Koenig & Bauer has announced a worldwide collaboration with CoCoCo, a recently established software company that specialises in future-proofing the printing industry.
This important strategic partnership aims to further the open innovation spirit needed in production processes: It expands Koenig & Bauer’s flagship digital platform myKyana to include the connection of software modules and third-party machines – from order creation to logistics, from prepress to postpress – and allows customers to integrate ERP data independently of existing solutions for even more precise and impactful data analyses.
Together, CoCoCo and Koenig & Bauer strive to eliminate the industry-limitations of isolated systems and proprietary technologies by simplifying the complex and often costly process of integrating diverse machines and software modules. This has traditionally been a significant burden for Print Service Providers (PSPs).
A connecting team: The interplay of CoCoCo’s system and myKyana
The collaboration with CoCoCo strengthens customer’s abilities to break down data silos and extends beyond simply linking machines – be it modern or long-established machinery – but also integrates data from customers’ ERP systems. This comprehensive approach enables Koenig & Bauer’s clients to optimise their production processes even beyond what is already possible, as well as boost their operational efficiency across the entire business. The myKyana portal, enhanced with CoCoCo’s capabilities, enables users to fully realise the potential of automation and Industry 4.0.
CoCoCo’s platform introduces three core components:
- CoCore:A scalable, structured data storage solution with a low-code automation engine, which offers a unified data repository and APIs tailored specifically to the printing industry.
- CoConnect: A tool that simplifies connectivity between different software and machines, which provides ready-to-use setups for various vendors, streamlining integration processes.
- CoCollab:A rule-based job dispatcher designed to share job data among trusted partners, which enhances operational flexibility and fosters strategic collaborations.
Specifically, the combination of Koenig & Bauer Kyana Connect IIot gateway, which securely transmits production data to the Koenig & Bauer Cloud, with CoCore and CoConnect enables print shops to optimise their workflows without the need for costly and time-consuming bespoke integrations.
Data-Driven Decision Making with myKyana
Kyana Assist and Kyana Data, two standout features of the myKyana portal, are now even more powerful with the integration of CoCoCo’s platform. Kyana Assist, the AI-driven assistant, provides instant, machine-specific guidance and will soon offer AI-powered data analysis for quick decision-making. Meanwhile, Kyana Data offers
real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, allowing users to proactively address issues, minimise downtime, and boost productivity. The platform’s intelligent benchmarking tool also enables users to compare their machine performance against industry peers and identify improvement areas.
The integration with CoCoCo significantly extends the data available for analysis beyond Koenig & Bauer equipment and even beyond the pressroom to include information from pre-press, post-press and other business areas, undoubtedly enabling a more holistic view and even more informed and impactful decisions. Sandra Wagner, VP Digitalisation at Koenig & Bauer, emphasises the transformative potential of this collaboration, stating: “By integrating CoCoCo’s platform, we are empowering our customers with a 360-degree view of their operations. This unprecedented level of data transparency and analysis will drive efficiency, innovation and ultimately profitability for print shops worldwide.”
Setting Standards in an Increasingly Data-Driven World
This is a significant step towards a truly open, interconnected and future-ready production environment. By bridging the gaps created by isolated systems and enabling seamless data exchange, this partnership is set to transform the way print shops operate.
Koenig & Bauer remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the printing industry. Collaboration with CoCoCo is a testament to that commitment. With the tools on offer, customers receive the flexibility needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. The collaboration also extends the benefits of myKyana’s toolset to CoCoCo’s existing customers, further solidifying the commitment to open standards and interoperability.
Andreas Aplien, Co-Founder of CoCoCo, states, “We are convinced that connectivity is the concrete foundation of automation, and we are proud to be working with Koenig & Bauer to enable Industry 4.0. At drupa 2024, we successfully demonstrated how our platform seamlessly connects various machines and ERP systems. As a vendor independent company, we offer print shops the flexibility they need to tackle the challenges of digital transformation. We are already working with our first beta customers and will introduce them to the market soon when the integration will be available to a wider market.”
Together, Koenig & Bauer and CoCoCo are setting a new standard for integration, automation, and collaboration in the printing industry.