63 March / April 2025 - Issue 353 www.printmonthly.co.uk make it difficult to connect with your existing tools. “These closed systems often lead to vendor lock-in and can hold you back from embracing new innovations,” Duckworth explains, continuing: “Also, be cautious of ‘jack of all trade’ solutions. It’s far better to go for specialist apps that excel in key areas and play nicely with other tools. “It’s a red flag If you’re being charged exorbitant fees for support or if you’re being tied into a lengthy contract.” When it comes to Artworker, Duckworth says users can automatically find and fix common artwork issues in seconds. This can be anything from adding bleed and resizing to converting colours and avoiding overprint problems. “You can literally get up and running in minutes, rather than weeks,” he says, adding: “There is no need to reinvent the wheel or spend thousands of pounds to build standard workflows; Artworker does all the heavy lifting. This is available with our cloud-based file editor and can also be integrated into your e-commerce store or third-party software with our workflow API.” New Solutions One thing about software is that the technology never stands still, with new products and updates being released all the time. In January, Solimar Systems, a specialist in workflow automation solutions, rolled out SOLitrack v2.6, pledging “significant enhancements” to its enterprise workflow tracking platform. The latest version, Solimar says, introduces expanded database support, enhanced job management capabilities, and new API functionalities designed to streamline production workflows. Stand-out enhancements include support for Microsoft SQL Server 2022, which ensures compatibility with the latest database technologies, as well as new Piece Level Tracking (PLT) capabilities to allow for the creation of subset jobs and enhanced mail piece tracking. Also new are advanced job management features such as customisable mail piece reprint options, expanded API functionality for mail scan data and job management, and enhanced JDF device support with new options for Canon, HP Elite, and EQUIOS devices “SOLitrack 2.6 represents our commitment to delivering robust, enterprise-level workflow solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” says Mary Ann Rowan, chief experience officer at Solimar, who adds: “The new features and capabilities enable organisations to achieve greater control and visibility over their production processes.” Ready to Integrate Another player in the workflow space is ZenSmart, a cloud and locally installed workflow automation platform provided through Transeo Media. The system provides a total automation solution for print on demand companies involved in areas like photo printing, merchandise, and display products. Neil Bather, managing director of Transeo Media, says: “What makes ZenSmart different is that it has been built as a no code/low platform enabling you to design your own custom workflows without needing development support. It comes out of the box ready to integrate with a wide variety of e-com platforms such as Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, as well as MIS platforms like PrintIQ, powerful editor platforms such as Taopix, and Web2Print platforms from DecoNetwork to Printify and Gooten.” Speaking of the benefits of ZenSmart Launched in 2024 by Four Pees, Atomyx offers three products on one platform: Atomyx Manage, Atomyx Prepare and Atomyx Layout Factoid WORKFLOW SOFTWARE ▼ According to Artworker, its solutions allow users to automatically find and fix common artwork issues in seconds
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