Eco3 has announced a strategic partnership with Nela, a provider of automated plate handling and pre-press logistics solutions, to extend the capabilities of its upcoming Apogee IQ platform into physical plate automation.
Announced in September 2026, Apogee IQ is Eco3’s next-generation platform for connected print production, designed to integrate business systems, production equipment and operational data within a single environment.
The collaboration will connect production planning with plate validation, tracking and delivery, linking pre-press workflows more closely with pressroom operations. The integration is intended to reduce manual intervention, minimise errors and provide printers with greater visibility across the plate lifecycle.
Nela’s solutions are primarily focused on the lithographic printing market, although the partnership also demonstrates the potential for Apogee IQ to support integrations across other print sectors. The platform’s open integration framework could accommodate future partnerships with suppliers specialising in flexographic, packaging and digital printing, as well as other areas of the industry.
Tobias Lerch, director of hardware and software R&D at Nela, said: “The print industry continues to move toward connected, data-driven production. Our partnership with Eco3 combines Nela’s leadership in plate automation with the workflow intelligence of Apogee IQ, creating new opportunities for printers to optimise operations, reduce waste, and improve pressroom performance.”
Apogee IQ is powered by Adobe Print Services and supported by colour management tools from Bodoni. The platform is being developed through a series of strategic industry partnerships, with Nela joining previously announced partner PlanProphet.
Arnaud Becuwe, global head of software at Eco3, said: “Printers are increasingly looking for solutions that connect every stage of production and eliminate manual touchpoints. With Apogee IQ, we’re building an open automation platform that brings together best-in-class technologies from partners such as Adobe, Bodoni, PlanProphet, and now Nela. Together, we’re helping printers create smarter, more efficient production environments.”
The Nela integration into Apogee IQ is currently planned for the second quarter of 2027.
