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Spot On is an open and frank discussion about different topics—hot topics exchanged and discussed between Joanne Gore from Canada and Morten B. Reitoft from Denmark. The question is, can they agree? Yes, no, or maybe. Watch the first episode here, and stay tuned for future exchanges! This time about sustainability!

Andrew Bailes Collins of Ultimate Tech discusses the software developer's partnership with Canon to provide the digital front-end for the press manufacturer's new LabelStream LS2000 water-based inkjet press, unveiled at Labelexpo Americas 2024.

A laminator debut and two laminator workhorses on display with Graphic Whizard - and, as usual, a Chris Harrington that presents the machines, so we easily understand the differences. It was first later the same day that I realized that Harrington started many years ago as a technician and, therefore, has the same passion for diving deep into his and competitors' products. As usual, filming with Chris Harrington, and the Micro (new) and the two other laminators seem to be a good fit for many, so check them out - here on INKISH.

Ultimate Tech was the first company in the industry to use computers for imposition, and the signature software, Impostrip, is used globally by thousands of companies. In the past years, Ultimate Tech has developed products for binderies and large-format, and here at PRINTING United, the company shows its BestCut solution, helping operators optimize the guillotine work. As always super interesting listening to CEO Julie Watson.

Chris Harrington shows a couple of new products delivered by Canadian-based Graphic Whizard. Dig in :-)

Morten Reitoft and Julie Watson discuss Ultimate Tech's preparations and excitement for Drupa 2024. Watson highlights the company's recent activities, partnerships, and technology introductions. She explains that while Printing United was significant for introducing new technologies like the AI-driven cutting buddy and new nesting technologies, Drupa remains crucial for showcasing its latest innovations to a global audience. Watson mentions the upcoming releases, including the 2024.1 version of Impostrip with enhanced job organization features and compatibility with PDF X4 from the Ghent Workgroup. She also discusses their container version of Impostrip on AWS, demonstrating their commitment to cloud-based solutions. Ultimate Tech will showcase its full-featured solutions across multiple platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows). Reitoft asks about Ultimate Tech's integration capabilities, particularly with their Ultimate Bindery software, which automates finishing processes and supports over 85 devices. Watson explains that their drivers validate jobs and automate device setups, allowing seamless integration and reduced manual intervention. They discuss Impostrip/Bindery's scalability, highlighting its ability to handle high volumes of short-run digital print jobs efficiently. Watson emphasizes the importance of starting with automation and gradually integrating more processes and devices to enhance productivity. Watson also discusses integrating their solutions with other systems, such as MIS and Web2Print platforms, using APIs for open connectivity. She mentions their collaboration with Omikai to showcase an end-to-end workflow solution at Drupa. Reitoft and Watson conclude by discussing the logistical ease of being a software company at Drupa compared to hardware manufacturers and the historical significance of Ultimate Tech's participation since 1990. Watson shares a personal anecdote about her family’s long-standing involvement in the industry.

Ultimate TechnoGraphics is one of the absolute forerunners in the workflow/automation part of the graphic arts industry - not only because of the workflow/automation software but also because of their openness. In the months before PRINTING United, the company announced several partnerships and some major product announcements, like a brand new nesting engine, but too many, maybe even more important, an option to scale processing power dynamically as needed. This interview with Andrew Bailes-Collins - Head of Product Management - gives us great insights, so get on board - NOW!

We passed their booths at previous North American print shows and always wanted to meet them, and suddenly, an invite to a party on Wednesday evening gave us an opportunity. Chris Harrington is the VP of sales, and as you may already know, Graphic Whizard does things differently than most. Two times a year, they do road trips showing customers, offering training, and well - as Editor Morten B. Reitoft says - if Mohammed doesn't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed. Nice concept, and well - listen to what Chris Harrington has to say!

Dan Deveau owns Camad in Toronto, and INKISH filmed at his company a little more than a year ago. Meeting Dan Deveau again was super. Before we started, he said, 'It's impossible to tell my company's story short' - but we made an attempt, and one of the conclusions is that shifting from screen printing to digital saved the company - but listen for yourself. PRINTING United is about technology, business, and networking. Often, gatherings are organized at the booth when the show nears the closing hours, and people are invited to join for a party. That is exactly what happened at AGFA's booth on the second day of PRINTING United. We suggested Deborah Hutcheson from AGFA invite some of the AGFA customers we filmed for the past years for a 'reunion,' and five super nice people agreed to join us.

It has been a busy year for Canadian Ultimate TechnoGraphics. New major upgrades to its Impostrip software, an entirely new nesting engine, new partner announcements, and Scalable software technology - as you can understand, good reason to talk to Raymond Duval. We will also meet Ray and his colleagues at PRINTING United to dig more into details, but this is, as always, great talking to him. Enjoy!

An article published on INKISH.NEWS about an extended collaboration between Horizon International and Ultimate TechnoGraphics got our attention, and we reached out to both parties to hear more. Here is the first (of two) where CEO Julie Watson, Ultimate TechnoGraphics, explains that Horizon and Ultimate TechnoGraphics have worked together for a long time - and without saying anything specific, the new collaboration could mean tighter integration and new products released. We are excited, and though not specific - enjoy this interview with Julie Watson!

Ultimate TechnoGraphics and Raymond Duval are Canadians by heart, and exhibiting in your backyard is special. Duval talks about the potential and how Impostrip supports many businesses in the global printing industry. We ALSO talk about what to say to those who have identified that they may have been too late for the game - interesting conversation with Duval, as usual!

Brad Ranson is responsible for sales with KOMCAN - the distributor of Komori and MBO products in Canada, and according to Branson, business is good. At KOMCAN's booth, you see the MBO CoboStacks, cobots supporting printing companies with huge success. The interest is vast, and already two machines are at work in Canada :-)

This is a VERY important chat between Executive Vice President Scott Baker from Crawford Technologies and Editor Morten B. Reitoft. All the personal and sometimes financial data handled by thousands of printing companies need to be managed, not only to the law but also to ensure privacy, security, and the trust customers put in our hands when we print data. Crawford Technologies specializes in software that enables the secure encrypted transfer of data and the ability to track data so the exact location of that piece of data is known to those who are supposed to know. This is important! Enjoy!

Andrew Bailes-Collins is the Head of Product Management with Ultimate TechnoGraphics. In this chat with Editor Morten B. Reitoft, they discuss what to expect from Ultimate TechnoGraphics at the upcoming Hunkeler Innovationdays. Ultimate TechnoGraphics seems to be very successful these days, and with a strong focus on speed, the company delivers solutions that fit the digital transformation we see everywhere. Enjoy this chat, learn, and even better, see you at Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucern. The event takes place from February 27th to March 2nd.

We've been with SO many printing companies over the years, and though amiable people meet 99% of the time - this one will be something special. Not just because of the superior technology and the products they produce. Not only because you see a company is investing in technology like the gigantic Massivit 3D printer. Not only because the company also invests in the creative side of events (we get to see how they work while here) but also because of the warm people working with CamAd in Toronto. Dan Deveau is highly genuine, open-minded, and friendly, but he touched me when I met his father. Bob Deveau has undoubtedly been a focused businessman. However, handing over the printing company to his son, and still at a high age, almost daily coming to the office to be around and participate in the business decisions, is lovely. Still, it also shows why CamAd is a company where everybody knows each other and does not just SAY family values but live family values. All the above said, Dan Deveau and his team operate a company where they still (but less) work screen printing (analog) but have taken strategic measures to become a digital company with strong craftsmanship - Dan Deveau is not a believer in automation, and you can see that the manual approach does its advantages - for example in how media is handled, but enough written. Watch the film, listen and learn - absolutely one of the better in my mind!

Warren Werbitt IS print. With a background as a co-owner of a Canadian printing company, he knows what he talks about, and many know him from What They Think's 'Printer to Printer' and as consultant and speaker under his own brand as 'The Print Whisperer.' Warren Werbitt is also involved with APTECH and, more recently, Taktiful, which has a mission to educate printers about embellishment. Editor Morten B. Reitoft met with Warren Werbitt at Scodix's booth at PRINTING United and had a talk about why embellishment is important. We hope you will enjoy!