Full spectrum

20 March 2018

Interest in ‘the internet of…’ is an issue that has risen to prominence in spectacular style in the past 18 months, and has led to numerous clever ways to handle the vast amount of data that is driven by these processes. Smart use of this data can inform and enhance development of the ways in which consumers’ needs are met; as the speed at which this happens increases, further technology and protocols are required to help manage the entire process.

This issue of Converting Today covers the entire spectrum of technology involved. From connected networks that monitor narrow web line production, through to customer engagement  by way of smart codes, labels and inks, the internet of things has an incredible reach and will only keep expanding.

Adhesives, meanwhile, have to be able to hold varieties of substrates together and be able to perform seamlessly after repeated openings and closings.

All of this activity is flying down lines faster than ever before and must be monitored to prevent static build up and, potentially, explosions. Finally, the trend towards personalised printing means that every job is different and requires different positioning, fonts, inks, colours, shapes and so on. One size does not fit all in converting in 2018, and data is the key to ensuring that converters are not left behind.

Information is useless unless it is properly used and applied, however. Today’s converters must constantly monitor their operations to improve efficiency, but the secret is to take the bits that are useful and leave the rest behind.

With the information overload that is possible from visibility of entire operations, the successful companies will be those that are able to prioritise the areas in which they can improve to optimise operations, and not be confused by useless information.



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