Paper Processing: Defining Excellence in These Modern Times
There is little doubt that we all live in an increasingly digital world. However, it is also a fact that physical documentation is still required on a daily basis. Examples include pamphlets, commercial promotions, direct mail, and even fiat currencies. This is why it only stands to reason that paper processing represents a truly massive sector.
According to recent statistics, the global value of the paper processing industry is more than $350 billion dollars. Having said this, it is still important to remember that not all processing solutions are created equally.
What factors define “excellence” within the processing sector? How does the notion of flexibility come into play? Why is it important to partner with a reputable supplier? These are a handful of the questions that will be addressed immediately below.
What is Paper Processing? The Basics
It is first important to clarify the notion of paper processing before moving on. What does this process entail from a general perspective? In order to simplify things, paper is made through a series of steps, including:
- Obtaining the raw materials
- Separating and cleaning the fibres (known as “pulping”)
- Cleaning and refining the pulp
- Diluting this pulp to form thinner fibres
- Compressing and drying the fibres
- Creating a finished sheet or substrate
Note that this is only a brief overview of some of the most crucial stages. The exact steps may also vary in accordance with the type of product being manufactured.
More Than Simply Creating Paper
Paper processing is massive in scale. However, this is only a small portion of the entire industry. Suppliers will still need to create cost-effective and reliable end products that can be distributed to the end user. This is when the finishing stages of processing begin to take centre stage.
The processed paper must be further refined in order to meet end-user requirements. This is when the numerous solutions provided by the team at Hunkeler AG come into play.
Of course, there are also numerous different ways in which paper products can be created to provide discrete solutions. This is also why the notion of flexibility is critical in relation to paper processing excellence. Therefore, allow us to look at some targeted techniques and examine the advantages each can provide.
Transactional documents
Transactional documents are normally associated with sensitive information. Examples include bank account details, legal contracts and proprietary client data. Thus, for these, reliability and accuracy are crucial.
Processing these documents will often require printing multiple copies that contain unique information for each account. While form layouts may remain constant, the data contained within each field can vary from document to document. This is the primary principle behind transactional printing.
Large-scale processing, therefore, requires superior levels of accuracy without sacrificing throughput. Advanced automated machinery will be combined with accurate user controls. This helps to ensure that even the smallest of errors can be detected. This also leads us into the next main section.
Superior levels of quality control
Productivity matters little if quality control is not present. This can sometimes present a challenge within certain environments (such as large-scale paper processing facilities). Thus, a careful balance between automation and accuracy is crucial. One effective solution can be seen in the Hunkeler Control Platform (HCP). Some metrics that can be monitored include:
- The presence of duplicates
- Missing pages and/or sections
- Automatic rejections
- Front-to-back matching
- Incorrect sequencing
In the event that an error is detected, it can be corrected in a timely fashion. This helps to ensure that accuracy will not be sacrificed for productivity alone.
Targeted solutions
Paper processing is often associated with large-scale processes, such as the production of newspapers or business stationery. However, it is just as important to remember that organizations will often require specialised solutions. A handful of examples include the following:
- Bingo or instant-win game cards
- Menus
- Business cards
- Pamphlets and leaflets
- Banderoling
- Security print finishing
It is obvious that the techniques associated with these products will be slightly different. Once again, this is when the power of specialization comes into play.
Modularity
Paper processing excellence likewise involves in-house hardware and software flexibility. For instance, there may be times when a new project requires different types of equipment. This can be costly if the hardware is not modular in nature.
Guaranteeing high levels of throughput will, therefore, involve the flexibility of the processing line itself. New units should be integrated with little (or no) downtime. Software packages must be compatible with one another. Production tracking should occur seamlessly and without a great deal of manual intervention.
Whether referring to upsizing or downsizing, modularity is a key component in relation to accurate paper processing as a whole.
More than Meets the Eye
Paper processing will often occur “behind the scenes”, yet this stage is crucial for countless businesses. Therefore, high-quality services are essential, and there is little room for error. We are not only referring to printed materials in this sense. Other variables that may be relevant include:
- Coatings (such as high-gloss finishes)
- Perforations
- Hard- and soft-cover books
- Postcards
- Event tickets
These are some reasons why specialization has now come to define the entire industry. When quality counts, only the most reputable processing solutions will suffice.
Why Work with the Paper Processing Team at Hunkeler AG?
Hunkeler has been providing bespoke paper processing solutions since 1922. We now cater to a truly global audience, and this customer base continues to grow. Therefore, clients can rest assured in the fact that they are always in good hands.
Let us also remember that paper processing is associated with targeted maintenance strategies. This helps to guarantee that the latest techniques are implemented, and that efficiency is never taken for granted.
Simply stated, customers have come to rely upon Hunkeler AG for their paper processing requirements. From one-off printing tasks to bulk requirements, our experts are always here to help. Please take a moment to contact us if you would like to learn more. A representative will be pleased to answer any additional questions.