Clothing retailer Next has invested in Vivid’s Veloblade Nexus cutting table and Zip Core Packaging Suite software for its internal signage production requirements, using them in conjunction with Ricoh wide-format printers.
Looking to replace an existing cutting system that often incurred unproductive periods waiting for support, Next was introduced to the Vivid range through Ricoh, whose T7210 UV wide-format flatbed and TF6251 printers with roll-feed were already in use, and which resells the Vivid line of finishing and embellishment equipment.
Ricoh has been a long-standing supplier to Next, supporting it through workflow and process improvement in Next’s warehousing and storeroom functions, in addition to the wide-format and cut-sheet print and finishing technology. To complement the existing installation and to provide a complete production workflow system, Ricoh chose Vivid’s Veloblade Nexus and Zip Core Packaging Suite to work alongside its Latex and UV flatbed printers.
The system had to be operable over three shifts, easy to use, able to cut various materials involving routing and most of all be reliable. These criteria were amply met, according to Next print services manager Steve Clarke, who commented, ‘Vivid’s support is truly deserving of a five-star rating; they consistently go above and beyond to ensure we have the best support when operating the Veloblade Nexus and Zip Core Packaging Suite. This level of support is truly invaluable to us.
‘Since partnering with Vivid, our experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The Zip Core Packaging Suite opens up endless possibilities, and the ability to send a 3D Virtual CAD of a project, rather than creating a physical sample, has saved us an incredible amount of time. The Veloblade Nexus has demonstrated its precision, speed and clean-cut performance, surpassing all our previous experiences with other brands. This has given us the confidence to take full control of in-house production.’
The installation has not only saved time but has been ‘transformative’ in that it has also delivered substantial cost savings and with technical support from Vivid, has allowed applications to easily be prototyped and bought into production in a matter of hours.
