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 HIFLEX and Muller Martini exhibit JDF networking at Open House in Zofingen. - The first postpress JDF integration in the world with JMF (Job Messaging Format) feedback was presented at
a Muller Martini Open House event in Zofingen, Switzerland (from November 4 to 8, 2003), jointly by
industry software supplier HIFLEX and Muller Martini. At the demonstration, a PrimaPlus saddle stitcher was
networked with the aid of HIFLEX software. |
For the purpose of operational networking via JDF, the management information system is the highest hierarchical level, as it controls the
entire job processing procedure. It transfers the technical data from job calculation in the production planning phase and makes the data
available to the production department for presetting bindery machines via JDF. During the joint presentation in Zofingen, a cost
calculation for a saddle stitched product was prepared using the HIFLEX system. A respective job order was then created in the system and
then the data imported into the HIFLEX production planning system.
Machine-relevant data, such as signature size, product thickness, final trim size, staple type and position, run length and page counts of
sections, was transferred to the Muller Martini machine control console and then passed on to the saddle stitcher from there. The
PrimaPlus saddle stitcher model is equipped with the Amrys Automatic Make ReadY System. Therefore, the saddle stitcher can be
set up fully automatically for the product to be processed, using motorized controls.The Muller Martini MM Port serves as a uniform integration platform
for all systems. This integration platform allows direct communication between the management information system (MIS) and the finishing
operation. MM Port transfers JDF data, such as customer name, run length, deadlines and product specifications from the industry
software (MIS system) directly to the finishing systems. The most important data, such as production status of the job, current
production output or copies already proecessed are fed back via MM Port as JMF messages.
With the aid of JDF machine data, the PrimaPlus saddle stitcher at the Muller Martini Open House in Zofingen was set up within three
minutes using data from the HIFLEX system. |
A further highlight of the joint presentation followed after the machine had been started up: the machine status was fed back to the HIFLEX
production control system in real time. The production status, speed, counts produced and waste were all displayed on the HIFLEX system.
This means that schedulers and internal personnel have a clear view of production progress at all times.
HIFLEX has already implemented a large number of MIS systems for prepress and press manufacturers (MAN Roland, KBA, Creo and Agfa
amongst others). 4-stage JDF networking will be possible in practice for the first time thanks to the link to a Muller Martini saddle stitcher
now achieved. "We plan to put such 4-stage networking into practice in the next two months," says Stefan Reichhart, CEO of HIFLEX. "We
already have some initial experience thanks to pilot customers which will enhance the potential for enormous savings. Ultimately, an
operation with conventional processes will have a hard time competing with an operation using JDF workflow."
To illustrate the effect that networked production has on the efficiency of a company, Muller Martini and HIFLEX have recently committed to an
innovative projectby IRD (=Institut fuer rationale Unternehmungsfuehrung in der Druckindustried), whereby IRD,
together with its partners is evaluating the potential savings in fully networked printing houses (using JDF and JMF). |
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The basis for data to be transferred to production are the specifications in the production planning system (PPS = HIFLEX
scheduling as main process computer) of the job sequence in the preliminary input and fine planning stages. The exact description of
the manufacturing process is generated within the framework of the calculation. |
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During the five-day Open House event, approximately 300 visitors who signed in had the opportunity of seeing a live demonstration of
the JDF-networking of the saddle stitcher at the Muller Martini Training Center. Networking can now be demonstrated all the time, as
the systme is on permanent display in the Training Center. |
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Thanks to the real time feedback from the saddle stitcher to the HIFLEX production control system, both schedulers and product specialists
have a clear overview of how far production has progressed at all times. |
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CIP4 is an international consortium for the integration of processes in prepress, press and postpress (CIP4 = The International Cooperation
for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress). The integration of the above-mentioned areas is based technologically
on the Job Definition Format (JDF) and Job Messaging Format (JMF) of CIP4. JDF is based on XML and on already existing solution
segments, such as the Print Production Format (PPF) of CIP3 and Portable Job Ticket Format (PJTF) from Adobe. |
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HIFLEX has been a full member of the CIP4 organization (successor of CIP3) since January 2002 . The company, which has its headquarters
in Aachen, Germany, is the manufacturer of the HIFLEX Print industry software, which displays and supports all the processes in a printing
plant. In this respect, the HIFLEX system covers all relevant functions and tasks: preliminary calculation, quotation, order acknowledgment,
job ticket, shipping ticket, billing, final calculation (verification), statistical analysis, material-based costs, production planning system
(PPS), operating data collection, machine interfaces, dispatch handling and monitoring of order progress. An e-business module as well as a document
management system are also incorporated. HIFLEX GmbH annually reinvests around 50 % of its revenue in research and
development. Its software is in use all over the world and is available in 15 languages. HIFLEX will be at drupa in Dusseldorf on Stand B44, Hall 9. |
Since CIP4 was first started in September 2000, Muller Martini has been a partner member. As the largest manufacturer in the world of
systems for the postpress sector, Muller Martini develops, manufactures and markets equipment for print finishing in printing houses, bookbinderies and newspaper production plants. Variable
size heatset web presses also form part of its product range. A worldwide service organization ensures that all equipment and
systems keep running smoothly.
www.mullermartini.com
Muller Martini will be at drupa in Dusseldorf on Stand A52, Hall 14. |
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