Family-owned Kemna Druck Kamen, a printing company based in Kamen, Germany, has successfully implemented BOBST Connect. The new installation will help the German label converter meet today’s label production challenges.

BOBST Connect is cloud-based digital platform that enhances and improves packaging production. It brings data and digital services together in one fully connected platform, with BOBST machine insights and expertise built-in, enabling overview and orchestration of the production process.

Now in its third generation of leadership under the Heckmann family, the company has diversified and evolved from a garage-based operation founded in 1971 to a technologically advanced printing business. Additionally, with its Bobst DIGITAL MASTER machine, Kemna Druck Kamen needed to understand how to optimize and maximize productivity.

“One of our key differentiators is short delivery time, sometimes even same-day delivery,” says Martin Heckmann, co-CEO, Kemna Druck Kamen. “This puts significant pressure on our production team to optimize processes and continuously improve our workflow.”

Real-world benefits

BOBST Connect has delivered tangible benefits to Kemna Druck Kamen’s daily operations. “The platform shows us how effectively we are using the machine,” Martin Heckmann explains. “The equipment monitoring feature gives us a quick glance at machine status, production metrics, and utilization. This is particularly useful for intervening if we see a long downtime.”

Meanwhile, the performance management feature has proven especially valuable for short runs. Analytics can use previous machine data to optimize setup time for reprint jobs. Plus, the converter states that production has tripled since installing the DIGITAL MASTER 340 label press.

Integration into existing workflows was seamless. “You don’t really need training to use BOBST Connect,” notes Martin Heckmann. “The dashboard and platform are easy to understand and use. The DIGITAL MASTER 340 machine sends the required data automatically, so there’s no additional effort required from our side.”

Looking ahead

BOBST continues to develop the platform based on converter needs, working to enable seamless integration and communication between BOBST machines and other equipment on the production floor. For label converters like Kemna Druck Kamen, BOBST Connect represents a significant advancement toward the connected, data-driven future of packaging production.

By transforming machine data into actionable insights without burdening operators, BOBST is helping converters maintain their competitive edge. This occurs through enhanced efficiency, reduced waste, and optimized production.