Prepress
New Fuji Xerox FreeFlow Suite of Workflow Software Extends Automation Across Simple and Complex Prepress Printing Processes
Tuesday 02. December 2008 - Performing prepress production functions - from simple tasks such as inserting tabs into a print job to complex colour matching - can cause bottlenecks that dramatically reduce productivity.
Fuji Xerox Australia today announced several additions to its industry-leading FreeFlow suite of workflow software that has been designed to streamline the current prepress process, allowing print providers to save time and money. The new offerings are:
FreeFlow Print Server version 7, Fuji Xeroxs most powerful print server, delivers enhanced colour matching, an intuitive interface for simple job submission and customisable security features.
FreeFlow Output Manager version 7, integrates with Fuji Xerox office multifunction devices (MFDs), allowing users to scan hard copy documents and route them from a remote MFD to the appropriate production device when larger quantities or special finishing options are required.
FreeFlow Express to Print software, shown for the first time as a technology demonstration at drupa 08 and is tailored for entry-level digital print providers. Express to Print increases productivity by automating frequently repeated jobs and routine job preparation tasks for more efficient job management.
“Workflow is the backbone of any printing operation,” said Simon Lane, National Manager Production Services Business, Fuji Xerox Australia. “Workflow automation helps our customers connect to their clients, reduce costs and enable greater productivity and Fuji Xerox delivers more integrated tools to drive that automation within the print industry.”
FreeFlow Print Server version 7
Offering expanded colour management capabilities, FreeFlow Print Server version 7 uses a new visual spot colour editing tool that makes the traditionally difficult task of matching colour easier. This tool shows variations in colour at different increments and enables customers to print what is on the screen and precisely match it to the colour they want. This feature provides faster colour matching and accurate spot colour output for brand identity, graphic elements and text.
The powerful new print server also expands compliance with PDF/X formats – an industry standard for exchanging PDF data – which allows documents to pass through prepress with fewer errors. Expanded workflow capabilities and an enhanced user interface make it easy to submit and handle jobs with minimal training. New security features are also included in FreeFlow Print Server version 7.
FreeFlow Output Manager version 7
FreeFlow Output Manager now offers a “Send to Production” solution that integrates with Fuji Xerox multifunction devices. Send to Production allows users to scan hardcopy jobs and specify job ticketing options directly from the MFD to a centralised print centre. The end user immediately receives a confirmation page, printed at the MFD, with thumbnails of the job.
The user-friendly interface and integration between Output Manager and the MFD helps bridge Fuji Xerox office multifunction devices with a production print environment. Organisations such as schools, universities, financial and healthcare institutions now can scan hardcopy forms, records and reports and automatically send them to a centralised print provider for a high quality printing and finishing. FreeFlow Output Manager examines print job attributes including colour, page volume and finishing requirements and routes each job to the appropriate production printer automatically to maximise efficiencies without the need for manual intervention.
FreeFlow Express to Print
FreeFlow Express to Print automates common prepress functions and reduces steps required to program print jobs such as business cards, brochures, postcards, books and manuals, opening new revenue opportunities by enabling more applications to be printed. The software is an ideal solution for smaller print providers or those just getting started in digital printing.
Featuring more than 50 templates, Express to Print’s automation takes the guess work and manual labour out of job preparation by automating frequently repeated and time-consuming setups such as imposition and finishing with a simple click, drag and drop method. Tabs, covers, chapter starts and watermarks are also easily added by clicking and dragging to the desired location within a document. The screen will immediately show a graphic representation of each page within the job, ensuring it is submitted and printed exactly as desired.
Availability
FreeFlow Print Server version 7, Express to Print and FreeFlow Output Manager version 7 are available now for order taking.