An intelligent ERP system reduces costs

What solutions does uTraxx offer?

Many different ones! The right solution depends primarily on whether the company has its own print production or not. In addition, a large company with different locations and business areas needs a different solution than a digital printer or an agency. Our components and apps are designed as a modular system, which allows for a wide range of variations.

How does your system make work easier?

uTraxx standardizes and streamlines processes. If the same product is calculated by different administrators, our ERP system always arrives at the same solution, and the production process is managed and adjusted in an agile manner—both of which save time and money, of course. In most companies, manufacturing is already so streamlined that further optimization is only possible at a disproportionately high cost. We use artificial intelligence for standardization, methods such as Scrum or Kanban support the agile handling of projects, JDF integrates production, and logistics is also automated. Incidentally, we can now use our built-in algorithms to handle calculations directly from PDF files, which further simplifies and speeds up the process.

What are the potential savings for users?

We expect to double capacity in internal sales and project management. The time savings are even greater when it comes to imposition. Streamlining administrative tasks and project management generates real cost savings. It is important to me that our intelligent software and the associated standardization and automation create space that employees can use for creative activities or dialogue with customers.

So what exactly is the difference between an ERP system and an MIS?

Unlike a conventional industry solution (MIS), our ERP system is a platform with many combinable modules. This creates solutions that adapt to the company—and not the other way around. First comes the company, then the software, which is based on best practices. It must also be clearly stated that only a comprehensive ERP system allows for industrial analog and digital production. New business areas can also be easily covered in this way. MIS systems have often evolved from older order- and calculation-heavy industry solutions; accordingly, they are geared toward administration. Today, this is no longer sufficient. Take the web shop as an example. For it to work, it must be part of an ERP system; processing via interfaces is not sufficient.

How flexible is the solution?

uTraxx provides a preconfigured standard that can be quickly customized thanks to our flexible platform. Customers can modify existing apps or even develop their own apps. We provide an easy-to-use development environment for this purpose, including low-code technology. Many of our customers use these options to generate their own USP.

What do the interfaces look like?

uTraxx allows connection to any modern interface (API). Specifically, this means: connection to prepress workflow systems via JDF Level 2 with detailed stripping, connection to other processing systems, JMF Level 3 feedback interfaces from production, connection to existing web shops, connection to asset management systems, DATEV, CO2 compensation, and purchasing platforms.

How important is the connection to workflow systems?

JDF integration should be carried out directly from the imposition system based on the calculation with stripping, and JMF feedback should be evaluated where appropriate. JDF connections that only provide Level 1 and approximate sheet descriptions are not useful.

What will the print shop of the future look like?

The printing industry needs to become even more industrialized. The print shop will develop into a purely industrial operation, while at the same time rooms for agency-like, creative services will be created. Digital printing is also becoming increasingly prevalent in large format and offers new perspectives for the creation of new products with its possibilities. Offset printing with gang forms will be replaced by digital printing. Personalization, mediamatics, agency services, and logistics are becoming increasingly important. In the future, customers will differentiate between impersonal online printers and well-established printing companies that offer personal advice and comprehensive support.