ImagesMagUK_August_2021

www.images-magazine.com 28 images AUGUST 2021 TIPS & TECHNIQUES W orkflow has nothing to do with a QR code that is only capable of giving you the next file from a ‘hot folder’; instead, it is a logistical masterpiece, a symphony in production that allows thousands of one-off orders with a wide variety of requirements to flow with playful ease with individual client requirements, all the way through to the customer. You may wonder if you need a workflow system. A small decoration company should first focus on the essentials and understand the production process. But as soon as you enter the online market, you will quickly come to the point of needing connection and data handling. The critical moment comes with 30-50 orders a day, or often the desire to cluster machines such as Epson, Ricoh or Brother, or when the current machine set-up is replaced by machines such as Aeoon, M&R or Kornit. In my opinion, an industrial DTG printer in the digitalised world without workflow is just an expensive, unproductive machine. A good workflow system hangs everywhere in between and controls the processes automatically. There’s no longer a need for lists to out because you are entering into a long-term commitment. What do I want and what suits me and my customers? There are two main points everyone needs to consider, the first of which is, is it fast and cheap? Secondly, you need to consider the quality and reproducibility of the system, as well as its sustainability. One printer might want a workflow system only for DTG, while for others DTG is often Industry experts provide insight and guidance in all areas of digital garment and textile printing Digital helpdesk ‘Workflow’ is often talked about in relation to DTG printing – but what is it? Thomas Drees, CEO of Smake, which offers an end-to-end workflow solution, provides a definition and explains how to decide which option is the best one for you Thomas Drees be kept or clicked on by the operator on screens, or manual interventions to take place. The garment becomes intelligent and constantly sends information back to the system and to the required station, to the customer and also to the customer’s customer. The error quotient drops to virtually zero. The customer can still intervene digitally until the last moment; aside from the possibility of that intervention, the order is clear at every point of the process and runs through automatically. This smooth workflow is made possible by a good data structure and the use of cloud data storage. What does workflow mean for DTG and other production processes? The truth is, workflow has a different meaning for every decorator and what is right today will be out of date by tomorrow due to the different and ever-changing demands of customers. It makes sense, therefore, to ask the right questions in advance, and to take into consideration your company’s potential growth rather than just deciding on a solution that works for this particular moment in time. The right choice should be well thought-