Drupa is no longer simply a trade show for displaying groundbreaking technological innovations. It’s more about rethinking business processes that have worked well for decades. Tried and tested processes reach their limits because new technologies are faster, more intelligent, more customer-focussed, and less susceptible to error.

Most of us are aware of the fact that we won’t be able to ignore digitalisation forever. There’s a reason why the latest buzzwords in the industry are transformation, agile business processes, digitalisation, automation and IoT/internet of things. But what does this mean in concrete terms for individual printing companies? How and where to start?

On this note, MBO will be exhibiting field-proven solutions at Drupa 2021 as part of the Postpress Alliance, and together with its partners Baumann Maschinenbau Solms, Bograma, Herzog+Heymann, Hohner, Perfecta and Wohlenberg. At the heart of the joint trade fair presentation in Hall 16, Stand B23/1-6 will be the “networked book binder”. Each of the partners will integrate their finishing machines into the higherlevel MIS (Management Information System), Printplus. Printplus brings together all the information, such as machine utilisation or the status of individual jobs.

The MBO Datamanager acts as a “translator” between the MIS and the finishing machines. This software package for data analysis and job planning was successfully launched onto the market several years ago. Of particular note are the Datamanager’s open interfaces. This means it doesn’t matter which MIS and which machines from which manufacturer are integrated into the workflow. At Drupa, MBO will be integrating a folding machine into the MIS KP-Connect on the Komori stand (in addition to the Printplus on
the joint stand).

Alongside networking, MBO will focus on robotics and automation at Drupa 2021. The printing industry is hard work, not only for management, but especially for operators and support staff. To make the work more attractive, and help counteract the shortage of skilled workers, physically strenuous activities must be replaced with new technologies. The industry is still in its infancy here, and MBO is in the process of changing this.

MBO is encouraged by the successes already achieved with the collaborative CoBo-Stack stacking robot. The robot was launched onto the marketplace a year ago, and has exceeded all expectations. It is undergoing continuous further development, and new functions and options are constantly being added. The CoBo-Stack has enjoyed a very high level of acceptance in the marketplace right from the off. Three CoBo stacks will be on display at Drupa.

MBO will also be presenting four folding machines, two buckle fold machines and two combi folding machines on the joint stand with the Postpress Alliance. The T50 is MBO’s all-purpose solution for the half format. It offers proven MBO standards and a multitude of optional high-end features. The T800.1 is suitable for the B1/70 x 100 cm format. A wide range of fold types and individual automation options ensure a smooth production workflow. The K8RS is still the fastest folding machine in its class worldwide. At Drupa, it will be equipped with an A10 log stacker with crane. The K90 is a new development designed primarily for the Chinese market, which requires special paper formats. A technological innovation is the Vacujet feeder head, featuring an improved pump and higher productivity.

A visit to MBO will certainly be worth it. We look forward to seeing you there!