Implementing the CERM MIS release for folding carton, a new chapter for DUCAJU
To set the record straight, DUCAJU has been a dedicated CERM user since the new millennium. When Tom Du Caju took over the family business, he turned DUCAJU into a modern-day printshop based on business automation and extensive quality control. The implementation of CERM, an industry-specific MIS - as a replacement of the previously installed ERP software - has helped DUCAJU even more in meeting the special demands of industrial print and packaging. Today, DUCAJU has evolved into a prosperous multi-site packaging group that specialises in tailor-made packaging and presentation solutions.
“The complete production flow and value chain within DUCAJU was successfully managed with CERM MIS. It allowed us to structure, optimise and grow into a solid group. When BDMO joined DUCAJU, switching to the new release of CERM MIS that fully supports Folding Carton was the only logical step forward. “
Tom Du Caju – CEO DUCAJU
A typical DUCAJU printing order is characterised by very specific demands, smaller quantities per order with a high standard finishing says Kenny De Mulder, ICT manager at DUCAJU. Pre-production needs to be efficient and as time-saving as possible. That is why a correct description of the complete production-flow is of crucial importance. Complex finishing’s, different handling procedures and multiple production lines must be perfectly coordinated to achieve a high-quality result.
CERM MIS has helped us a long way in the past and allowed us to make tremendous progress, but with the implementation of the new functionalities for Folding Carton we managed to improve our workflow even further. Creating packaging solutions of the highest standards asks for a very specific approach. Whereas we used to necessarily invent some creative workarounds, all of them have been eliminated thanks to the CERM folding carton software.
Geert Van Damme, Managing Director at CERM explains why: Ever since the very beginning of CERM, we have developed our MIS to be industry-specific and product-oriented. Because unlike commercial print, the majority of sales orders in the packaging industry are recurrent in nature. And because the products and the production of labels and packaging are different, it’s only logical that this leads to two specialized technical solutions within the same software.
The new MIS features for Folding Carton and rigid boxes contain detailed instructions to streamline every step of a packaging production. It contains, for example, additional software modules for a complete support of the 2 packaging keystones: the shape design and the nested imposition, both seamlessly integrated to Esko’s ArtiosCAD.
“As an important strategic partner of CERM, with 100+ successful integrations in the label industry, we are pleased to see CERM deploy their MIS expertise in the paperboard packaging segment. We are excited about the integrations with Esko ArtiosCAD and Automation Engine to enable efficient and sustainable business growth for our mutual customers.”
Paul Land | ESKO Product Manager | Automation & Collaboration
One of the main reasons we chose CERM, now more than ever with the new MIS for Folding Carton, are their key standard integrations with other industry suppliers, states Kenny De Mulder. We use Hybrid software for proofing, Esko ArtiosCAD for all shape designs and Esko Automation Engine for a smooth and efficient pre-press workflow.
Another big part of CERM’s added value lies within data-storage, shopfloor data collection and traceability. When producing complex multipart products, you need your operators to have all information available at any time during the production process and to eliminate errors or quality issues you want to automate as much as you can. In fact, we are building a new printing factory with an ultimate focus on extensive automation. By doing so, we acknowledge the need for the right data and pre-defined criteria in order to make this work successfully. We find CERM MIS to be very product-oriented which helps a lot during the subsequent work steps. From estimation to the creation of the sales order and order description, De Mulder continues.
And we’re not just talking about a single isolated production site, Tom Du Caju adds. DUCAJU is a multi-site organisation where different manufacturing stages within the same job can be produced on different locations. We need our MIS to enable us to keep a tight control over the complete value chain, from estimating to warehousing, shipping and ultimately invoicing. We have currently over 18.000 pallet spaces, imagine having to manually search for semi-finished products each time a new production line is scheduled. Which is a very common situation in folding carton and packaging. Luckily, we have a lot of experience with CERM MIS and have adopted a solid practice to take full advantage of the possibilities such a system can bring.
