Global Graphics Software, a leading developer of core technologies for digital printing and the OEM business unit of Hybrid Software, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. The company has received the honor for its excellence in innovation for SmartDFE™—the intelligent digital front end that drives high-speed label & packaging and industrial inkjet presses. Global Graphics Software is one of 197 organizations in the UK to be recognized.

SmartDFE was developed in response to growing demands of their customers, who increasingly needed to build inkjet presses that handle extremely large files while printing at high speed. Global Graphics leveraged artificial intelligence to develop software that analyzes the files and then optimizes the system configuration to process them in real time as the press operates, enabling faster, more flexible production, reducing delays and enabling immediate adjustments. It ensures that press operators can confidently submit a job to the printer and maintain continuous, efficient production and minimize waste. 

Much of the drive for innovation has been fueled by a global shortage of skilled operators in the markets served by digital inkjet printer manufacturers. As a result, the ‘Smarts’ —the print domain expertise once held by operators—needed to be embedded directly into SmartDFE. Justin Bailey, Managing Director, Global Graphics Software, explained: “We are immensely proud to be honored with this most prestigious award from His Majesty King Charles III. Developing SmartDFE has been a journey that has seen our company transition from supplying software development kits to a complete platform that our customers can develop into their own customized digital front ends to be sold with their digital inkjet printers. Developing SmartDFE has brought a fresh and innovative culture to what was a mature business. It has helped us attract new talent and enabled us to create new patented technology. We are very grateful to our customers and partners who drove our innovation for their trust and support.” 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognizing outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. This is the second time Global Graphics Software has been honored with this award, having received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2020 for its ScreenPro™ screening software.