A conversation with Germen Kroon of GrafiStore. In a world dominated by digital print and automation, technological innovation remains crucial. GrafiStore leads in facilitating that evolution with solutions that save time and increase efficiency.
Recently Enfocus (and Esko) acquired developer Tilia Labs — a move that is changing the print management software landscape. “The acquisition by Esko gave Tilia Labs a strong market position, making their innovative solutions more broadly accessible,” says Germen.
Enfocus Griffin Desktop
Griffin Desktop automates and simplifies the prepress workflow for operators and DTP staff. “The Griffin 24.03 update introduced new features and integration with other Enfocus software, giving users more control and efficiency.” Griffin Desktop is available by subscription from around €1,300 per year — an investment that quickly pays for itself.
Griffin and PitStop Pro: a powerful combination
One of the most important updates is the improved integration with PitStop Pro, Enfocus' PDF-editing and preflight software. “This lets you adjust PDFs without leaving Griffin.” Together they automatically detect and correct print issues: colour errors, fonts to outlines, adding white ink, simplifying anchor points, correcting spot colours and more.
Enfocus Griffin Auto
Griffin Auto, the API version, runs on macOS, Windows and Linux and is often deployed via Enfocus Switch (from around €2,900 per year). “If PitStop Server detects a problem, the file is repaired without human intervention and then automatically nested on a sheet. That saves enormous amounts of time and reduces errors.”
Enfocus Phoenix (Phoenix2Switch)
Phoenix — now Phoenix2Switch — is the 'big brother' of Griffin Auto, with extensive options for manual and automated imposition and nesting. “In 2021 Phoenix came out as the most efficient in our research, with the least waste.” At a large company Phoenix reduced a full-time task to a quarter of an hour per day. A subscription starts at around €7,500 per year.
Phoenix pioneered AI-based nesting and imposition before AI was a hype, and also works as planning software: the more data about setup and run times, the smarter it plans. Sheets, plates and rolls are filled optimally, minimising material use and waste — especially valuable for packaging and labels.
Flexibility and integration
Phoenix2Switch integrates seamlessly with Enfocus Switch for a fully automated production line. “Because Phoenix has an API, it can be driven from almost any custom solution. Those who can't work with an API use the standard Switch apps that wrap around that API like a well-filled wrap.” GrafiStore even implemented Phoenix in a screen-printing shop.
Enfocus Switch: the nerve centre
Switch plays the key role in automation, integrated with Griffin Auto or Phoenix. “Switch is the nerve centre where all automation comes together; it works seamlessly with the APIs of Griffin Auto and Phoenix.” A base subscription starts at around €2,800 per year.
Conclusion
“Whether you work in packaging, labels, family print, digital print or traditional offset — Enfocus software saves significant time.” The combination of Griffin Desktop, Griffin Auto, Phoenix and Switch offers an unmatched level of automation. “They free staff to focus on what truly matters: creativity and innovation. And if you ask me what is truly sustainable, reducing waste comes first.”
Please note: the prices mentioned in this article are from 2024 and may no longer apply. Ask us about current prices.
