Mark Andy has announced the launch of ‘smart link’, a new real-time on-press monitoring system designed to optimise press utilisation for label and package print converters.

Smart link gives production managers a real-time look at what is happening on the pressroom to help make better decisions how to reduce waste and boost efficiency to improve the bottom line.

The monitoring system, which can be accessed via a cloud-based platform, can be used with new and existing Mark Andy presses, both flexo and digital, as well as other manufacturers’ press technology.

Product manager Gretchen Tobol said, ‘Smart link uses our in-house expertise that is built from the ground up.  Smart link is a converter’s tool, plain and simple, and it will allow them to maximise the effectiveness of their existing plant.’

Greg Palm, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mark Andy said, ‘Smart link is the result of numerous consultations with our customers.  We uncovered real pain points when it came to understanding how productive each piece of equipment, operator, or facility truly was.’

According to Mark Andy, overall equipment effectiveness at a typical label converting plant is estimated to run at between 35% and 45%. With hundreds of sensors and advanced integration, smart link collects accurate data on run speeds, up time, down time and waste. This data allows converters to compare jobs, presses, operators, or facilities, and take action to improve overall effectiveness.