Esko updates Automation Engine

‘Designed and built by packaging experts, for packaging experts, Automation Engine has established itself over many years as the benchmark for optimized pre-press workflow automation,’ said Jan De Roeck, Esko’s director of marketing, strategy, and industry relations. ‘This latest release represents a major step forward for Automation Engine. It introduces a cloud-based deployment option and an intuitive new web-based user experience that ensures even the most casual user will be able to initiate, communicate and work across teams effectively.

‘This new Automation Engine will make pre-press automation more accessible and easier to use for both long-time customers and for companies that are just starting out on their automation journey.’ 

Users can access their personalized, secure workspace from anywhere in the new My WorkSpace application. Customers looking for more flexibility also have access to the latest cloud-based offering.

‘With Automation Engine SaaS, we are giving customers the opportunity to enjoy the operational benefits of standardized, automated workflows while embracing the freedom of cloud-based computing,’ added De Roeck. ‘Not only does Automation Engine SaaS reduce IT infrastructure overheads and headaches – such as flexible up-and-downscaling of server capacity, security, backup, guaranteed uptime, and availability - but it also helps to boost operational productivity and cross-site working.’

On top of the My WorkSpace application, the newest release of Automation Engine includes a new ‘drop zone’ feature, making launching workflows quicker and easier by enabling users to search and select workflows, drag and drop files, edit parameters, and initiate - all from one location.

‘Quick and easy viewing of files for detailed quality checks is now made easy with a browser-based viewing tool,” commented Paul Land, product manager at Esko. ‘While new Jobs and Products views grant users the ability to efficiently search jobs and assets, access files, view their status, and launch workflows from one workspace.

‘With Automation Engine SaaS, we enable easy access and fast deployment, reducing the need for IT support or additional operational costs. SaaS users simply access the software online using the new subscription-based model, which enables businesses to significantly reduce IT maintenance overheads. Utilizing standard software across locations is made easy, and the SaaS model means there’s no longer any need to download and manually install the latest software versions onto individual computers whenever a new update or release is issued.

‘With the price including a storage allowance and no bandwidth charges, the SaaS model guarantees a low step-in price and faster ROI for customers. With IT and licensing costs now reduced through automation and outsourcing, this delivers a flexible pricing model that scales with the needs, size, and growth of a business.’