CIP4 and Prinect

Standardized data formats like PPF (Print Production Format) and JDF (Job Definition Format) facilitate new business opportunities for all individuals and companies involved in the process of creating, managing, producing and distributing published documents. With Prinect, Heidelberg is introducing a complete workflow system for the print media industry according to the standards provided by CIP4. At Print '01 in Chicago, Heidelberg - for the first time in the industry - integrated the complete process from start to finish. This means both aspects of workflow - the business side as well as the production side; the entire range from estimate to invoice, prepress to shipping.

CIP4 brings together vendors, consultants, and end-users in the print communications, graphic arts industry, and associated sectors, covering a variety of equipment, software, peripherals, and processes. Members participate in focused working groups to define the Job Definition Format (JDF), PrintTalk, and other standards relevant to process automation; to study user requirements; to test product interoperability; and to develop a range of JDF software development tools. Information on CIP4, including membership details, is available from the organization's website .