CERM has announced a new integration with Athena Graphics, marking a major step forward in automating the flexo plate ordering process for label printers.

By combining CERM’s advanced MIS capabilities with Athena Graphics’ expertise in prepress and flexo plate production, this partnership aims to streamline workflows, reduce manual steps, and ensure precision at every stage.

The integration automates the transfer of verified job data – including approved artwork PDFs and order information – from CERM MIS to Athena Graphics.

Job files are compressed and securely transferred via FTP, while real-time status updates using JMF messages, such as “Athena Received” and “Athena Ready,” are reflected instantly in CERM MIS.

To bridge the gap between physical and digital processes, each flexo plate from Athena Graphics can be marked with a QR code containing the CERM product ID. Upon delivery, converters can scan the code to confirm receipt, aligning physical plates with digital records and improving accuracy.

“Athena Graphics has long been a leader in prepress and flexo plate production. This integration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, delivering smarter and more efficient workflows to our customers,” CERM marketing manager Sebastiaan Hermans said.

“It fully underscores CERM’s mission to automate production processes and optimise operations for label converters. By reducing errors, streamlining workflows, and enhancing visibility, the CERM-Athena Graphics integration helps label printers achieve new levels of efficiency and reliability.”

Athena Graphics CEO Ignace Cosaert stressed the “importance to offer our customers the most advanced and efficient solutions, and this collaboration with CERM helps us do that and is a perfect example”.