Software

Building on its global presence as a leading RIP solutions manufacturer for all types of wide-format production environment, London-based Shiraz Software has announced the appointment of Tom Mooney as business development manager. Mooney, who brings in-depth technical knowledge of print production and extensive account management experience to his new position, will head up the company’s initiative to identify and appoint new distributors in key territories world-wide, including France, Germany, Russia, Turkey and Eastern Europe, renewing sales and service channels for customers in those countries.

Shiraz Software’s scalable and powerful RIP solutions – Shiraz RIP Server, Shiraz Signature and Shiraz Focus, all of which were updated to their latest versions in May this year – are used by a variety of customers on both PC and Macintosh platforms around the world. Mooney hopes to increase support by co-opting with distributors who have a native understanding of the requirements of their home markets.

“The latest Shiraz packages are built with a number of flexible features for large-format output. Users want to know that they have a reliable distribution channel that can demonstrate the power of the solution in situ and relate the product to their local market,” explains Mooney. “The next logical step for Shiraz Software is to build on its recent successes by extending its dealer network.”

Business development director Ramin Shahbazi explains that Shiraz Software has established a reputation for outreach with its customers, and that the use of its RIPs in various environments and territories will inspire the packages’ future generations. “Tom is a perfect fit for Shiraz, and joins us as we seek greater insight into the highly individual needs of a diverse set of international markets,” comments Shahbazi. “New distribution channels will allow us an improved understanding of our customers and Tom is perfectly positioned to establish and grow those sales and support streams.”

In his previous role as OEM account manager with print and imaging technological solutions provider Software Imaging (formerly Software 2000), Mooney engaged with printer manufacturers to develop tailored strategies for the optimisation of printer output and efficiency, as well as the promotion of products into vertical markets. His advanced knowledge of the printing industry and its rapid development were immediately attractive to Shiraz Software, which views technological and business evolution as inextricably linked and mutually beneficial. Mooney was keen to implement his experience within a dynamic new environment and recognised the potential for an exciting business relationship when he met the company at this year’s Ipex.

“Shiraz’s solutions allow graphic arts production to be taken to the next level and I am thrilled to join a company with such exciting and dynamic products,” concludes Mooney. “My challenge is to evangelise these innovations to end users and the wider creative community. I am looking to appoint additional distributors, build a global network dedicated and committed to customer service, and help all types of wide-format user realise their work on a grand scale using Shiraz’s software.”

Having gained his undergraduate degree in printing in Manchester, he completed a masters degree in digital imaging at the University of Westminster, providing him with a deep-rooted understanding of both the software and hardware aspects of the graphic arts market. Upon graduating, he began his career as an engineer with Software Imaging. His business skills were enhanced by a move into technical sales within the same firm selling the software he had written. After ten years Mooney left to join Samsung with responsibility for driving innovative print solutions on their embedded software. This increased his interest in and understanding of the relationship between sales, marketing and profitability – assets which Shiraz Software was keen to bring into the fold.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom to Shiraz Software,” continues Shahbazi. “He possesses both specialist technical prowess and a broad overview of the printing industry as a whole. His passion for Shiraz’s software makes him the perfect individual to fortify the company’s international network and innovate new ways of familiarising customers with its products. His skill set is further enhanced by sound business acumen and a genuine enthusiasm for the applications made possible by our products. In addition, his commitment to a personalised customer service model gels with Shiraz’s ethos and will further enhance our user-focused approach to business.”

 

GMG, developer and supplier of high-end color management and proofing solutions, now offers www.proofr.com, an innovative Internet platform enabling online proofing services through a worldwide network of remote proofing locations. Stringent quality standards ensure that every partner in the Proofr network produces identical, high-quality proofs.

The new Proofr service targets companies that need reliable proofs for approval by distant customers in the shortest possible time. Proofr.com replaces the time-consuming and expensive procedure of dispatching proofs by courier.

Photographers, advertising agencies, and prepress houses, for example, can use a Web portal to order a binding contract proof in perfect GMG quality and at low cost. To do so, they simply have to upload the corresponding data and select a Proofr Service Partner in the vicinity of the recipient. Payment is made directly using a secure online payment system. The selected Service Partner produces the proof in compliance with the GMG quality standards and sends it to the recipient. This reduces the transport time for hardcopy proofs from several days to just a few hours.

The aim of Proofr.com is to create a network of remote proofing locations with identical technology and comparable equipment that are capable of producing identical proofs anywhere in the world. The technological basis for achieving this is GMG's unique calibration technology, which harmonizes the printing characteristics of different printers worldwide. GMG's ProofStandards ensure that all printing conditions can be simulated perfectly on different printers using GMG ColorProof proofing software. A further prerequisite for guaranteeing consistent quality is the use of GMG proofing papers in combination with GMG ColorProof.

To join the network as a Proofr Service Partner, the service provider must use the GMG ColorProof Version 5.x and GMG ProofControl proofing solutions together with GMG ProofPaper semimatte 250. The proof printers open to consideration are the HP Designjet Z2100 and Z3200, the Epson Stylus Pro x800, x880, x900, or the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF 6350 and 8300. This makes it possible to guarantee GMG's familiar, high standard of color accuracy and repeatability around the world when it comes to digital contract proofs.

The partners in the Proofr network can optimally exploit the capacity of their existing proofing systems, improve the utilization factor, and generate more turnover – without incurring any extra expense, e.g. for Web services of their own.

As of now, companies wishing to join the Proofr network can apply to become a partner by contacting GMG at http://www.proofr.com/become-a-partner. Proofr is to be presented to the potential user groups at this year's photokina.

 

Enfocus launches Instant PDF 09, the latest version of its easy and reliable tool for producing press-ready Certified PDFs. By preflighting and automatically correcting PDF files after creation, Instant PDF 09 brings unprecedented simplicity and standard compliance to the desktops of designers. The latest release comes with support for Adobe CS 5 and QuarkXPress 8 applications, as well as the latest industry standards.

Enfocus Instant PDF 09 makes producing press-ready PDFs easy. The tool is intended for creative professionals who need to output PDFs that are preflighted to industry standards prior to submission for printing, either internally or to an external print service provider or publisher. Instant PDF 09 is easy to use, reliable, and accepts profiles for PDF creation and preflight verification supplied by printers or publishers, if required. Instant PDF 09 is now also compatible with Windows 7 and Mac version OS X 10.4.11 through to the latest 10.6; now including 64-bit compatibility.

The PDFs created with Instant PDF 09 comply with print or advertisement vendors' specifications, including ISO PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4 and the latest Ghent PDF Workgroup (GWG) industry standards. The files are Certified PDFs, with embedded metadata that includes creator, verification and profile information that stays with the file throughout its lifetime.

"With Instant PDF 09, creative professionals can work within the latest design software and operating systems. Print providers will see a significant reduction in customer service calls and prepress workload, because Certified PDF files are always output correctly from the workstation," says Elli Cloots, Director of Product Management at Enfocus. "The Enfocus Certified PDF  technology allows graphic designers to deliver high quality Certified PDF files to their print providers, without having to worry about all the technical details."

Create PDFs according to the newest standards and specifications

Working from within any design application such as Adobe CS 5 or QuarkXPress 8, PDFs are easily output by simply selecting "Save as Certified PDF..." from the File menu. Instant PDF 09 then handles the process of creating a PDF to specifications, including preflight and automatic correction of most common errors, on-the-fly. It even sends the press-ready PDFs directly to the printer's inbox, FTP server or Enfocus PowerSwitch automated workflow - and all without leaving the application.

Prepress experts, such as print service providers, can create standard or custom PDF Queues that are easily imported into Instant PDF. PDF Queues contain all the PDF creation and preflight settings required for outputting quality PDFs. They can be distributed as files or published on the CertifiedPDF.net website, where designers can subscribe for free and automatically receive all of the latest PDF Queues. Instant PDF 09 also uses the latest checks and fixes introduced in PitStop Pro 09.

 

 

In order to simplify colour management for its reseller network and end customers, BARBIERI Electronic has appointed IGS UK as the distributor for its automatic spectrophotometers.

Concentrating on the Series 3 and Swing systems for digital imaging, the addition of these essential peripherals simplifies profiling, saves time and costs, and enables wide-format printer users to achieve consistently accurate results.

The BARBIERI Electronic Spectro LFP Series 3 and Spectro Swing make it easy and efficient to linearise and profile different types of display materials, including options for reflectives and clear films. In addition, savings are effected by enabling users to optimise colour management and reduce ink consumption whilst maintaining accurate, strong colours across all media.

The BARBIERI Spectro LFP Series 3 is specifically designed for today’s wide-format arena and enables users to create ICC profiles on most roll-fed and rigid media, including textiles and traditionally difficult surfaces, from ultra-thin materials up to a maximum substrate thickness of 20 mm. The unit can also be used as a densitometer to determine the relevant values for films and papers.

The cost-effective BARBIERI Spectro Swing has been developed as a measuring device for flexible materials and is suitable for papers, banner materials, canvases, back-lits and other products commonly used on roll-fed printers using any ink technology. It is available in three versions, either for transparent or reflective media or for both.

BARBIERI is also instrumental in bringing users greater efficiencies with colour management options that save on ink costs, and full details are available by downloading the explanatory white paper from www.igsuk.net. Using its proprietary grey component replacement (GCR), a special algorithm replaces unwanted colour saturation by replacing the cyan, magenta and yellow with black. The same principle is applied to replace greys comprising three colours yet, in both instances, there is no compromise with output quality.

For print service providers and display producers outputting onto clear and translucent substrates, such as Plexiglas and glass, BARBIERI Electronic has produced an additional white paper, also available from IGS UK’s web site. This covers how to measure and create the correct readings using transmission or reflective options, and the relevance of different lighting conditions when determining the right profile for the material.

Wolfgang Passler, International Sales and Marketing Manager at BARBIERI Electronic states: “We are proud to announce IGS UK as our master distributor for the UK. Its well-established dealer network, strengths regarding service and support as well as a strong commitment to supplying customers with the best solutions and service prove that this company is the right partner for us.”

Based in Brixen, northern Italy, Siegfried BARBIERI founded his electronic and optics’ company in 1983 as a manufacturer of densitometers for the photographic industry; it has remained a family business since its inception. In 2002 the BARBIERI Electronic entered into the sign and display market and focused on the wide-format, flat-bed and industrial printing sectors for which proprietary specialist devices have been developed.

IGS UK concentrates on sourcing, developing and bringing to market innovative products for the design and production of wide-format print, working with proven reseller channels throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. With the emphasis on greener practices and reducing waste, the BARBIERI Electronic spectrophotometers fit perfectly into the company’s remit for cost-saving and efficient solutions.

Download free 'no strings' BARBIERI White Papers from IGS UK:

• BARBIERI White Paper - How to Create Colour Profiles for Glass (PDF, 892Kb)
• BARBIERI White Paper - Cost Savings through Colour Management (PDF, 691Kb)

 

 

 

Following the recent close of the Radius Solutions acquisition, EFI, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced it has already begun integrating the Radius packaging software into its leading portfolio of print management solutions.

EFI has rebranded the product name from PECAS Vision to EFI Radius to align with the naming structure of its other MIS offerings. EFI will continue with the current development structure and product roadmap. From a physical standpoint, EFI will maintain Radius offices in the U.S. and Europe.

EFI Radius software is also being added to the displays at upcoming company and industry events. The Radius Solutions North America Users Conference is taking place next week in Chicago (July 21-23), and features EFI President Fred Rosenzweig and Jetrion GM Dr. Kenneth Stack as speakers. Rosenzweig will address ways to build customer intimacy by developing a culture of customer-driven product development and service. Stack will speak about the increasing market demand for short run label printing, the benefits of Jetrion's solutions and the digital economics that make it affordable.

In the Fall, Radius will be showcased alongside the award-winning Jetrion label printers in the EFI booth at the Labelexpo Americas show (Chicago, Sept. 14-16) and among the full suite of EFI solutions at Graph Expo 2010 (Chicago, Oct. 3-6).

"All of these exciting changes mean that our customers and prospects now have access to the worldwide resources and expertise of EFI. In particular, they will have access to many more applications from EFI that will integrate to Radius products and help drive customer connectivity and profitability," said David Taylor, general manager of EFI Radius, formerly president and CEO of Radius Solutions. "At the same time, it's 'business as usual,' as I remain at the helm and the Radius product and support teams remain in place to serve our customers. We're thrilled to officially be a part of the EFI family."

"The Radius user base is excited about new possibilities with the increased resources and broad range of products that EFI brings to the table," said Dennis Linnevers, manager of application development at Multi-Color Corporation and also president of the Radius user committee.

Radius software is part of the Advanced Professional Print Software (APPS) business unit of EFI. The company intends to integrate a number of its products with EFI Radius, including Jetrion, VUTEk, Fiery, Digital StoreFront, PrintFlow and Auto-Count. The Radius acquisition further strengthens EFI's growing product portfolio of software tools, UV inkjet digital presses and inks, and MIS solutions for the packaging market, which is one of the largest printing markets in the world.

Smart tool builds communication bridge and enables Danish printer to receive print-ready, preflighted PDF files

 

Strandbygaard Grafisk A/S, a leading Danish print company, invested in Enfocus PitStop Connect to streamline PDF transfers from its clients. The software, just launched at Ipex 2010, enables the Danish printer to receive PDF files –already preflighted– directly from its clients. The new streamlined workflow reduces communication efforts by 25-40%, saving valuable time and resources and boosting production efficiency significantly.

Strandbygaard Grafisk A/S, a family-owned and operated print company, has been serving the Danish market for more than 100 years. Like many printers, the company has seen a gradual shift over recent years towards PDF for printing, with more than 95% of files received today in that format. Unfortunately, many of those PDF files fail preflight scrutiny. A series of communication loops between the printer and creative is then required to resolve the issues and make the file print-ready. To solve this problem and streamline the workflow, Strandbygaard Grafisk invested in PitStop Connect which eradicates errors in PDFs before they reach the printer.

“Before we installed PitStop Connect, 25% of PDFs received failed our preflight checks,” says Allan Bernhard, Prepress Manager at Strandbygaard Grafisk. “We spent a lot of time going back and forwards to the client to resolve the issues and this just soaked up valuable time. Now, when creatives attempt to send a file, the Connector first conducts a preflight check. In case of errors the creative receives a preflight report identifying the problems that need attention. In some cases we even allow our creatives to sign-off on certain errors and still allow a file that failed preflight to be delivered."

"Almost every file we receive now is print-ready, and we’ve reduced our communication efforts with customers by around 25-40%," Bernhard continues. "We’re extremely happy with the improved workflow and our customers see a real value-add as well.”

Integration with Switch workflow

The company works with a number of Enfocus solutions – including PitStop Pro, PitStop Server and Switch – for more than a decade. The ability to integrate PitStop Connect directly into the Switch workflow was one of the main drivers behind Strandbygaard Grafisk’s decision to invest in the new software.

“Enfocus Switch is the backbone of our automated prepress workflow for some years now,” explains Bernhard. “Because PitStop Connect integrates seamlessly with Switch, PDF files are imported directly into the automated workflow. And because metadata can be linked to the file, all key customer information such as company name, contact email address, number of copies required, etc. gets imported as well. With preflight now carried out at the creative side, we have a fully automated streamlined workflow: from creation to print – which boosts production efficiency with no end.” 

No charge for printer’s clients

Unlike the click-based pricing models used by competing products, the Enfocus PitStop Connect is available for a one-off fee of €3,999 – irrespective of the number of users.

“The pricing model was also what did it for us,” says Bernhard. “We could have equipped every customer with PitStop Pro, but that would have proved too complex and too expensive for most of them and on top they would be able to deliver files to other printers as well. With PitStop Connect, they simply download the software on to their desktop. When they have a PDF ready to send, they simply drag and drop it on to the 'Connector' and press 'go'. They pay absolutely nothing and from our end we know in advance exactly what the costs are.” 

Powerful marketing tool

PitStop Connect can also be branded for an individual print company. “We will definitely take advantage of the branding feature,” says Bernhard. “With PitStop Connect we offer clients simplicity and a hassle-free way to get their PDFs to us. It's a real added value for them and we want to ensure they associate that value with Strandbygaard Grafisk. It’s powerful marketing.”

Strandbygaard Grafisk purchased PitStop Connect through Peter Leth Kjær of InProduction ApS, Enfocus’ Danish Certified Expert. InProduction delivers first line of local support for all of Enfocus’ solutions in the Danish market and also provides workflow consultancy services to its clients.