Part 1 of 2
Print service providers (PSPs) use digital front ends (DFEs) to streamline workflow for fast and efficient production. Original equipment manufacturer and third-party DFEs interpret information for output and are available for digital production devices.
In part one of this two-part series, we explore the role of DFEs in modern production environments and identify considerations for purchasing DFEs.
Efficient Productivity
DFEs give PSPs the capability to process and automate production workflow while providing the maximum image quality from digital equipment. Functions are grouped into two categories, file and engine facing.
Robert Barbera, senior manager, production solutions division, Canon U.S.A. Business Imaging Solutions Group, says file-facing functions deal with source color profile policies and color management. Engine-facing functions include process control, linearity, calibration, and output resolution. Other functions include hot folders, JDF compliance, multiple RIP capabilities, and variable data processing.
John Henze, marketing VP, EFI Fiery, believes DFEs are the essential bridge between design and desktop publishing to actual print. The software corrects possible print errors like missing fonts, transparencies, poor resolution images, and incorrect crop or bleed marks.
“It is mainly used to drive your press from design to print,” says Kaz Kudo, associate marketing manager, workflow solutions, graphic systems division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. DFEs are built for speed, reliability, and flexibility for operator ease.
Kudo believes DFEs aid the production process with file preparation, cost management, and any type of finishing solution, even for large and grand format presses.
Jim Fuchs, technical marketing manager, OKI Data Americas, Inc., adds that DFEs provide consistency for job preparation. “Print shops have their big units, but can also set up jobs with the same interface and tools—and a minimal learning curve—helping to simplify the processes.”
DFEs automate prepress and finishing steps before and after the press. Its color management and imposition functions via open browser interfaces avoid traditional seat charges. Bob Raus, North America category manager, workflow and partner programs, HP Indigo, says highly automated finishing device setup eliminates the need for reprints while producing the highest quality finished products.
Integrating Successfully
PSPs shopping for DFEs should consider the print shop’s exact needs, integration capabilities, and support for end-to-end automated workflow. Important features may include critical color matching requirements, tool accuracy, and adjustment flexibility.
“DEFs are workflow tools first and foremost; a DFE that unifies B&W and color production workflows, integrates digital and conventional lithographic process control methodologies, and color managed workflows is desirable,” says Barbera.
While DFEs are created for operator ease, usability remains challenging for some PSPs. Barbera suggests graphical user interface designs improve usability and create added efficiency with the addition of wizard-based tools, touchscreen operation, and separating job tasks into logical groupings.
But not all DFEs include the same offerings. A large challenge for DFE implementation is that vendors either don’t offer or charge extra for APIs to integrate the DFE and press into existing workflows, says Raus. PSPs should consider DFEs with free, open, and fully supported APIs—some of which are directly downloaded from the developer’s website.
To ensure the best DFE is selected, Raus suggests PSPs time test a set of typical and challenging files to understand the DFEs performance. PSPs may compare RIP times based on print file composition.
According to Kudo, some software developers keep up with the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine versions so that all programs are up to date. He advises print providers to ensure DFEs are functional and fit the configuration of all the presses being utilized. DFE issues originate from the original prepress design where files are not organized correctly to print. Most files are then adjusted and prepped on the DFE.
Business requirements like the affordability of engine idle times, managing files, and other tasks should be considered before purchasing. “Look at your workflow. What is manual and what can be automated?” asks Henze.
DFEs should handle the shop’s future business as well. “A bare-bones DFE that might have come with a new press may save money up front, but will keep you from reaching your full production potential with a digital press, and will likely cost you much more over time,” he cautions.
Fuchs agrees, adding that it’s important for DFEs to offer tools and features aimed at expanding a print business’ service offerings. “Consider the advantages gained by having a common DFE interface across most, if not all-digital printing equipment.”
DFEs supporting the newest capabilities from print engines promote faster speeds, higher print resolutions, increased colors, and shorter and more personalized jobs. Henze says that as digital print opportunities continue to expand, there is an ever-increasing demand on DFEs. “The rate of technology is faster than ever before and it will be difficult for many companies to keep up,” he concludes.
Digital Front Ends
DFEs offer several benefits to support file- and engine-facing functions. It’s important that PSPs consider which DFE functions best suit the shop and its future aspirations.
In part two of this two-part series, we highlight the latest DFEs targeting digital production environments.
Click here to read part two of this exclusive online series, Digital Front Ends Roundup
Apr2017, DPS Magazine
