behind sMArt link
sMArt link, which can be accessed via a cloud-based platform, can be used with new and existing Mark Andy presses, both flexo and digital, as well as other manufacturers’ press technology. Importantly, it ties all equipment together in one robust analytical tool that is accessible from anywhere with an internet hook-up.
Speaking for Mark Andy, Product Manager Gretchen Tobol states: “sMArt link uses our in-house expertise that is built from the ground up. Nobody understands narrow web technology like Mark Andy, and this knowledge and experience has been developed over many years of working closely with customers who use Mark Andy technology in everyday commercial environments. sMArt link is a converter’s tool, plain and simple, and it will allow them to maximize the effectiveness of their existing plant.”
sMArt link is part of Mark Andy’s overall sMArt platform that includes automated set-up, ease of operation and software integration. Extremely user-friendly, it’s been designed to assist operators and management in their everyday business. According to Greg Palm, Executive VP Sales & Marketing at Mark Andy: “sMArt link is the result of numerous consultations with our customers. We uncovered real pain points when it came to understanding how productive each piece of equipment, operator, or facility truly was.”
sMArt link in action
Overall equipment effectiveness at a typical label converting plant is estimated to run at between 35% and 45%, there is leaving significant room for improvement. With hundreds of sensors and advanced integration, sMArt link collects accurate data on run speeds, up time, down time, waste, and more. This data allows converters to compare jobs, presses, operators, or facilities, and take action to improve overall effectiveness.
Data is collected 24/7and can be viewed in real time as dashboards on phones, tablets, computers or monitors in the plant. The cloud-based data can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection providing visibility to any gaps in the production process so adjustments can be made to reduce waste, increase uptime, run speeds and profits.
With the most diverse portfolio of narrow web technology of any manufacturer, Mark Andy is best suited to launch a production monitoring platform like sMArt link. More than 75 years of service to the label sector is the guarantee that converters need to be assured of reliability and support. With targets of waste reduction averaging 3% – 5%, a capacity increase of 10% – 20%, and an overall improvement in productivity of 5% – 30%, Mark Andy is predicting that smart converters will quickly sign up to the benefits of sMArt link.
About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com