53 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 360 - May | June 2026 PREPRESS SOFTWARE | DAVID OSGAR artwork can be more specific to certain areas, broadly speaking, the same problems can still exist whether dealing with a poster, label, or piece of packaging. Problems regarding bleeds, fonts, and file types are faced by printers and graphics specialists of varying types. This is seen particularly by Hybrid Software Group, which provides prepress and workflow solutions to the label, packaging, and commercial print industries. “Our portfolio includes native PDF editing, automated workflows, colour management, and cloud-based collaboration tools such as PACKZ, CLOUDFLOW, and iC3D,” says Steven Steenhaut, chief marketing officer at Hybrid Software. Steenhaut adds: “We focus on open standards and scalability to ensure seamless integration into existing production environments. Our goal is to streamline the entire production process from file creation to final output.” Hybrid Software also acknowledges the shift towards shorter runs and increased SKU complexity along with faster turnaround times. Steenhaut says: “This puts pressure on file handling, version control, and colour consistency. Our software addresses these challenges through automation and centralised workflows that reduce manual intervention. As a result, printers can operate more efficiently while maintaining high quality.” When it comes to the evolution of prepress software, Steenhaut believes that options are now evolving from standalone tools into connected, cloud-based ecosystems with integration across the full workflow, as also touched on by Duckworth. This aspect is also echoed by EyeC, a provider of automated quality control and print inspection systems for the print and packaging industries. Antonia Weinrich, PR and marketing manager at EyeC, comments: “Prepress software is evolving from local tools to cloud-based, scalable platforms that facilitate team collaboration and MIS integration for faster job prep. “At the same time, automation is streamlining repetitive tasks and cutting lead times. Additionally, data-driven tools help optimise repeats and material use across production runs.” When it comes to how EyeC is tackling the issues presented by complex designs, variable data, stricter regulatory requirements, and personalised packaging, Weinrich refers to the company’s Proofiler Graphic Connect solution. The software “systematically” detects artwork errors like deviations, graphic shifts, or code issues, before printing, which in turn prevents costly reprints. “This pre-emptive approach supports consistent output in high-stakes areas like food and brand packaging,” adds Weinrich. Weinrich also points out how printers can often overlook the extra advantages of prepress software beyond just error prevention, pointing out that it can help with providing data analytics for process optimisation such as recurring defects. Weinrich says that Proofiler Graphic Connect speeds up approvals with automated reports and supports compliance audits in regulated sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. “Beyond error prevention, it fosters process repeatability, indirectly supporting sustainable practices by minimising waste from avoidable reruns.” Speaking about the role of AI in EyeC software, Weinrich comments: “AI is currently at the heart of our ProofRunner product line, enabling real-time defect classification for in-line inspection, with potential future integration into Proofiler Graphic Connect on the horizon. For now, our prepress software relies on proven rule-based automation for reliable file checks, ensuring scalability, transparency in regulated environments, and predictable handoffs from design to press.” Hybrid Software also highlights AI as being core to its offering by providing quicker and more automated solutions which it says detect issues earlier and “optimise workflows dynamically”. Steenhaut says this enables more flexible, scalable, and collaborative production environments. For Steenhaut, prepress software can go beyond production and act as a “central hub” for collaboration and process control. “Features like remote proofing, version tracking, and real-time job visibility improve communication and reduce delays. Many printers also underestimate the value of workflow data and analytics. These insights can drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency. “The future of prepress lies in connectivity, openness, and scalability. Printers need solutions that can evolve with their business and integrate easily with other systems. At Hybrid Software, we focus on enabling smarter, faster, and more collaborative workflows. Those who embrace this transformation will be best positioned for long-term success,” says Steenhaut. The AI in the Room An area of prepress touched on by EyeC and Hybrid Software is personalisation, which has surged in recent years thanks to the rise of ecommerce but also the advancements of technology and the role social media can play in showing off personalised products. Enfocus, a Belgian software company that specialises in PDF quality control and workflow automation, has highlighted mass ▲ EyeC’s Proofiler Graphic Connect software systematically detects artwork errors like text deviations, graphic shifts, or code issues Beyond error prevention, it fosters process repeatability, indirectly supporting sustainable practices by minimising waste from avoidable reruns
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==