Supplier’s Marketplace

Hybrid Software Brandz unveils Artflow 25.09

Hybrid Software Brandz released Artflow 25.09, the latest version of its artwork and packaging management solution. The new release aims to improve efficiency, accuracy and automation for brand owners and their supply chains, the company says. Artflow 25.09 assists brand teams in hitting their deadlines with less stress, it adds. The real-time Gantt chart tracking gives users a clear view of progress and more accurate delivery forecasts, the company notes, the retro planning aspect makes it simple to schedule backward from launch dates to ensure approvals stay on track. Moreover, flexible revision times let each review stage get the attention it needs, while automate alerts warn users early if deadlines are at risk, it says, “Artflow 25.09 is our most advanced release yet, giving brand owners complete control over artwork timing, compliance and automation,” said Ben Dekeyser, product manager at Hybrid Brandz, in a statement. “These innovations help companies deliver packaging faster, more accurately and with greater confidence.” Artflow 25.09 delivers major enhancements in copy management, adding artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted rules to streamline compliance validation, a tighter proofreading workflow with fuzzy search to locate copy directly on artwork and customizable language displays that let users select which language(s) are shown during proofreading, according to the company. Compliance checks are faster and more reliable thanks to grouping, filtering and sorting options that further simplify the handling of complex copy sheets, it says. This latest release expands Artflow’s integration capabilities through a new Public API, built on Azure API Management.

Stora Enso launches luxury paperboard packaging

Growing its portfolio of premium packaging materials, Stora Enso recently launched Ensovelvet, a new, uncoated, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board with velvet-like smoothness on both sides. Ensovelvet was developed for luxury applications, such as fine alcohol brands and other premium consumer goods, the company says. It was designed to meet demand for both natural and renewable solutions in the luxury packaging segment, it notes. Ensovelvet offers a combination of natural uncoated surface, excellent stiffness and reliable folding performance. The bright, premium SBS board provides an enhanced sensory experience while ensuring excellent printability, Stora Enso says. It is well-suited for high-end applications where touch and appearance are equally important, it adds. “Luxury packaging is about more than protection,” said Tomas Larsson, head of product line FBB, SBS, line and book paper at Stora Enso, in a statement. “It’s about creating an impression. Ensovelvet gives brand owners a material with a distinctive, natural surface that helps their products stand out in a crowded marketplace. By adding it alongside Ensocoat, we now offer a complete SBS range that meets today’s design trends and tomorrow’s performance demands.” Stora Enso’s flagship Ensocoat board is complemented by the launch of Ensovelvet, forming a complete SBS carbon range for brand owners and converters “seeking versatility across coated and uncoated applications,” it notes. Both boards are recyclable. The absence of coating in Ensovelvet also means fewer materials are needed in production, the company adds.

Fluent Cargo creates AI-powered search capability

The independent, mission-driven organization Fluent Cargo unveiled Ask Fluent. Ask Fluent is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search capability that allows for natural language queries against live logistics and transport data. The platform connects users to real-time shipping schedules, routing intelligence, market index pricing, disruptions, certified emissions and cargo tracking through conversational interface. Unlike traditional chatbots that rely on static, outdated information, Fluent Cargo says that Ask Fluent provides real-time access to all the curated data from its platform, including shipping schedules, routing options, container tracking and market intelligence through a conversational interface, thereby increasing data driven access and decision-making for its customers. “We’re solving a fundamental problem in logistics technology — the gap between what professionals need and what current AI tools actually deliver,” said Andy Greig, chief technology officer of Fluent Cargo, in a statement. “Ask Fluent transforms how our customers access critical shipping intelligence by putting real-time, contextual data at their fingertips through simple conversation.” Ask Fluent provides users with live, real-time information that adapts as the supply chain landscape changes, it says. The platform leverages Fluent Cargo’s five years of data standardization, data cleansing and routing methodology improvements that enable users to ask complex logistics questions in easy conversation. “Ask Fluent is not just chatbot technology — we’re providing timely information with context, which is fundamentally different from what currently exists on the market,” Greig said. “Instead of jumping between 10 different systems, users just need to know how to use a keyboard. Ask Fluent becomes the engine sitting in the middle of everything, with a powerful but simple interface that makes sense to everyone.” Ask Fluent consolidates access to routing, scheduling, tracking, emissions monitoring, disruptions and market pricing through a single interface. There are plans to integrate third-party logistics platforms, the company adds.

Force Control presents MagnaShear washdown brakes

Force Control Industries is assembling MagnaShear motor brakes onto appropriately sized motor for single source convenience with quick ship capability. With a washdown duty brake and motor combination that is “perfectly matched and professionally assembled,” customers are assured out-of-the-box utility, the company says. These brake and motor combinations also can be painted together. Brakeless brake motors from 1 to 7.5 HP are stocked. When assembled with an in-shock MagnaShear brake, the assembled brake motor can be shipped quickly, thus eliminating any supply chain woes and the need to use inferior dry friction braking systems, the company notes. These brakes feature Oil Shear Technology, so they do not require regular maintenance or adjustment, it says. Featuring quiet, smooth operation and high accuracy and repeatability, the brakes provide a long service life and are ideal for use in a diverse range of applications and industries, including the beverage industry. These brake assemblies excel in applications with high cycle counts and critical positioning, the company says. MagnaShear’s brakes are totally enclosed, which make them impervious to dust, dirt, water, oil and other contaminants often found in severe duty environments, the company adds, the Oil Shear Technology transmits torque between lubricated surfaces and thereby eliminates wear on friction surfaces. The Oil Shear Technology provides a smooth “cushioned” stop, which reduces shock to the drive system and further extends service life of downstream components, it notes.