Cerm and Athena Graphics partner on flexo plate ordering

Cerm has unveiled a new integration with Athena Graphics, marking a step forward in automating label printers' flexo plate ordering process. By combining Cerm’s MIS capabilities with Athena Graphics’ expertise in pre-press and flexo plate production, this partnership streamlines workflows, reduces manual steps and ensures precision at every stage.

The integration automates the transfer of verified job data —including approved artwork PDFs and order information —from Cerm MIS to Athena Graphics. Job files are compressed and securely transferred via FTP, while real-time status updates using JMF messages, such as 'Athena Received' and 'Athena Ready,' are reflected instantly in Cerm MIS. This ensures full visibility and eliminates the guesswork for operators.

To bridge the gap between physical and digital processes, each flexo plate from Athena Graphics can be marked with a QR code containing the Cerm product ID. Upon delivery, converters can scan the code to confirm receipt, aligning physical plates with digital records and improving accuracy.

'Athena Graphics has long been a leader in pre-press and flexo plate production,' said Sebastiaan Hermans, marketing manager at Cerm. 

'This integration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, delivering smarter and more efficient workflows to our customers. It fully underscores Cerm’s mission to automate production processes and optimize operations for label converters. By reducing errors, streamlining workflows and enhancing visibility, the Cerm-Athena Graphics integration helps label printers achieve new levels of efficiency and reliability.'

Ignace Cosaert, CEO at Athena Graphics, agrees and underlines the 'importance to offer our customers the most advanced and efficient solutions, and this collaboration with Cerm helps us do that and is a perfect example.'