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JDF/JMF connections between HIFLEX and prepress activities make possible automation right up to
printing plate exposure. Most importantly, quotations are produced automatically and in the framework
of the estimate and at job acceptance are forwarded by JDF to the prepress area. JMF feedback from
prepress production flows transparently and reliably into a back-end cost estimate for ongoing and
accurate cost bookings from prepress that are usually lost in the shuffle.
HIFLEX supports a full and bi-directional connection to all important prepress systems.
When the order is recorded in HIFLEX MIS, the automatic order attachment, including the JDF
StrippingParams, flows to the prepress system. HIFLEX MIS sends the prepress system business
related order parameters (such as order number, name, address, contact) and other, technical
data relating to the order (job segments such as cover/content, print-sheet layout,
number of pages, color, JDF StrippingParams) - all though JDF. |
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The prepress monitor shows JDF/JMF reports from prepress in the HIFLEX Order Book. Displayed are:
page status (e.g. "Approval requested" or "Approval not required") with preview of the
original PDFs as well as manufacturing and release processes (e.g. author corrections and
originator-related in-house corrections) and the relevant materials used. |
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In the opposite direction, HIFLEX MIS receives running feedback via JMF during production. This includes
notification about finish and output processes, notices such as "Data loaded," "Approval requested,"
"Waiting for correction," "Proof made," "Plate exposed," etc., as well as
continuously accruing materials use (plates and proofs by cost center). Further, up-to-the-minute
job status in prepress can be displayed in HIFLEX, including a preview of the original PDF files.
Error costs (author corrections, printer's errors, etc.) can be entered by cause category directly
on the order. And since the back-end data is available reliably, no added costs fall through the cracks at invoicing.
Even print buyers are drawn into automated order processing. With HIFLEX, the customer can upload their
order-specific print data directly using a web-browser. A preflight check of submitted data can be
integrated into the procedure. Further, customer portals (such as Kodak InSite or Agfa :Delano) can be
embedded in the workflow through JDF/JMF for bi-directional data exchange.
Plate status is available minute-to-minute in the Scheduling. Additionally, on plate exposure, the PPF
color profiles are reported back to the planning board in HIFLEX MIS. The system converts these to JDF
format and sends them, with the pre-set machine values, ahead to the press room. The printers at the
connected presses thus receive all data for machine adjustments from one source. This innovative and
unique functionality in HIFLEX MIS creates, for the first time, a complete CIP4 workflow between the
prepress operation and the press room. This is what was recognized and awarded by the CIP4 Innovation Award.
When the order is closed within HIFLEX, archiving of order data in prepress can be initiated through JDF.
For repeat orders, release of re-archived, original data can be accomplished automatically.
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