Olivia Cahoon
Part four of four
As digital print technology continues to gain ground in various markets of the overall print industry, print providers of all shapes and sizes look to software and workflow tools for efficiency and profitability.
At the recent Graph Expo trade show, which took place in Orlando, FL from September 25 to 28, 2016, many software vendors demonstrated offerings targeting digital print environments.
Aleyant
Aleyant launched the PrintJobManager, a cloud-based MIS/ERP software solution, that can be accessed on all types of mobile and non-mobile devices. It integrates Aleyant’s Pressero Web to print system so that users have all of their data in one place. It’s designed for small- and mid-size print shops as a robust shop collection tool but at a lesser cost and operation complexity.
Avanti
Avanti unveiled the latest version of Avanti Slingshot, a JDF-certified, cloud-based Print MIS that provides integration with HP PrintOS. Additionally, Avanti’s new Point-of-Sale module enables users to spend more time servicing customers and less time reconciling transactions with fast order entry, invoice generation, and real-time point of sale reporting.
Canon
Canon featured the PRISMA Suite workflow that optimizes print production from job submission to completion and drives print operations and new applications. The PRISMAproduction Server acts as a single workflow and output management system for transpromo and graphic arts environments with a unified platform.
The centralized printer management can be used for one or for several printers. The workflow has a java based Graphical User Interface for local and remote access and can be used with a variety of printers from Canon and other vendors.
CHILI publish
CHILI Publish showcased CHILI rendro, a new PDF rendering solution that improves the approval process. It targets the PDF standard format to ensure that PDFs represent what the creator intended.
The program features meticulous rendering, streaming, and a 3D viewing module of PDF onto any platform that supports the HTML5 canvas. CHILI rendro eliminates barriers so that files can be quickly approved, collaborated, and edited.
The company also shared with attendees the details regarding its partnership with Enfocus. They will create an add-on module for Enfocus Switch, the Switch PDF Review Module. It is an HTML5 browser based PDF approval tool that combines the PDF inspect features of Enfocus technology with the flexibility of the browser.
EFI
EFI’s Fiery Color Profiler Suite was demonstrated as the first completed color management toolset to achieve G7 system certification from IDEAlliance. The re-calibration is twice as fast on digital printers and eliminates error manual loading and entry of correction values.
The company’s Digital Marketing Automation Platform approaches marketing management platforms and includes EFI Digital StoreFront web-to-print technology, EFI DirectSmile cross media marketing, and SmartCanvas integration technologies. Buyers can see the analytics of their campaigns at any time and printing companies can move jobs through the shop using the Digital Marketing Automation Platform’s information sharing tools.
The company also introduced an MIS and eCommerce cloud platform, the Quick Print Suite, and the Corrugated Packaging Suite that features an advanced core Manufacturing Execution System for board production management.
Marketing Ideas for Printers
Marketing Ideas for Pritners previewed Odyssey, it’s new Print MIS designed to end printers’ double-entry dilemma and to encompass Web to print and marketing. Entries made on the website form are automatically updated on the MIS and any changes made in the MIS are automatically reflected for the print buyer.
The company’s mission for Odyssey is to help printers sell more printing and eliminate the double-entry process while providing value during the print buying cycle.
PressWise
PressWise, a product of SmartSoft, demonstrated new kitting functionality that allows jobs with multiple components to form a single product within the program for simplicity. It also tracks orders better with Purchase Orders for outsider services.
The standalone QuickBooks Connector gives greater visibility about the information flowing from PressWise into QuickBooks. The New Customer Reports also provide greater insight into the business using Customer Aging Reports. Other enhancements include the Sales Tax Flexibility feature and the Multi-Ship Functionality.
Prinova
Prinova highlighted its Messagepoint Production Partner Program created for marketing and application service providers, and business process outsourcers. The Prinova Production Program allows service providers to resell Messagepoint to customers to allow real-time proofing and self-service content.
The program can be offered as a managed service and provides integrated workflow and approvals. It is a full multi-tenant solution with service provider administration. The Messagepoint Production Partner Program involves two options, the Downstream Customer model and the Managed Services model.
Downstream Customer allows 100 percent real-time proofing and self-management of content. Managed Services permits partner teams to handle content on their client’s behalf while allowing approvals and proofing from customers.
Printware
Printware debuted the most advanced release of the iJetColor 4.0 Press and workflow. It runs the latest iJetColor RIP and workflow based on the Navigator Harlequin RIP Version 11 and ships with a production-ready CPU and system print driver. Together they improve productivity and speed by delivering critical customer improvements.
Using the Brand Color Editing feature brand colors are specifically defined for CMYK reproduction. It is compatible with Windows 10 and uses image-heavy work to provide significant speed improvements. The RIP is also capable of jobs with heavy use of live PDF transparencies and large page numbered PDFs where ranges are printed on a single request.
The upgrades for existing iJetColor 3.0 users will begin shipping in October and are available from Printware.
Rochester Software Technologies
RSA demonstrated its updated prepress suite, ReadyPrint 2.0. It is a prepress solution designed to simplify and automate workflows by enabling printers and in-plants to use one tool for the entire shop. The program sends jobs directly to production printers.
ReadyPrint also includes ReadyPrint Pro to add prepress automation and multiple document assembly capabilities. It also serves to improve Web to print and job management workflows with integration with RSA’s WebCRD and QDirect.
XMPie, a Xerox Company
XMPie announced its new capability to connect with eProcurement systems through PunchOut2Go gateway, eProcurement. The gateway provides easier access to Web to print storefronts with buyers that use eProcurement applications like Ariba, SciQuest, Coupa, SAP, and Oracle.
The integration allows PSPs to offer their XMPie-based VDP and cross media services through a company’s procurement system. The gateway buyers can personalize and customize products in a uStore and their shopping cart and order data will be securely synchronized with their eProcurement system.
Tools for Success
Digital print providers rely on software tools to remain competitive and productive. For more information on Graph Expo 2016, look to the November issue of DPS Magazine. dps
Sept2016, DPS Magazine
