ePS to Showcase Software Solutions at GPP 2022

Paul Cooper, the Senior Director for Packaging for EMEA at ePS, speaks exclusively to Print Pack about his company’s presence at GPP 2022
Which products and solutions will you be highlighting at the event?
ePS will use GPP to launch its scheduling optimization tool — PrintFlow 4D (PF4D) — that is purpose-built for packaging converters. Available as a part of the Packaging Suite or as a standalone, cloud-based scheduling point solution, PF4D helps optimize the most complex, multi-site production planning processes. With a range of new capabilities and performance and UI/UX improvements, PF4D enables enhanced productivity and efficiency and secures enterprise-wide visibility and business continuity for packaging and corrugated businesses in the best of conditions and, more importantly, the most challenging.
Attendees from the corrugated sector can discover the new features of the industry-leading ePS Escada Corrugator Control Systems, such as the recently introduced Smart Setpoint Process Control extension. The module’s setpoint management system automatically selects the best process recipes and configurations based on multiple predefined factors to manufacture the best quality corrugated board.
In addition, ePS will showcase its latest releases of ERP ecosystems for the Corrugated and Packaging industries. Both suites offer a robust range of highly flexible, modular software solutions, including the recently launched, cloud-based data collection point solution, Auto-Count 4D (AC4D). AC4D, available as a part of a suite or as a standalone application, enables packaging businesses to make timely, data-driven, and cost-effective decisions that can result in faster speeds, greater accuracy, and higher quality—anytime, anywhere, and from any device.
How has 2021 been for your company and what were the learnings from that year?
Our solutions have really helped our customers with the increased challenges with raw materials and improving cost management. Recent new challenges required our platforms to help further with streamlining all the processes, including the areas where staff can be a scarce resource. Our systems help automate the entire workflow, create more cross-department efficiencies, and allow for further growth with the existing staff doing more valuable work. We have also invested in new technology and methods of remote deployment with a blend of face-to-face when necessary to have successful implementations.
How is 2022 shaping up so far and how will you use the learnings from 2021 to better your strategies for this year?
ePS, formerly the Productivity Software business unit of EFI started this year as an independent software company. This next chapter in our journey allows us to accelerate investments in developing transformational technology that will empower our customers in your industry. All our investments now are focused on enabling packaging and print companies across the globe to benefit from highly automated software and corrugated control solutions. In addition, last year has taught us that to succeed in unpredictable conditions, and your technology roadmap must be agile, scalable, and future-proof.
Do you see a general trend towards eco-friendly packaging and sustainability goals in the packing industry?
‘Right 1st time’ production, reducing waste, including the most efficient use of materials and energy, has been a huge priority; we ensure all our solutions provide efficiency benefits. As an example, our Escada solution has revolutionary, advanced energy management features and allows corrugators to operate at lower temperatures.
What do you expect to achieve through your participation at GPP?
Introduce Escada to the market – Europe’s clear market leader for Corrugated production solutions
World wide premiere of Printflow4D automated scheduling for packaging companies
Show why we have great success in MEA with specific Corrugated ERP and Scheduling