1. Home
  2. |
  3. Resource center
  4. |
  5. Data driven decisions for smarter print operations

Data-driven decisions for smarter print operations

Contiweb is committed to providing customers with the tools and support necessary to optimize production and reduce costs. Central to these services are our Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics, which enable proactive machine management and continuous efficiency improvements. Geert-Jan Heijl, Account Manager in Contiweb's Service department, explains how these capabilities help him support customers across various regions.

Since October 2023, Geert-Jan Heijl has served as an Account Manager in Contiweb's Service department, focusing on maximizing uptime and reducing costs for customers in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and North Africa. With over 30 years of experience in commercial-technical service roles, he confidently states that Contiweb is a leader in remote monitoring.

“Our ability to diagnose and resolve issues remotely often eliminates the need for on-site engineers,” Geert-Jan says. “This improves uptime and results in significant cost savings for our customers.”

Geert-Jan Heijl Account Manager ContiwebGeert-Jan Heijl, Account Manager at Contiweb

Contiweb’s Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics goes beyond just troubleshooting—it’s a powerful tool for continuous improvement. “By analyzing machine data, we establish benchmarks that help evaluate performance across customer sites,” Geert-Jan explains. “With decades of data at our fingertips, we’ve gained unparalleled insights into our machines. These insights have driven the creation of equipment enhancements that reduce energy consumption and maximize machine performance, delivering even greater value to our customers.”

A real-life success story

Geert-Jan shares an example of how Remote Monitoring saved a customer significant costs:

“A customer in Southern Europe was planning to refurbish both burner chambers of one of their dryers, as they were worn out after years of use. The refurbishment was to be handled by a local third-party service provider, but it was still expected to be a major expense. However, by leveraging our Remote Monitoring capabilities, we analyzed their production data and discovered that their printing operations had shifted to shorter jobs with lower maximum speeds.

This shift in operational requirements meant that only one functional burner chamber was necessary to maintain optimal performance. Armed with this insight, the customer adjusted their plans. They decided to replace just one burner chamber with a completely new unit, rather than refurbishing both. This not only saved the company a significant amount of money but also provided greater long-term security, as the new burner chamber offers improved reliability compared to a refurbished one. Additionally, the dryer now requires less gas, further reducing energy costs.

This case highlights how a deeper understanding of machine performance can lead to smarter, data-driven decisions.”

Machine data accessible for customers

Machine performance data isn’t just available to Contiweb specialists. Customers with a Service Support Agreement also gain access to this data through MyContiweb, an intuitive online platform.

“MyContiweb is updated daily and provides a dashboard with key performance metrics and consumption data,” Geert-Jan explains. “Customers also have access to Contiweb machine manuals, parts books, and our quick, easy-to-use parts web shop. The platform allows you to filter by machine parts, avoiding time-consuming searches and ensuring you only order the correct components. It’s a versatile and indispensable tool for our customers.”

Machine performance assessments

For customers who don’t have the time or resources to analyze their machine data, Contiweb offers Machine Performance Assessments as part of the Service Support Agreement. These assessments provide a comprehensive analysis of machine performance, offering valuable insights into efficiency, energy consumption, and overall operations.

“These assessments take place regularly and include performance analyses and detailed reports that compare machine metrics to industry benchmarks,” Geert-Jan explains. “For instance, if we notice that a dryer’s gas or electricity consumption is higher than expected, we can recommend solutions such as the Single Burner Operation, Gas Reduction, or Electrical Power Reduction Enhancements.”

In addition to addressing efficiency and productivity, our assessments also focus on enhancing the longevity of the machines. “We provide tailored recommendations to help maximize the lifespan of our equipment,” says Geert-Jan. “We always keep a close eye on the customer’s mid- and long-term strategy, as well as their budget and operational goals, ensuring that any recommendations align with their overall objectives.”

Contiweb Machine Performance DashboardExample of a machine performance dashboard

Energy efficiency: a priority for the future

Energy efficiency is gaining importance across the industry, driven by cost considerations, stricter regulations, and sustainability goals. “Many governments are enforcing CO2 reduction measures, and cutting energy consumption is key to compliance,” Geert-Jan notes. “Fortunately, subsidies are available in many countries to support investments in enhancements or new equipment. Contiweb has experience helping customers navigate these opportunities to ensure a faster return on investment.”

Geert-Jan also highlights recent regulatory changes, such as Germany’s 2025 requirement for heatset press lines to log dryer burner temperatures throughout the year. “To help customers comply, we’ve developed specialized software that integrates with our Remote Monitoring system. Similarly, in France, printers are required to track energy consumption, and they can access subsidies for tools that facilitate this process.”

Adapting to industry challenges

The printing industry is facing challenges, including a shortage of skilled personnel. This is another area where Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics play a crucial role.

“I recently visited a printing company in England where the maintenance manager had retired, and there was no immediate replacement,” Geert-Jan recalls. “Although a press operator had some training, the lack of expertise raised concerns. With Contiweb's Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics, as part of our Service Support Agreement, we were able to provide the customer with the peace of mind they needed. We can now monitor machine performance remotely and address issues quickly, ensuring smooth operations despite the skills gap.”

Partnering for smarter, data-driven decisions

At Contiweb, we believe in not only providing cutting-edge technology but also in forging long-term partnerships with our customers. By leveraging Remote Monitoring, Machine Performance Assessments, and tailored recommendations, we help customers optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the longevity of their equipment. With a deep understanding of machine performance and a focus on their strategic goals, we enable smarter, data-driven decisions that drive lasting value. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that, together, we can meet the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.