Label Academy | 89Label Academy hosts Industry 4.0 virtual master classIndustry experts discussed how automation and data are transforming the label sector, writes Labelexpo conference manager Helen Stoddart abel Academy, the global training provider for the label and package printing industry, recently hosted Lits frst virtual master class tackling Industry 4.0. This latest in-depth learning opportunity is its fourth virtual master class to date.Joining the master class chair, L&L editor James Quirk, was a high-profle panel of eleven guest speakers from Baldwin Technology, Traent.com, Hybrid Software Group, Esko, X-Rite Pantone, MPS, Cerm, Label Traxx, HP Indigo, Grafotronic and Christian Menegon, global business development Tilia Labs. As with the previous virtual Federico d’Annunzio, founder of Traent.com manager, Labels & Packaging at HP Indigomaster classes, which have covered brand protection, digital printing technology and fexible packaging, Industry 4.0 was divided manager at Label Traxx, and Christian take advantage of this and stay ahead. Our into two parts. Menegon, global business development Industry 4.0 virtual master class offered Part one provided an overview of manager, Labels & Packaging at HP Indigo, the right step in that direction, with a Industry 4.0, blockchain, data transparency, examined the opportunities created fascinating insight into all of this and more.’automating pre-press and quality control. by the connected digital press. Morten Baldwin’s Steve Metcalf said: ‘Data will Steve Metcalf, chief marketing and IoT Toksvaerd, business development director drive the next great advantage in labels offcer, Baldwin Technology, began by at Grafotronic, then set out ways of and packaging and is the centerpiece of introducing the topic and how it impacts automating the fnishing process and Industry 4.0. Innovations are happening the label and package printing industry. This integrating it into existing networks. The right now that make getting access to paved the way for the next session, given by master class closed with a converter case data and putting it to work easier than Federico d’Annunzio, founder of Traent.com, study from George Folickman, global sales ever. The line-up assembled for the master who delved into blockchain and why brands director and business development at class presents a how to guide on what to are pushing for full data transparency. Mike Tilia Labs. He described how the software consider and where to begin the journey.’Rottenborn, CEO of Hybrid Software Group, company had worked with US converter Mike Rottenborn of Hybrid Software then provided insight into automating Pacer Print to automate production, and the Group said: ‘These master classes are one of pre-press, from pre-fight to imposition and signifcant cost, time and resource benefts the best platforms from which to share this color management, and integrating it into to the business that this had made. knowledge with industry peers.’ press and factory management systems. Thomas-Emans added: ‘I’d like to extend Closing part one was a joint presentation my thanks to our fantastic line-up of “Data will drive the next given by Martin Cusack, product manager speakers who took part, and attendees for Color, DFE and iCenter at Esko and Jérôme joining. We look forward to hosting further great advantage in Brangé, solution architect, Packaging at sessions covering more of the industry’s X-Rite Pantone, who set out ways of most pressing topics in the coming months labels and packaging automating quality control including – online and live at Labelexpo shows.’inspection and measuring color in-line. The recordings for both parts of the and is the centerpiece Industry 4.0 virtual master class are of Industry 4.0”The connected press available through the Label Academy The focus for part two was a more in-depth subscription service, which can be accessed look at automating both fexo and digital Andy Thomas-Emans, Labelexpo strategic through labelsandlabeling.com. printing and the fnishing process. Kelvin director, said: ‘The Covid pandemic has The Label Academy’s accompanying van den Bunt, product manager at MPS, and accelerated digital technology trends that guide, Management Information Systems Lowie-Pascal Geerinck, product manager were already starting to transform the and Workfow Automation, by Michael at Cerm, began with a joint presentation label and package printing supply chain, Fairley, and is available to purchase covering the fexo press and how most notably the use of real-time data on Amazon. automation can tackle industry issues, such and the move towards the smart factory as the manual skills shortage, increased of the future. This has huge potential for Go to www.labelsandlabeling.com/SKUs and sustainability. our fast-moving industry, so it’s essential label-academy for more information Chris Spooner, business development that converters in particular learn how to Apr - Jun 2022