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Prinect – the Print Shop Workflow with new functions

Prinect - the Print Shop Workflow from Heidelberg - has revolutionized process management in print shops. With Prinect, Heidelberg offers a modular print shop workflow that handles all management and production data centrally and ensures it is available whenever and wherever it is needed. The policy is to quickly integrate new requirements into the Prinect range of functions.

Heidelberg therefore ensures ongoing development of Prinect hardware and software modules with a clear goal in mind: "We want to open up new business opportunities for our customers and boost their profitability by making their print shop processes more efficient," says Christopher Berti, Head of Product Management for Prinect and CtP.

Since drupa 2008, all parts of the print shop - from management to prepress, press, and postpress -have been fully integrated in the Prinect print shop workflow.

Get Prinected! - Highlights of the 2009 version 

The electronic planning board for optimized print production (Prinect Scheduler)

The Scheduler is available as an optional module with Prinect Integration Manager and includes key functions to help the print shop's material planner. These functions make machine scheduling far faster, much more precise, and considerably more efficient. Prinect Integration Manager automatically provides the Scheduler with all the job data it needs, direct from the JDF job memory. The Scheduler's planning results are automatically forwarded to all connected machines, Prinect Cockpits, and Prinect Data Terminals.

Production feedback (for example on the status of printing processes and counter readings) is sent to the Scheduler and displayed. This enables the operator to see immediately whether production is running to schedule or is subject to delays and/or other problems. This information is also displayed at every Prinect Cockpit in the entire print shop and is available at all times.

The Prinect Scheduler electronic planning board reduces the time required for planning by 5 to 10 hours per week and maximizes capacity utilization. Time-consuming manual processes that needed to be performed by experts are now a thing of the past!
A detailed description of the Prinect Scheduler will be provided in a future issue.

Organize and optimize your postpress operations (Prinect Postpress Manager)
Prinect Postpress Manager ensures centralized management and control of postpress processes, thereby providing a link between the postpress machines' control systems and the Prinect workflow.

This workflow automatically sends job data that has been formulated in an industry software package, such as Prinect Prinance, to the relevant postpress machine.

Postpress is similar to the pressroom in that a differentiation is made between an online link and the offline "Data Terminal Postpress" link (with or without counter box). With the latter, older postpress machines, machines of other manufacturers and workstations for manual acquisition of production data can be integrated in the Prinect workflow.

The latest generation of postpress machines are designed to exchange information with Prinect Postpress Manager in real time (online link).

The operator automatically receives a list of operations for his machine from Prinect Postpress Manager. Before a particular operation starts, he can obtain further administrative data such as the customer details and run length. This facilitates preparations for production because the operator can prepare for subsequent jobs while the current one is still under way.

Production data relating to any order can be recorded manually. The details that were previously written on daily job slips can now be completed on the fly, for example staggering of jobs and operations, staff messages (machine operator and assistants), and explanations of downtimes during production (for example due to insufficient material).
The machine provides continuous feedback by informing Prinect Postpress Manager of the progress in production by means of job counts and speeds. It thus helps ensure that all data required is recorded. The volumes produced (waste and OK sheets) are assigned to the respective operations, without the operator having to make any further entries.

With Prinect Postpress Manager, you are always aware of the location and status of all part jobs. Your operators know which jobs are to be processed next and how, and feedback in Prinect Postpress Manager enables the effectiveness of your postpress operations to be analyzed with a click of the mouse. As a result, Prinect Postpress Manager organizes your postpress operations.

Planning results from the Scheduler are also transferred automatically to all connected machines, Prinect Cockpits, and Prinect Data Terminals.

Prinect Postpress Manager is a client-server system that requires an industry software link (preferably Prinect Prinance), Prinect Pressroom Manager, and Prinect Integration Manager.

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The new packaging module "Packaging Pro" enables complete sheets to be prepared for output based on all popular CAD data formats. 3D animations facilitate immediate checking of work in progress and provide views of the finished end product, while data for presetting postpress machines helps cut make-ready times and waste.

Jobs involving the production of versioned publications can be processed with much greater speed and flexibility. Any number of layers can be combined into language versions when a job starts and can be used throughout processing without needing to give further consideration to the individual layers.

Reduce consumption costs and combine different jobs for several customers on a single print sheet. The much more flexible handling now allows you to define customized job data for each job and to assign dynamic marks on a mixed form.
Avoid errors and thus unnecessary costs when outputting large jobs thanks to the new output assistant. Targeted selection of print sheets, colors, layers, etc. can be performed quickly and easily.

Major cost savings are made possible by a new function for proof output. Color marks can be output in the proof in the ProofColor using a placeholder with reduced area coverage, which means that much less ink is consumed. This is particularly noticeable with large ink pick-up fields.

The new Prinect Signa Station now also supports output on large-format platesetters for the new Speedmaster XL 145 and Speedmaster XL 162 presses.

Please note: Prinect Signa Station version 4.5 and later will no longer support the Delta list workflow!

The RIP for maximum productivity in the PDF workflow (Prinect MetaDimension version 7.5 and Prinect MetaShooter version 4.5)

A range of functions in Prinect MetaDimension version 7.5.1 and Prinect MetaShooter version 4.5.1 have been extended, enhanced, and updated. The key innovations are as follows:

  • Adobe PDF Print Engine: Prinect MetaDimension version 7.5.1 is supplied with the new version 2.0 of Adobe PDF Print Engine. A number of small improvements make this version more stable overall than version 1. For certain tasks, the improvements also result in even shorter process times. This applies in particular to the step and repeat function, which has now become much faster.
  • The CPSI interpreter has been updated to the latest version (3018). This version supports the latest PDF version (1.7), which means that PDF documents of the latest generation can also be processed using conventional CPSI technology. As before, however, only Adobe PDF Print Engine fully supports transparencies.
  • ColorProof Pro is compatible with the latest models of leading manufacturers:
    • Epson: Units in the x900 series are supported. To extend the color space, they print with orange and green in addition to CMYK. ColorProof Pro supports this multi-color color space, making the Epson x900 series the proofers of choice for users who often need to simulate a large number of spot colors with maximum color fidelity in the proof. The optional integrated spectrophotometer is supported for printer calibration direct from ColorProof Pro. The measurement of a media wedge for proof approval is not yet supported by the current version, but this is planned for the next version.
    • HP: The Z3200 proofer is supported to a limited extent. It can be operated as a proofer in CMYK mode, but its multi-color function is not supported. For good proof results, we recommend using the Z2100 or Z6100 from the HP product portfolio.
    • Canon: The new iPFx100 proofers are supported to a limited extent. They can be operated in CMYK mode, but the multi-color function is not supported.
    • More recent proofers from all manufacturers produce a color space that fully complies with the "ISOcoated" standard for commercial printing in CMYK mode. Simulation of spot colors is also very accurate for the most part. Only for extreme requirements relating to the reproduction of spot colors may it be necessary to use a multi-color proofer. We recommend the Epson x900 models for such cases. This is the only series of models for which we support the multi-color function.
Calibration functionality: The calibration function supports multi-color systems such as hexachrome (CMYKOG) and HiFi color (CMYKRGB) as independent process color spaces. As a result, such process calibrations can now be combined as for a conventional CMYK process. This facilitates operation and maintains an overview of calibration curve management.

Prinect MetaShooter:

  • It is now much easier than before to manage the individual separations for a job in the output queue. The detailed view of a job with the individual separations can be expanded and collapsed.
  • Plates can be post-imaged with a simple click of the mouse.
  • Urgently required plates are immediately put at the front of the queue with top priority and imaged straight away by the Suprasetter. This prioritization also applies to plates that are requested directly from the Prinect CP2000 Center or Prinect Press Center console using the "Plate-on-Demand" function.
  • Prinect MetaShooter now has a function for exporting TIFF-B files. This function is also ideal for manual archiving of TIFF-B files on an external data medium.
Options that further boost your productivity:

Paper stretch compensation
Many printing materials tend to stretch as they pass through the machine, making optimum register accuracy more difficult to achieve. The paper stretch compensation option ensures absolute register accuracy without time-consuming distortions on the plate or other manual devices on the machine. It helps save valuable machine time and reduce the amount of waste.

Prinect Screening Editor
Special screen systems are needed for specific applications such as lenticular or multi-color printing. This tool enables users to create customized screen systems with optimized features geared to the relevant application. There are two options - one for lenticular and one for multi-color screen systems.

The perfect combination of prepress, press, and postpress (Prinect Prepress Interface version 4.5)
For the first time, it is now possible to send color presettings to sheetfed offset presses of other manufacturers such as manroland, KBA, Komori, and Ryobi. Goss web offset presses can also be connected.

In addition, Prinect Prepress Interface version 4.5 offers enhanced job processing functions such as automatic adjustment of perfecting jobs. Completed jobs are now deleted automatically. A job can also be processed again in Prinect Prepress Interface with a single click of the mouse.

Customers can install the Prinect Prepress Interface 4.5 upgrade on existing V4.x installations themselves, without Heidelberg Service needing to be present. The SSU service team is, of course, always available to talk customers through the installation process over the phone.

Prinect Prepress Interface is now also available in Korean. Further languages have been integrated for the online help.
 
The new software suite from Heidelberg for processing PDF documents (Prinect PDF Toolbox version 4, comprising the following Adobe Acrobat plug-ins):
Powerful analytical and correction functions have been added to the "PDF Report" tool, which forms part of the PDF Assistant, turning it into a sophisticated preflight tool. Because it has been almost completely redeveloped and geared specifically to print shop requirements, there is absolutely no need for additional PDF checking tools.

If you have a use for all the PDF tools, you can obtain a license for the complete Prinect PDF Toolbox. This gives you access to the full range of functions.

Heidelberg has an effective entry-level impositioning program for the 50 x 70 cm format that will be familiar from Prinect MetaDimension 52i - Prinect Imposition Editor.

If you are looking for a cost-effective solution to automate your routine Normalizer, preflight, color adjustment, and trapping operations, simply upgrade from the Prinect PDF Toolbox to Prinect Prepress Manager P, which is an entry-level Prinect solution. This page-oriented Prinect module automates PDF data preparation and processing of the individual pages but has no layout or output functions.

Efficient production starts at the prepress stage (Prinect Prepress Manager 4.5)
The Prinect Prepress Manager (formerly Prinect Printready System) offers enormous time savings by its control and automation functionalities for all prepress processes. The new version 4.5 delivers more time and material saving functionalities that come from Prinect Prepress Manager itself as well as from the integration with the new Prinect software versions of the modules: Prinect Signa Station 4.5, Prinect Remote Access 4.5, Prinect Archive System 2.5, Prinect Content System 1.5, Prinect PDF Toolbox 4, Prinect Integration Manager 4.5 and Prinect Pressroom Manager 4.5). 

The new key features of Prinect Prepress Manager 4.5 are:

  • Further improvement of the great new Versioning Option introduced with Prinect Prepress Manager 4.0. It offers cost-effective, safe and highly automated handling of versioned jobs in prepress (different languages or regional versions with (ideally) only Black color plate changes). That includes automated input file splitting into base and versioned content, comparative version checks preventing production errors as well as facile and safe proof and plate making mechanisms.
  • The Prinect Cockpit now being better than ever. It offers efficient new filtering and sorting mechanisms for better production overview. Many changes based on customer feedback make it a lot  faster and convenient to use: This is a noticeable improvement for everyday work, especially when processing large jobs.
  • The new Preflighter Advanced from Heidelberg - a new dimension for print relevant PDF preflighting: Quick, comprehensive and easy to use with a clearly laid out parameter set and preflight reports directly leading to and highlighting the "troublemakers".
  • A new Coating Option for "on-the-fly" coating plate generation is available.
  • A dedicated plate approval step is now possible, with only the presetting data for approved plates being sent to the press.
  • Customized DeviceLink profiles of the Prinect Color Toolbox can be integrated into the automated workflow and make ink saving color conversions in there.
  • Customers with high throughput demands can use Windows 2008 64Bit Server Operating System.
Prinect Prepress Manager 4.5 also offers enhanced functionality for BookletProof, repeat job handling, and the color control strip workflow. We have once more reduced the installation times.
 

Making optimum organization and archiving of print job data child's play (Prinect Archive System and Prinect Content System)
It is quick and easy to find and retrieve repeat jobs with a reference to the archived job.
The DVD robot support in Prinect Archive System enables DVDs to be burned and printed automatically.

"Old" Mac files are now supported for transparent copying and moving between AFP and SMB volumes. The system works with the "ExtremeZ-IP" AFP server to convert files and file names from Mac OS to Windows OS and vice versa.

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The new Signa Planner included from Prinect Prinance version 4.7 offers the option of specifying production details other than the usual costing data during order entry. With the help of the Signa Planner, it is now possible for the person dealing with the job to prepare a planning sheet ready for production (including the number and order of fold sheets) and forward it to production for impositioning with Prinect Signa Station (from version 4.5.10).

The information and control center for all processes (Prinect Integration Manager and Prinect Pressroom Manager)

Prinect Integration Manager is the control center for the entire production operation. All production data is stored centrally in Prinect  - in the JDF job memory and the master data memory. This unique concept enables integrated production in a system that covers prepress, press, postpress, and the link to the management information system.

The core functions of Prinect Pressroom Manager include delivering all job data for the press - including format, printing stock thickness, and color presetting data - and production analysis.  

The following is new to both Prinect Integration Manager and Prinect Pressroom Manager:
  • Upgrade of the Analyze Point tracking and reporting tool with long-term statistics, the Productivity Monitor, and quality reports.
The new functions make production much more transparent.

Analyze Point version 4.5 offers production evaluations as a basis for sound decisions. New functions include long-term statistics (comprehensive counter data for each connected machine, with annual, monthly, and daily figures / analysis of the waste to ok sheet ratio in percent), quality reports that can be used to evaluate the quality data from Prinect Image Control in job reports, and the Productivity Monitor. This provides key data on time, speed, and quality compared with an ideal production scenario and indicates the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), i.e. the press productivity. Potential for improvement can be identified at a glance, and the success of optimization measures already implemented is easy to check.

Prinect Postpress Manager
See "Highlights"

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Online Customer Connection
The Internet portal for the Prinect production workflow (Prinect Remote Access)
Prejob handling has been enhanced with a search function when uploading files. Job-independent uploading/downloading of files to/from customer-specific locations is now possible. Pages can be replaced interactively using the Page List Handling function. Job tracking has also been optimized. Job details can be displayed for customers on a selective basis. Trim boxes are now visible on the soft proof, which can be printed with comments.

Process optimization through direct customer connection (Prinect Direct Access option of Prinect Prinance)
An "Open Web shop" supports requests requiring a quick response and enables simple and straightforward order processing, including payment by credit card. This provides access to an even larger customer base that can order products from the Web shop.

Combination of Prinect Remote Access and Prinect Direct Access
The combination of Prinect Remote Access and Prinect Direct Access makes it possible to receive not only online requests from customers, but also - thanks to Prinect Remote Access - the actual layout data in good time for forwarding to production. It is thus possible to check in advance that the layout data actually sent is as specified in the job request. It is not uncommon for the customer to request a quotation for a four-color job but then to place an order for a five-color job. The quotation would then no longer be correct. This discrepancy can now be spotted before the order is accepted because Prinect checks that all key parameters tally. If both products are installed, there is now just a single login. This was not the case with previous versions.

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Color and Quality

Tools for perfect color management (Prinect Color Toolbox version 3.5)
The correct reproduction of gray values is a key quality criterion in printing. Until now, printers have mainly used visual checks to achieve the correct gray balance by changing the thicknesses of the ink layers for solid tints during setup. However, this can result in unwanted changes to all tonal values that are difficult to manage and also create new color deviations. The additional corrections required increase the amount of paper waste and result in longer makeready times.

The new "gray balance optimization" function of the Prinect Color Toolbox now offers a solution. The correct gray balance can be achieved during platesetting thanks to precise process calibration. With this method, the operator prints a test form after the printing plates have been linearized and calibrates this to generate the necessary measurement data. Data records can be derived from these colorimetric measurements and the reference printing conditions to enable precise process calibration.

With its Profile Tool, Calibration Tool, and Quality Monitor modules, the Prinect Color Toolbox also enables simple, continuous monitoring of the printing process.

The spectrophotometric inline measuring system for maximum productivity (Prinect Inpress Control)
This system is now available for the Speedmaster XL 145 and Speedmaster XL 162. It measures the color control strip spectrophotometrically in the press and does so on the fly.

Color measurement and control in the quality control strip (Prinect Axis Control)
Prinect Axis Control is now available for the 35 x 50 cm format.

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