Heidelberg Integrates Management Information Systems from Some 20 Providers into the Prinect Workflow via JDF

• Since 2004, all linkups are based on the CIP4 JDF/JMF standard
• More than 1,500 Heidelberg presses are enabled for data communication with MI systems
• More than 6,000 print shops already network their prepress operations with their Heidelberg presses

In the last two years, a large number of print shops have requested that Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) connect management information systems (MIS) from around 20 different manufacturers to the Prinect print shop workflow. At present, JDF-based integration options for the prepress and press stages are leading to a rapid increase in demand for further integration projects. Heidelberg is currently processing more than 200 specific queries and projects.
 
"The integration of many third-party MI systems into the Heidelberg workflow shows that the openness of the Prinect system works in real-world scenarios. Queries about the possibility of implementing other MI systems are increasing day by day. JDF has become an accepted and requested standard in the industry among customers. Heidelberg is the clear market leader in this field with its Prinect," comments Jörg Bauer, Vice President of Prinect Product Management.
 
Faster job preparation, clear job tracking and enhanced cost transparency
The Prinect architecture requires just a single, central JDF/JMF interface to each management information system, regardless of the number of areas and machines incorporated in the system. All internal, production-related interfaces to machines and workstations are handled by Prinect production control. The Prinect system distributes the relevant job information to the various production areas and transfers all the production data to the MIS centrally. The fact that the system only has one interface cuts the technical implementation workload and eases the maintenance outlay for print shops considerably. At the same time, it simplifies collaboration with the MIS manufacturer.
 
Prinect transfers the job data automatically into the production process using JDF. Feedback on the job status and progress is sent to the MIS system via JMF messages (Job Messaging Format). This makes the job status and production costs transparent for print shop management.
 
In the pressroom, the online MIS connection via Prinect promotes efficient print job handling. During the setup process, job data from the MIS, presetting data from prepress, and machine settings from previous jobs are automatically available on the presses' control panel. For actual costing, real press and operating data collected during production is returned to the MIS as a JMF message. Here, it enables precise evaluation of every print job, thus maximizing the transparency of print production.
 
MIS Prinance from the Prinect portfolio has been optimized for connecting production via JDF/JMF. In this way, Heidelberg has complete control of the interaction with fully-integrated production control in Prinect environments. Consequently, print shops have access to a wide range of functions, including services for system implementation and maintenance.
 
"Practical experience gained from numerous projects shows that a number of factors are key to successfully implementing an integrated print shop. These include technical realization, analysis and adaptation of the work processes, and cooperation between departments. This is the only way to enable subsequent technical implementation with each of the customer's system partners," explains Bauer.
 
Infobox
Heidelberg has already tested or implemented connections to the modular and open Prinect workflow for the following management information systems (MIS) 1).

Other projects with smaller providers
 
1) The depth of integration can differ according to the system and project. For example, MIS does not always provide StrippingParams for automated impositioning, and not every MIS evaluates JMF messages from Prinect.
 
Further information for journalists:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Corporate Communications
Matthias Hartung
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 77
Fax.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 69
E-mail: matthias.hartung@heidelberg.com