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Esko launches i-cut Production Console operating
platform for Kongsberg digital finishing systems
Newly developed user interface makes operating highly intuitive,
easy, fast and flexible
Ghent (Belgium), October 21, 2014 – The increasingly growing demand for ever more sophisticated
production tools has inspired Esko to develop the i-cut Production Console. This newly developed
front-end operating system will be the common platform for all Kongsberg digital finishing systems. It
combines the feature set of the XL-Guide tailored for packaging applications and i-cut Vision Pro, the
industry standard front-end for cutting and short run productions. Designed for all operations on all
Kongsberg tables, the i-cut Production Console forms a solid foundation for any future developments.
The i-cut Production Console (iPC) drives all functionality found on Kongsberg tables, such as
camera control, machine set up, tool recognition, calibration and tool adjustments. “These tried and
tested features are industry favorites, and are now incorporated into a much more intuitive operating
system for users,” explains Tom Naess, Esko Product Manager CAM. “We want to help customers
simplify their approach so they can maximize their capabilities. Ease of use is about making complex
tasks easy. A good portion of accomplishing this is hidden in great software design created
completely from scratch, consulting with user interface specialists to build an efficient system. The
iPC instinctively supports the machine operator and displays colors with a meaning, which draws
focus to the right area at the right time. It will change the way operators finish a job, and allow them
to get even more out of their machine: they will get up to speed faster while improving the output
quality. It all leads to less downtime and more efficiency  with less training or service intervention.”
Assuring the most stable operating system
The i-cut Production Console is ingeniously designed to guide and support the operator, and
incorporates a number of logical, user-friendly features: from its icon-based graphical interface with
color coded alerts and updates, to the ability to follow production progress from a distance. “This
enables one operator to do other tasks while overseeing the production on a Kongsberg table,”
explains Naess. “With clear display functionality and easy to understand icons, every step of
operation can be readily identified for a smooth process.”
The legacy of i-cut Vision Pro software along with the Esko XL-Guide that operated previous
generations of Kongsberg tables has created a firm base for the iPC to deliver on Esko’s Highest
Flexibility promise – one common user interface for all tables and all applications, allowing users to
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easily understand how to expand the capabilities of their machine into different business areas. “It's a
platform designed to help operators get jobs done faster and easier, with more options,” explains
Naess. “For example, they can pause a run, complete an urgent job or quick prototype, and return to
the first batch of work. The result is maximized capacity and uptime with increased efficiency.”
Extended versatility
"As Kongsberg users work with a greater variety of production tools, they want to be prepared for any
job and be more efficient, whether they are working on packaging or wide format displays,” concludes
Naess. “The development of the i-cut Production Console is also based on extensive input and testing
from our users who contributed to the system’s specifications. Their experience was very valuable to
identify particular user features that bring ease of use to a next level. The iPC will add even more to
the already high popularity of our tables and help customers become more productive than they
already are.”
The i-cut Production Console is available now, worldwide through all Esko sales and distribution
channels for Kongsberg XN and V Series tables. Beginning in 2015, it will become available for most
Kongsberg models, including upgrades for existing customers.
About Esko (www.esko.com)
Esko is a global supplier of integrated solutions for the packaging and labels, sign and display,
commercial printing and publishing industries. Esko products and services drive profitability in the
packaging and printing supply chain by reducing time-to-market and raising productivity.
Portfolio
The Esko product portfolio supports and manages the packaging and print processes at brand
owners, retailers, designers, packaging manufacturers and print service providers. For 9 out of 10
retail packages, Esko solutions are used in packaging management, artwork creation, structural
design, prepress, 3D visualization, plate making, workflow automation, quality assurance, samplemaking, palletization, supply chain collaboration and the production of signage and displays.
The Esko solutions consist of an extensive suite of software and two hardware product lines: CDI flexo
computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital cutting systems, complemented with professional
services, training and consultancy.
Enfocus, with its suite of automation solutions and PDF quality control tools for printers, publishers,
and graphic designers, is part of Esko.
Facts & numbers
Esko employs around 1300 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe,
Middle East and Africa, the Americas and the Asia Pacific, Japan and China regions and is
complemented by a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Esko is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European
countries, the United States, China and India. Esko is a Danaher company (www.danaher.com).
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Follow Esko on
. For more information, visit www.esko.com or contact:
P.R. agencies
Corporate and EMEA
Nancy Vermeulen
duomedia
Tel: +32 2 560 21 50
[email protected]
Esko
Corporate
Jef Stoffels
Director of Corporate Marketing
Tel: +32 9 216 90 32
[email protected]
Southern Asia
Stephanie Peh
Marcom Executive
Tel: +65 62400 390
[email protected]
Americas
Irvin Press
Press+
Tel: +1 508 384 0608
[email protected]
EMEA
Bruno Vermeulen
EMEA Marketing Manager
Tel: +32 9 216 93 09
[email protected]
Greater China
Ivanna Tang
Marketing Manager
Tel: +86-21-60576565
[email protected]
North America
Keri Blackburn
Director, Marketing
Tel: +1 937 535 6120
[email protected]
Korea
DoSang Lee
General Manager Korea
Tel: +82 2 5647416
[email protected]
Latin America
Marcos Cardinale
Marketing Manager
Tel: +55 11 5078 1328
[email protected]
All press releases, as well as corresponding product pictures, are available at the press section
at www.esko.com.
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