Automated folding in the JDF workflow

　　Three out of every four MBO folding machines sold in Western Europe are already fully automated. But so far, only a small number of users are fully exploiting the potential this offers. The MBO Datamanager software solution allows these machines to be easily linked to MIS systems. Folding data can therefore be sent directly from the costing or from the sales department to the folding machines, which then automatically adjust all settings for the particular order. This results in a further dramatic reduction in setup times at the folding machine and virtually eliminates errors caused by manually entered data. By integrating their folding machines into the digital workflow by JDF, some MBO users (in conjunction with full automation) have succeeded in boosting productivity by up to 100 percent. The key advantage is that the MBO Datamanager allows for the seamless integration of MBO folding machines into almost any digital workflow. To date, MBO has implemented connections to 16 different partner systems (refer to the overview at www.cip4.org/matrix/intro.php), and the number is growing every year. Therefore, users benefit from high flexibility – also for future investments.