Next generation networking technology interpretation (2)

After the customer service representative enters the job information, the software can obtain the original job data and automatically send the ink key file to the Komori press. A JPEG image preview of the job is also attached. This image preview is for the printer to confirm that the printed job is the same as the job in the ink key file. Since the K-Station is based on JDF, production information can be reported to the MIS of the printing plant via JMF.

Komori's K-Station software has been tested by Printcafe Software, and its JDF functionality is available today. Komori is now working with other companies that develop MIS to communicate with these companies' MIS systems.

At this year's Drupa exhibition, I believe we can see more powerful K-Station software. One of the functions is to automatically find the right ink key for the job and attach it to the digital work order - no workers need to stick a printed ink key file on the work order - and send it directly to the printer.

Mitsubishi Colorlink, KBA Logotronic

The networking technology of some other equipment manufacturers is also remarkable.

Mitsubishi integrated its presses with other Mitsubishi control modules. For example, the Joblink production tool allows users to input job production data, network multiple printers, and schedule jobs to be sent to various printers. It is reported that the system can read the information on the printer's electronic device, such as how long it takes to print a batch of jobs, whether the press is cleaning, and so on.

Mitsubishi's other electronic printer control system, Colorlink, is compatible with CIP3 and can perform closed-end color management. Because Colorlink works like a PPF converter, it can process prepress data from a CIP3-compliant front-end system, allowing workers to pre-set adjustments for ink control, register control, and color parameters before printing. The real-time production data can be downloaded to the standard MIS system for the purpose of appraisal, invoice development, calculation of costs, scheduling, etc., and business-related work. The server can connect up to 5 Mitsubishi presses.

Mitsubishi is working with other companies so that its presses and consoles can be connected to third-party prepress and postpress systems. According to the company, this year's results can be seen at Drupa.

KBA recently launched its Logotronic Professional system. This is a computer-integrated data exchange system suitable for sheet-fed and rotary printers. At the heart of Logotronic Professional is an integrated web server - a powerful PC, database, software and web server - that exchanges data between independent components within the printing house. According to reports, this allows all systems, including printer consoles, CTP systems, plate scanners and existing MIS systems to be networked. This is a key part of KBA's standard automation system. KBA's automation system is called OPERA (Open Ergonomics Automation System). The Logotronic Professional server is compatible with CIP3PPF and can be connected to all KBA printers as well as to other printers.

Creo Network Printing

Among prepress equipment manufacturers, Creo picked up the banner of “networking” and launched a “network printing” project. This project first appeared on Print 01. Although networked printing is a registered trademark of Creo, it has become a common goal of many manufacturers. The "ambition" of this project is not small, not only to achieve networking in the printing plant, but also to establish a set of collaboration mechanisms among printing factories, printing house customers, and manuscript producers to expand the production workflow to the client.

Christine Krause, product manager of Creo Workflow, said: "The printing factory is increasingly demanding the automation of workflows. Of course, hardware is the primary condition, and software is the soul of these automations. Network printing can involve every One person, such as a designer, CFO, printer, and binder, collaborates."

Krause also said: "The key to networked printing is that it is an open standard, information can flow smoothly from one point to another. Its research and development partners are also committed to developing open standards when you use any module in the system, It can drive all modules. Today, there are already some very good products in networked printing."

"Network Printing" Status

Now, companies joining Creo Network Printing include Adobe, Printcafe, Xerox, Prism, Komori and KBA. According to reliable sources, Manroland will soon formally join the organization.

In this concept of networked printing, Creo emphasizes its Synapse series of software. The Synapse InSite software is an Internet portal that allows customers to submit jobs through the printer's secure network connection. Afterwards, jobs are automatically processed by the Prinergy or Brisque workflow management system, and proofing can be performed immediately. Synapse link software exchanges production data and job status information in prepress workflow system and MIS system through JDF. It is reported that this MIS integration software can quickly use production data, such as prepress workflow behavior, material usage, machine runtime, and content modification. Both the Printcafe and Prism JDF interfaces incorporate Synapse link software.

Adobe's PDF workflow works with Synapse Prepare software, allowing users to create print-ready PDF files that meet the printer's requirements. Adobe's PDF products can also work with Prinergy workflow management systems. The Prinergy workflow version is 2.2, which was introduced after Creo's joint venture with Heidelberg. It is said to be more functional and can support JDF.

Xerox's focus is on linking offset and digital printing workflows. At the "Print on Demand Show" held in New York in the spring of 2003, Creo and Xerox jointly exhibited the Creo Spire color server. The server can drive several Xerox DocuColor presses through Xerox's DigiPath production software. DigiPath software has scanning, processing, saving, online communication and other functions.

Small printers respond to strategies

Prinergy and Synapse are expensive, and only large printers can use it. For SMEs, are there alternatives?

The answer is "yes." The Rapid Impressions printing plant has assets of only 4 million US dollars, 25 employees, and only one Roland 700 press. According to Vice President Jim Kosowski, the printer's PECOM modules (Prepresslink, JobPilot and PressMonitor) have been able to create an efficient production environment. The factory's prepress and printing departments are closely integrated with this system.

But networking doesn't necessarily fit all printers. Kosowski said: "If the factory only has a 40-inch sheetfed press, is network printing still applicable? Not necessarily. Some small-scale printers don't even have a MIS system."

Mauro of Heidelberg also agreed with this view: "If printers do not require high automation in their presses, then they don't need JDF. If they feel that the existing workflow is good enough, they do not need to be networked." It is pointed out that as the printing plant expands, the ability to invest in new equipment will increase. "We recommend buying JDF-compatible equipment first, and then selecting the right components from different equipment vendors to customize the printing plant's own networked printing environment."

CIM is not the end <br> <br> fact that until now, the manufacturers claim that the whole network adapters have not actually achieved. "Everyone has a misunderstanding about JDF and thinks it is "plug and play."" Hudmon said, "In fact, manufacturers are still testing whether their products can work together. In addition, the industry also needs to wait for the products of other companies. A print shop purchased the JDF workflow but could not connect to the terminal of the MIS system."

Many MIS manufacturers cooperate more or less with the PrintTalk Alliance to connect MIS systems to third-party e-commerce systems. PrintTalk is a non-profit organization whose members are mainly suppliers of MIS and e-commerce, and are mainly standards for creating communications between data in e-commerce software and business management systems. Printcafe uses its own PCX JDF interface connection tool to integrate e-commerce/MIS, while other vendors also have their own tools.

Some scholars have pointed out that the printing factory must survive and eventually become a networked printing factory. "Please note that CIM will not end at the end of printing, nor will it end after printing." Mauro of Heidelberger said, "Now, printing companies face fierce competition from different media, so many printers have begun to transform and become An integrated service provider, printing is only part of their job."

"For example, after a printer prints tens of thousands of manuals for a company, the company may also ask for additional gifts in the prints and then package them. The company does not want to move these prints into its warehouse. They hope that The printing house stores these prints and sends 1,000 copies to the company's different customers each month."

Mauro concludes: "Printing is only part of the services provided by the printing company and is part of the CIM system. - The printing company must properly manage the inventory, the postal system, etc. The role of the printing factory in the future is immeasurable.