The German Design Awards 2018 were presented at a special ceremony on 9th February, and Koenig & Bauer received the coveted award in the category “Excellent Communications Design – Apps” for the Rapida LiveApp. After the automation app award received in 2016, this was already the second prize for the Rapida LiveApp developed together with software design specialists Macio.
The Rapida LiveApp supports users with functionality for the location-independent monitoring and control of sheetfed offset presses of the Rapida series. After login via NFC, an info panel is opened with details on the progress and current status of print production. The menu also provides access to a consumables tracker, in which the use of individual consumables can be recorded and monitored by way of QR codes, as well as a maintenance manager with operator manuals, instructions and press documentation.
The German Design Award jury praised the Rapida LiveApp as a practical solution for the control and maintenance of sheetfed offset presses. In their explanatory statement, they wrote: “With this app for smartphones and tablets, the control console is extended over the whole length of the press. It offers a clever solution to an age-old problem.”
One of the first practical users of the Rapida LiveApp is the modern packaging plant of Schur Pack Germany in Gallin. Here, Schur Pack operates two six-colour Rapida 145 presses in single- and double-coater configurations, and an eight-colour Rapida 106 with two coaters and two inline dryer towers. Besides the Rapida LiveApp, the company also uses Koenig & Bauer’s ProductionApp, which enables full-scale warehouse management and batch tracking through to the final product.
The German Design Award honours manufacturers and designers for innovative products and projects which are considered pioneering for the German and international design landscape. The prize winners are chosen by a top-class international jury. In this way, the German Design Award uncovers and presents unique design trends, and helps to promote design awareness in industry.
