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Thanks to forward planning, the HIFLEX Scheduling allows optimal capacity utilization. With increasing
transparency, production processes remain flexible at every point in time. In a networked workflow,
the HIFLEX Scheduling functions as a JDF controller.
From the time of order placement the CSR (customer service representative) can open the order window to
the scheduling component in order to include production-related deadlines (such as ok to print,
data-delivery, or approval of printing data). In so doing, the CSR prepares the deadlines for
the scheduler.
HIFLEX Scheduling is the module that optimizes production and manages deadlines. Shift tables are integrated
into the schedule to allow both day and shift planning. Short-term shift exceptions can be defined to allow
for down time or extra shifts. Production times for all sheets and signatures are transferred from the
HIFLEX Estimate module to the scheduling program. The entire network structure with all dependencies
is imported. This allows jobs to be distributed across several machines at the sheet or signature level.
Technical and customer-defined attributes such as degree of difficulty, status of proof approvals, etc.,
lead to better planning and increased clarity. |
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Screenshot of HIFLEX Scheduling with schedule of order sequence as well as display of JMF feedback
from production and print sheet preview (top right). In the graphic capacity overview all dependencies
of an order's production processes can be indicated with arrows. |
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Display of product and process structure as well as the CIP3/PPF-color profiles which are reported
back to HIFLEX by prepress upon plate imaging. HIFLEX converts these to JDF and forwards them to
the printing machine together with the complete pre-set data shortly before production starts
(See "Integration with Prepress"). |
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Processes can be logically interconnected and presented in a graphical tree. All partial production
steps at any cost center are assigned an earliest starting and latest ending deadline. Between these
time parameters, the HIFLEX Scheduling independently plans the work on a minute-to-minute basis and
finds the optimal production schedule. Critical dates are displayed in user-definable colors.
Apart from automatic planning, the scheduler can manually adjust priorities and assign fixed times
and dates to any item in the schedule. The HIFLEX Scheduling provides a graphical overview of
capacity across all scheduled cost centers and is available to the scheduling manager and all
pertinent users. The digital planning board (HIFLEX Scheduling) shows the interdependencies of
the production process for an order can be displayed with the cursor.
Additionally, once the plates have been produced, a tiled display provides the materials planner
with a preview of the print sheet. On plate exposure, the CIP3 (PPF) data from the prepress process
is transmitted to HIFLEX and converted to CIP4 (JDF). (See
"Integration with Prepress")
In a networked workflow, the HIFLEX Scheduling system also functions as a JDF controller (lead processor).
As soon as the job is ready for print, the production planner sends the business and technical job data,
together with the converted color profiles, via JDF to the connected presses. (See
"Integration with Press Room"). |
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