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 The future compatibility of printers largely depends on the quality of the MIS used.
When choosing a Management Information System (MIS), a printing company is usually making a five to six year commitment and should therefore consider
the opportunities that networked production offers. As in the MIS-system technical data and process relevant data are available (through estimate and production control),
the MIS functions as the JDF-controller for the data exchange between the individual departments and systems of a printing company.
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In order to show that the MIS is vital for a sustainable JDF-networking, MIS supplier HIFLEX built a globally unique demonstration center (CIM Center) at its Aachen headquarters.
The CIM Center is used for much more than comprehensive presentations of the market leading HIFLEX MIS software: HIFLEX MIS is linked to prepress, press and postpress systems
from leading suppliers so that the concept of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) can be demonstrated live. |
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In order do demonstrate the possibilities and benefits of a JDF/JMF-based system, the entire workflow (from customer via prepress,
press to postpress) HIFLEX uses its CIM center to show connectivity scenarios from a portfolio of to date twelve systems. The workflows presented are individually adapted
to match the equipment installed at the visiting printer's plant. |
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Today (April 2006), systems from Adobe, Agfa, Esko, KBA, Kodak (Creo), Komori, MAN Roland, MBO, Muller Martini and Screen are already installed at the HIFLEX CIM Center.
They will soon be joined by systems from other leading manufacturers. Furthermore, live links to customers who have networked their Heidelberg presses with HIFLEX are also
shown.
The interaction of JDF-compliant systems can be seen on three parallel screens, graphically visualising the workflow of a networked printing company. HIFLEX MIS not only connects
to each of the above-mentioned systems, but also manages communication between the individual systems in an integrated workflow. This demonstrates the full potential of
vendor-independent multi-way connectivity. Visitors can see how CIP3 data (ink-key settings) from prepress to press can be linked to the JDF data flow or how communication between
order management, the printer's customer and prepress can profit from the JDF technology. (The key being Adobe Acrobat 7's JDF-capability).
Visitors to the HIFLEX CIM Center profit considerably from the availability of the above-mentioned manufacturers' systems. Networking scenarios are adapted to the visiting printer's
configuration, enabling them to see the exact workflow that can be implemented in their plant.
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Three JDF pioneers from Germany, Switzerland and Austria: from left to right: Herbert Preissler from Druckhaus Berlin-Mitte
(first live JDF installation worldwide) , Olivier Neidhart from Neidhart + Schon AG in Zurich (the world's first "three-way" JDF/JMF-connectivity) and Michael Bauer from Bauer
Druck KG in Vienna (first live JDF/JMF installation to postpress). |
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With more than 50 JDF installations completed, HIFLEX MIS is truly a tried and tested system; the number of JDF installations realized by all other MIS suppliers combined does
not equal the number realized by HIFLEX. HIFLEX JDF installations also include many world premieres as well as CIP4 awarded implementations. For example, in February 2003 the
world's first live JDF connection was implemented at Druckhaus Berlin Mitte. In Zurich, HIFLEX realised the world's first three-way JDF connectivity between HIFLEX MIS and the
prepress and press systems at Neidhart + Schon AG in June 2003. In April 2004, there was a further world premiere in Austria when the first JDF connectivity to postpress was
implemented at Bauer Druck KG in Vienna. And in the 2005 CIP4 International Printing Innovation Awards, HIFLEX customers were nominated in all three categories. Bauer Druck
won the category: "Most innovative use of process automation technology", Kraft Druck in Ettlingen won the category "Biggest improvement in efficiency and customer responsiveness",
and JDF-pioneer Druckhaus Berlin Mitte was given an exclusive honourable mention in the third category ("Best cost/benefit realization").
All these live JDF installations, have one thing in common: improved process control due to more transparency and flexibility, equating to huge productivity increases and reductions in expenses.
The connectivity between HIFLEX MIS and leading suppliers' systems can also be seen at several partner facilities. The HIFLEX MIS system is currently installed at 20 demonstration
and research and development facilities, i.e. Agfa (Belgium and USA), Artwork Systems (Belgium), Kodak (France, Belgium, Canada and Hong Kong), Esko (Belgium), Fuji (UK),
Heidelberg (R&D Germany), Komori (Netherlands, UK and USA), KBA (Germany), MAN Roland (Germany and USA), MBO (Germany), Mitsubishi (USA) and
Muller Martini (Switzerland and USA).
These manufacturers have chosen HIFLEX so that they can fully demonstrate their respective JDF-links, or to constantly optimize of their own JDF-capable systems using the most
proven MIS as a test system. |
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HIFLEX customers were nominated in all three categories of the 2005 CIP4 Innovation Awards. They won two awards, and was given an exclusive
honouable mention in the third. As the CIPPI Awards recognize users and vendors of products for both technical innovation and business improvements,
these official awards underline HIFLEX's technological leadership in the area of JDF connectivity and highlight the long-term business benefits of JDF. |
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HIFLEX manufactures the HIFLEX MIS (Management Information System) which models and supports all business processes in the graphic arts industry. The HIFLEX MIS contains
several modules: Office, Factory and eBusiness (Office: Estimate, Order Management, CRM, Materials Logistics, Document Management. Factory: Shop Floor Data Collection and
Production Data Collection (PDC), Scheduling, Shipping, JDF-interfaces. eBusiness: Online PDF Creation, Finished Goods Ordering, Info-Center, Fulfillment, Data Handling,
Online-Proofing).
HIFLEX is the global technology leader and market leader in the area of JDF connectivity and maintains close partnerships with leading manufactures in the graphic arts
industry. HIFLEX is a Networked Graphic Production (NGP) Partner and CIP4 Partner Member. In the 2005 CIP4 International Printing Innovation Awards HIFLEX won in two out of
the three categories and was given an exclusive honourable mention in the third. Today, HIFLEX has conducted more JDF installations than all other MIS vendors combined.
HIFLEX software is in use worldwide and available in 22 languages. HIFLEX reinvests around 30% of its revenue in research and development. www.hiflex.com |
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