Software

Enfocus has announced the commercial release of PitStop Pro 11 and PitStop Server 11. The PitStop 11 release marks the introduction of 'Smart Preflight & Correction', delivering complete PDF quality control and the ability to fix problems in seconds. It provides users with a flexible solution to preflight and correct PDF files according to their specific production requirements. Visitors keen to discover 'Smart Preflight & Correction' can see demos on stand A23 in hall 8b.

"By introducing ‘Smart Preflight & Correction’ in PitStop 11, we introduce a new era of preflighting and correcting files,” explains Leen Vanmaele, Enfocus product manager. "Until today, a preflight profile could only contain fixed checks and corrections such as image resolution higher than 300 dpi, page size A4,... Users could not take full advantage of PitStop's capabilities because creating specific Preflight Profiles for each job was time-consuming or the situation resulted in having very general Preflight Profiles."

Preflight made specific to each job

"With PitStop 11 and the introduction of Smart Preflight & Correction, these fixed preflight settings are a thing of the past. Preflight Profiles are made dynamic because they match the specific job requirements. This ability delivers unprecedented accuracy with minimal effort," explains Vanmaele. "Smart Corrections are also enabled through Action Lists, which results in higher quality PDF files and enables our users to fully benefit from the technology they already know, in a smart way.”

A new level of automation with PitStop Server 11

While PitStop Pro 11 allows users to enter values specific for each job manually, users enjoy a completely hands-off, new level of automation with PitStop Server 11. This allows users to automate the preflighting and correction of PDF files, driven by job-specific information contained in JDF or XML job tickets.

The new version introduces the concept of 'Variable Sets', a group of variables to be used when preflighting or correcting PDF file. A variable within PitStop Server 11 points to specific information in an XML or JDF job ticket. When the job ticket arrives along with the PDF file, the right values are automatically provided for the preflight check. All customer-specific requirements are checked and corrected without the need for manual intervention. Variables are also supported by Actions Lists allowing job specific corrections. Through the ability to use tickets coming from MIS, web portal or order entry systems, PitStop Server 11 offers significant opportunities to automate high-volume production processes. It allows users to gain competitive edge and win more business. PitStop Server also seamlessly fits into Enfocus Switch to provide preflighting and auto-correction in a fully automated way.

Streamlined interface and smarter text editing

PitStop Pro 11 has an array of enhancements, including:

• Smart Text Editing – the new Find and Replace Tool lets users quickly locate specific text segments and immediately replace them, which will save them precious time. For example, they can easily correct misspellings globally or apply new branding styles.
• Merge characters and words into text lines – a new tool that makes text manipulation easy, allowing users to automatically re-merge split text segments into a single line. This new feature eliminates the struggle to work with separate text segments and provides a more comfortable way to correct mistakes, edit and reposition text.
• The improved Preflight Profile Editor gives users a clearer overview of the checks and corrections in their Preflight Profile, while the streamlined Navigator affords a clearer view of their PDF throughout the review process.

PitStop Server 11 also comes with new features, notably:

• Find Text Action – this new action allows users to easily adjust specific text to a new branding style, or ensure specific text fragments are mentioned, such as legal phrases. By merging characters and words into single text lines, users avoid problems with overlapping text when reformatting or correcting text fragments afterwards.
• A new and streamlined interface in the Preflight Profile Editor of PitStop Server 11 has been developed to make editing easier and have a better overview.

Availability

PitStop Pro 11 and PitStop Server 11 are available immediately. With the release of PitStop Server 11 the product also becomes available in Dutch. The fully functional versions can be downloaded from the Enfocus website www.enfocus.com.

Enfocus has announced update 1 of its Switch 11 solution which will be available by the end of Q2, 2012. This new version of Switch 11 includes full support for the new Smart Preflight functionality introduced in PitStop Server 11.

Smart Preflight offers Switch and PitStop Server users a more dynamic and accurate way of applying preflight and auto-correction settings, driven by the power of Switch variables. Additional new and updated configurators in this release include a direct link to Esko’s Automation Engine and a new Microsoft Word configurator supporting the latest versions of the popular word processing application.

Smart Preflight that takes full advantage of the power of Switch 11

Switch 11 update 1 includes a new version of the PitStop Server configurator, compatible with the newly announced PitStop Server 11. It enables Smart Preflight in PitStop Server 11 using any of the variables available in Switch, including SQL databases, XML and JDF job tickets, embedded XMP values, private data variables created with the scripting API and all of Switch’s built-in variables.

"PitStop 11 has introduced a new era in PDF preflight, and the combination of PitStop Server 11 and Switch 11 update 1 are making the possibilities endless. Each and every job can be checked to specific job requirements that can be sourced from the file itself, metadata values, job tickets or external data sources," says Dieter Wullaert, Switch product manager. "For example, you can check if an incoming file matches the specifications for that job in your order system, or alternatively whether it corresponds to the information entered on your website by the customer when uploading the job. Using the new rule-based variables, it’s possible to translate those values into real preflight checks – this new functionality is huge and unique in workflow automation."

New configurator streamlines communication between Switch 11 and Esko Automation Engine

Switch has been designed as a complementary and vendor-neutral automation solution, allowing users to do more with their existing technology investments and workflow solutions. This new configurator for Esko’s Automation Engine (AE) provides support for AE job names, IDs and references. Based on the functionality in this new configurator, files can be picked up by Switch, processed as required by any of Switch’s many tools and other third-party configurators, and delivered into an Automation Engine Job without operator intervention. The new configurator also supports unattended initiation of Automation Engine workflows upon the delivery of a production file or XML job ticket by Switch.

"Because of Switch’s unique file handling capabilities and thanks to the many other configurators already supported in Switch, it is now possible to complete additional processing before a file is delivered to Automation Engine", states Dries Vandenbussche, Automation Engine Product Manager. "For example: a print buyer places 'chocolate gift box.zip' containing an Illustrator file on an FTP server monitored by Switch and the result in Automation Engine is a preflighted, color corrected and trapped PDF file. We are also very excited about formally joining the Switch community soon as a Crossroads Application Partner."

Enfocus Crossroads is a community related to Enfocus Switch automation. Comprising Crossroads Application Partners, Crossroads Integration Partners and Switch users, the community provides automation best practices to other Switch users and prospects. A dedicated Crossroads web portal (www.crossroads-world.com) provides an extensive source of information about the Crossroads Partners and their integrated solutions.

Updated Microsoft Word configurators

Switch 11 update 1 includes new configurators for the world’s most popular text editor. Users can automate file processing in Microsoft Word 2010 (Windows) or 2011 (Macintosh) and convert all supported Word documents to PDF, rtf, txt, html, doc and docx at blazing speeds.

Switch 11 Web Services Module support

Switch 11 update 1 includes support for the new Web Services Module that allows users of Switch 11 to build secure, Web-based interfaces into a Switch workflow environment for job submission, file upload, review and approval.

Availability

Switch 11 update 1 will be available by the end of Q2, 2012 from Enfocus' network of Switch Authorized resellers and integrators. This update is available for customers with current Switch maintenance agreements. For more information on pricing and modules, please contact your preferred reseller or Enfocus at sales@enfocus.com.

GMG is launching of two new products - GMG OpenColor and GMG CoZone.  GMG OpenColor is a revolutionary spot colour tool for the packaging market that will greatly extend colour control and repeatability in this sector, whilst GMG CoZone is a comprehensive cloud solution for professional media and color management users that will redefine how color management is used in the future.

These solutions will be demonstrated in Hall 4, Booth B25, at drupa and visitors to the exhibition will not only see these new products, but also exciting new features of established, world-class GMG solutions. Most notable of these is GMG’s groundbreaking ProductionSuite. Launched in February to target the booming wide format market, this modular solution is already transforming press rooms around the world. In addition, advances and upgrades to the GMG prepress portfolio, featuring products such as GMG ColorProof, GMG ColorServer and GMG InkOptimizer, will be showcased.

In addition to the GMG booth, visitors will also be able to experience GMG solutions at the Epson booth in Hall 05 (Booth A01-1), HP (Hall 04, Booth D60-1), Roland (Hall 09, Booth E04), UPM (Hall 06, Booth D60) and Zünd (Hall 09, Booth C03), working with diverse output devices and production environments.

Ian Scott, Managing Director at GMG, has no doubt that GMG's two product innovations will hit the market “like a technological thunderbolt”. He adds, "With GMG OpenColor we will herald a new era in packaging printing. Never before has a proofing solution been able to control process and spot colours like GMG OpenColor. Our second highlight is located in the Cloud: With GMG CoZone we have pioneered an integrated GMG web strategy. We have put into action what media managers really want: transparent project control and secure standards that are available to all process partners at all times. I believe that GMG CoZone is the definitive answer to soft-proofing."

Agfa Graphics will launch the next generation of its award-winning prepress workflow, :Apogee Suite 8.0, at drupa 2012.  Featuring new tools designed to help printers in offset and digital print or hybrid environments become more innovative, it interacts more efficiently internally and with their customers while optimising every step in the production process. :Apogee Suite 8.0 will be running live and available for demonstrations at the company’s stand at drupa (Düsseldorf, Germany May 3 – 16, Hall 8A) and will be available for purchase in the third quarter 2012.

Among the innovations in :Apogee Suite 8.0 is the new interactive :Apogee StoreFront, the new cloud-based, web-to-print solution. :Apogee StoreFront makes it easy to set up online stores for both printed and non-printed products. Seamless integration with :Apogee Prepress or any other workflow software ensure that orders are automatically downloaded and setup for production based on job specifications. Because it is cloud based and easy to use, printers can launch multiple, customised storefronts with no additional staff or costly infrastructure investment. :Apogee StoreFront gives printers the means to reach new markets and enrich customer experience, thus expanding business.

:Apogee Impose now supports web offset printing. Designed for the specific needs of web printing operations, this unique rule-based imposition software takes all specifications into account, including web folding and finishing requirements, to generate the optimal imposition scheme. A last minute change of press is no problem for :Apogee Impose. Plus, it supports single, dual and multiple web deliveries. :Apogee Impose lowers setup cost while delivering the level of automation web printers demand.

A new Merge Jobs function lets :Apogee 8 determine which jobs can be combined in one production run. This cuts costs by optimising press runs. An innovative algorithm places different jobs on the sheet in the most optimal manner.  As a result, there are fewer cuts which translates to less paper waste.

“:Apogee 8 is loaded with innovations that cater to every type of operation—sheet and web offset as well as hybrid operations including wide format. New 64-bit support combined with virtualisation (VMWare) lets high-volume printers consolidate processing. Other tools reduce costs with efficient output management such as the job merge function. All of these improvements are the result of carefully listening to our customers all over the world and incorporating their feedback,” said Andy Grant, head of software, Agfa Graphics, worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.agfa.com

Data Image, a UK-based signage and point-of-sale provider, has opted for Enfocus' Switch and PitStop Connect solutions to automate the delivery of customer-submitted files into the company's workflow.

"The level of automation achieved with Enfocus' solutions at one of the most critical phases of our production workflow, allowed us to increase throughput, reduce errors and improve our customer experience. And all of that with Return On Investment achieved within three to four months," states Rob Farfort, Director Data Image.

It was Data Image’s need to improve production and automate the delivery of files that prompted Rob Farfort to talk to Enfocus at Ipex 2010. He faced several issues regarding the selection and removal of specific spot colour elements in PDF production files. Working with system integrator XChange UK and using Enfocus Action List technology, a solution was quickly established during the exhibition.

“The ability to provide an application to all our customers branded with our own identity really appealed to me,” states Farfort. “Customising the data requested from our customers within Enfocus Switch and ensuring our customers’ preflighted files can only be sent to Data Image - not a competitor - were other compelling reasons I was interested in the PitStop Connect technology.”

Data Image delivers customer satisfaction

Using Enfocus Switch and PitStop Connect, Data Image reduced the time spent on customer and internal communications by 100%. This is mainly a result of customers being responsible for artwork submission and the removed need to search for files on client FTP sites.

“For us, the manual handling of files is automated, our operation runs at a fast speed and the handy email receipt notification saves time checking for delivered artwork,” comments Farfort. “With Enfocus Switch and PitStop Connect we could simplify artwork submission from our customers. Providing them with a desktop drag and drop applet, we have a continuous branded presence on their desktop. This in turn allowed us to offer a far more professional and productive service."

Understanding workflow automation

"Making the workflow improvements was easy," explains Farfort.  “We have been working with Esko's Automation Engine for about six years, so we were quite familiar with the concept of workflow automation. I was interested in standardising the way we receive files from our customers, and how we notify both our internal staff and the necessary contacts at all our customer locations that the files have been successfully received. Smooth integration was very important. Enfocus Switch and PitStop Connect sit alongside our existing Esko workflow with no issues. Switch has the required functionality for the two systems to interact as needed.”

Switching on powerful features

Enfocus Switch offers powerful features that let users work with job tickets and communicate directly with any data source that supports the ODBC standard. "We initially explored the option of using info from the job tickets generated by our order entry system to manage the incoming files," explains Farfort. "However, we found that the ability to generate a dynamic SQL query into our live order entry system allowed us to access more comprehensive information for any job at any time."

The query for the incoming job workflow compares the customer-submitted quote number with the actual quote number in the system. It also validates the email information needed to confirm receipt of the production files to Data Image employees, the actual submitter of the file and any other relevant customer contact. Enfocus Switch then dynamically moves the file to a location specified by the order entry system and provides that path information to the correct staff member at Data Image.

Making the right connection

Data Image worked with XChange UK to create a streamlined Connector - the file delivery droplet created with PitStop Connect. It uses the Connectors to accept a wide variety of file types like Adobe® InDesign and QuarkXPress native file packages, Illustrator and Photoshop files. When a PDF file is submitted the Connector on the customer’s desktop preflights the files according to the required specifications. Virtually all popular file types can be accepted and processed with Enfocus Switch. Data Image currently processes an average of 1000+ files a week.

Automation for continued success

Since the original integration, Data Image also worked with XChange UK to automate another key component of the production and delivery process using Switch. The order entry system generates a delivery note in PDF format that was formerly delivered manually to the customer and took considerable time to research and confirm the correct recipients for the delivery information. Using Switch, the emails are now dynamically built to include relevant job details and the delivery note itself as an attachment.

“Enfocus solutions enabled us to achieve a much higher level of end to end automation, including communication with our customers. With a Return On Investment of only 3 months we are very satisfied with what we have already achieved,” concludes Farfort.

Color-Logic's product literature is now available in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and simplified Chinese.  Commenting on its international business, Color-Logic's director of sales and marketing, Mark Geeves, says, “The Color-Logic process is rapidly gaining acceptance among brand and product managers, as well as their graphic designers and printers, around the world.  Interested parties can now learn the details of the Color-Logic system in their native language."

For more information, please visit www.color-logic.com