Domino, a global provider of advanced variable data printing solutions and digital printing technology, has launched the latest version of Sunrise, the digital front-end and workflow solution for Domino digital label presses, at Labelexpo Europe.

Domino Sunrise Digital Front End (DFE) combines comprehensive prepress and production tools into a powerful, easy-to-use workflow solution. Domino designed the software for Domino N-Series digital label presses. Using the power of AI and the Harlequin RIP, Sunrise enables converters to process jobs faster and more accurately.

“Maximizing press uptime and productivity is a key priority for converters in today’s competitive marketplace,” says Michael Matthews, product manager – Digital Printing Color, Domino. “Domino is leading the way in using AI and machine learning to create intelligent RIP technology, delivering a highly efficient, scalable front-end solution.”

The latest update to Sunrise combines a set of advanced, AI-enabled tools in an easy-to-use interface. In addition, modules include Label Studio, which streamlines job setup by automating repetitive prepress tasks; powerful variable data processing with inline RIP capabilities; and Domino Viewer, enabling the monitoring of press performance and the capture of running data to inform decision-making.

Accelerating prepress tasks with Label Studio

Label Studio also makes the preparation of press-ready PDFs easy. It does so by eliminating the need for graphics editing software and helping ensure consistent and accurate results.

“Finding skilled labor can be a challenge for converters, and mistakes can happen,” acknowledges Matthews. “Label Studio enables any operator to automate and speed up prepress label processing. A real-time preview reflects any adjustments made, maximizing press uptime, reducing waste and enabling fine-tuning before ripping for optimum print results.”

Real-time, inline processing of variable data

Requests from brands seeking to incorporate variable data, including 2D codes, into their label designs are on the rise. Therefore, Sunrise is well-positioned to meet this demand. The software handles jobs with complex personalization with ease. Plus, it raises the bar with real-time inline ripping onboard the N730i digital label press.

“Inline RIP of variable data is a game-changer for converters,” says Matthews. “Traditionally, jobs containing variable data had to be pre-processed while the press sat idle, as RIP speeds were too slow to keep pace with printing speeds. Sunrise breaks down this barrier, processing variable data ‘as-you-print’.”

Harnessing AI and machine learning, Sunrise’s powerful inline label processing capabilities can instantly deconstruct PDF print jobs, fine-tune printing RIP settings, and accurately predict the achievable printing speed. This empowers press operators to make data-driven decisions, optimize scheduling, and significantly reduce the risk of downtime.

Staying on track with Domino Viewer

Domino Viewer monitors the status of one or multiple Domino presses in real-time. It displays errors, job information, and cost estimates for the current job queue, too. A converter can access the data across their local network or remotely via a VPN connection. It is also possible to seamlessly integrate Sunrise with a converter’s MIS and ERP systems.

“Having all this data at your fingertips makes it easy for production managers to identify potential cost savings and process improvements to increase overall equipment efficiency,” explains Matthews. “The tool also allows converters to leverage historical job information for in-depth, retrospective analysis and machine learning.”

Sunrise is the new standard DFE for Domino label presses, the company says. It will also be available for existing users as a free-of-charge upgrade, taking operational efficiency to a new level.

“We are dedicated to being a strong partner for converters, listening to understand their business needs, and continually improving our offering to help them meet their objectives,” Russell Weller,head of Digital Products, Domino, concludes. “We want to empower them to ‘Do more’: enabling them to be more productive and more efficient, produce more labels, and save more costs using Domino digital technology.”