New versions, many advantages

 
Drupa W&P already reported on the new solutions presented by suppliers at Drupa 2008 in issue 25 and continues the article here. 
Fujifilm has announced a new version of its XMF workflow for fall 2008. The new version, which was still on show as a beta version at Drupa, is equipped with the latest components. In XMF v2, for example, Adobe's PDF Print Engine 2 will also interpret the input data. The system, which is based entirely on JDF, naturally accepts instructions in JDF as the job-describing component and JMF as the associated communicating component and uses the parameters for the internal workflow. The PDF content remains untouched and is merged for output with the corresponding JDF instructions in XMF in a device-independent workflow, making it easy to change the output method. XMF v2 is also a hybrid solution; it can be used to control both classic output devices for conventional printing - i.e. Fujifilm platesetters - and printing systems from Xerox and HP.Simplified handlingAccording to Carlo Eigenmann, Chromos, the differences compared to version 1.5 are in the area of impositioning, in the simplification of handling (here also through new shortcuts) and in the new Color Engine, which is integrated into Adobe's APPE. "In contrast to other products, XMF v2 will also rely exclusively on APPE 2," adds Eigenmann. In terms of input data formats, XMF 2.0 relies on PDF version 1.7 or PDFX/4 for data acceptance and therefore on native transparency processing. As far as the workflow and operation of XMF is concerned, Fujifilm divides its workflow into two operating windows: the queue and the workflow window. In contrast to the competition, Fujifilm apparently relies on just a few icons for the latter. The parameters are assigned to the icons accordingly; this keeps the workflow clear and easier to learn. For impositioning, the user remains in the workflow window with only a different view. Also in contrast to many other solutions, impositioning is based on "JDF stripping", which allows last-minute changes to the imposition scheme, which is particularly practical if, for example, printing has to be carried out at short notice on a different press in terms of format. Another highlight is the 3D view of the end product, i.e. the brochure, catalog, etc., taking into account the incidence of light and the grammage of the substrate (different handling behavior) if required. The representation - Fujifilm refers to it as a 3D hand sample - can be exported on the basis of Java and sent to the customer electronically for viewing. As far as the connection of MIS via JDF/JMF is concerned, Fujifilm is relying on its partner Hiflex in the initial phase, as both Fujifilm and Hiflex adhere very closely to the JDF specifications; within Printcity, the XMF workflow could be seen in conjunction with Optimus. Further MIS connections are to follow.
On the output side, XMF offers Taffeta, a second-generation screening process, and CoRes-Screening, an AM screen based on multi-template technology, which enables the output of fine screens (according to Fujifilm up to 120 raster without moiree) in normal or amplitude-modulated screening. Fujifilm Quality Screening is also available as a standard screen. This "normal" screen is suitable for customers who work with 70 and 80 screen rulings. Upgrading a screen is easy and can be activated at any time via software. "Customers who opt for the XMF today will currently receive version 1.5 and the new version 2 free of charge when it becomes available in September."
Heidelberg's overall integrationHeidelberg's approach to integration is to collect the information collected in the JDF format centrally, and consequently refers to this as "Central JDF". A company can increase its level of integration by using Business Manager, Prepress Manager, Press Manager or Postpress Manager and thus fully exploit the advantages of JDF. Technically, the centrally stored JDF data is managed on a JDF storage server and guided through production in a controlled manner. A job only appears in the job list of the RIP (MetaDimension) and at the integrated machine control stations when the preceding process in the process chain has been completed. The displayed jobs appear in the order in which they are planned in the integrated planning board, the Prinect Scheduler, which was launched at Drupa. The analysis point provides the print shop management with evaluations that are reported back by the integrated machines at the right time. In the Business Manager (previously Prinance) target/actual comparison, the job confirmations show whether the job has been completed successfully. In addition to the prepress processes, all current Heidelberg presses can be integrated. In the postpress segment, the folding machines (Stahlfolder), saddle stitchers (Stitchmaster), die cutters (Dymatrix) and folder gluers (Diana) can be integrated online into the Prinect workflow, while the Polar machines and perfect binders can be integrated offline. Machines that cannot be networked, such as OH cylinders or OH jars, can still be embedded in a comprehensive workflow. So-called data terminals are available for this purpose, which, depending on the machine, report back manually recorded quantities or time expenditure. Whether online, offline or via a terminal: The reported data is thus available for processes such as post-calculation or internal evaluations etc., thus closing the loop; the interface for this is the Business Manager.
Coating form in PDF documentIn the prepress area, Heidelberg has introduced Prinect Prepress Manager 4.5. A coating form can now be easily created and visually displayed in a PDF document. In addition, several versions can be accessed within a PDF document (versioning). In this way, language versions can be produced more easily, as all language variants can be found in one PDF. The base layers of the different versions are compared and any differences are displayed. The workflow then creates an image layer and manages the text versions in a separate layer. As far as data output is concerned, Heidelberg is currently still using Adobe PDF Print Engine 1, but will support version APPE 2 as soon as it becomes available. To ensure that the workflow is compatible and that the different products/software tools work together, updates are carried out in a network. The current version, Prinect 2008, is the first software update to implement this step; an update announced for the end of the year (Prinect 2008.5) will bring further optimizations, probably including support for APPE 2. Printbuyers can also be integrated into the Prinect solution. Prinect Direct Access and Prinect Remote Access enable quotations to be requested online and jobs to be tracked, PDF data to be checked (preflight) and loaded directly into the prepress workflow, and PDF pages to be approved.
Gradual integrationFurther news was announced by Heidelberg at Drupa in the area of packaging. Heidelberg has expanded its workflow for users in the packaging segment on the basis of Prinect. This makes it possible to import 3D CAD data to control cutters and cutting plotters, for example. The imposition station has also been upgraded to Signa Packaging Pro, adding packaging-specific functions. In addition, various workflow components have been expanded to better meet the needs of packaging printers. Although these functions have already been implemented, the packaging workflow will not be released until the end of 2008. The Prinect Packaging Designer component will also be introduced at the same time. Overall, Prinect will enable print shops to produce their jobs much faster and with greater cost transparency in packaging production. As an advantage, Heidelberg customers can grow slowly or in line with increasing requirements. For example, the modules relevant for output can be used first and then other production areas can be integrated step by step. Based on JDF, the prepress, printing and postpress disciplines can be gradually integrated.
Kodak focuses on Color Relationship ManagementIn the prepress area, Kodak's stand ranged from hybrid workflow tools for output on CtP imagesetters and digital printing systems to new next-generation screening technologies, a solution for editing PDFs within Adobe Illustrator CS3, and expanded options for automation and job planning in packaging printing workflows, including extended JDF support. The focus of Kodak's presence at the trade fair included the presentation of the new version 5 of the Kodak workflow system, which covers the Prinergy Evo, Prinergy Connect and Prinergy Powerpack products. New here is the Prinergy Digital Workflow System, with which Kodak addresses the special requirements of digital printing. Via the integrated JDF/JMF connection of digital printing machines, the new system can provide real-time information about the machine status and the status of print jobs as well as logs of the entire production process. Kodak has also introduced a device-based color management platform. According to information from Kodak Switzerland and OFS Group employees, Colorflow combines the creation, management and editing of profiles and/or ICC DeviceLink profiles. Also integrated in Colorflow is a function called Inksaving, which takes into account the reduction of ink consumption and the stabilization of production printing. Colorflow as a stand-alone product or, even better, in a package with the upcoming Prinergy 5 version, also allows visual adjustment of the gray balance, whereby the user can only make adjustments in problem-free areas. Colorflow also simplifies the handling of ICC device link profiles. Colorflow is to be integrated into both Prinergy Evo and Prinergy Connect. Kodak's Darwin Desktop software was presented at the Drupa stand as a technology demonstration and thus as a preview of the upcoming version. 
Jürgen Franck