The Workflow is a tool to map the entire prepress process from the source file to the finished rendered print file. The capabilities of the Workflow are based on the integration of products from the best technology partners in the field of PDF, color management, and RIP technologies. These capabilities are linked with modern operating concepts based on a standardized client-server model. The Workflow covers all processes of a modern data Workflow, such as data management, data preparation, print approval, print output optimization, and rendering of the print data. The Workflow runs on a Windows server and makes these diverse, complex functions available to all users in a clear, efficient, easy-to-use, and platform-independent web browser.

On the user’s side, no installation is necessary apart from the browser which should be used. We recommend using Google Chrome - one of the most modern, secure, and fastest browsers. When OnPoint PDF Editor, which is available as a desktop application as an add-on to cover an integrated Workflow, the program has to be additionally installed.

On the Backend side, key technologies that are used by technology partners are applied. These technologies are already successfully used on the market in applications from other providers. A challenge in developing the Workflow was to connect these technologies in the background. Thereby, it should be ensured that the usability of the complex functions is available to users in the browser. During the development, we haven't limited ourselves to implementing the existing functionality of the technology partners, rather we created a joint project to develop additional functions that are needed to implement our ideas.

In addition to our primary technology partners, we also rely on the SDKs from tech partners who offer their hardware and software components within the Workflow environment. These include Barbieri, xRite, Konica Minolta, Techkon, and many printer manufacturers.

The Workflow is available as an open system, as is evident by the fact that

• Fixup profiles from Acrobat Pro DC can be used in the Workflow,
• all color profiles of the Workflow can be used at any time in other programs,
• RestAPIs are available to integrate leading ERP or machine control systems, and
• open standards, such as XML, JDF, XJDF, JSON, etc. are supported

The Workflow offers modules that can be enhanced at any time and can be adjusted to particular requirements. These modules include solutions for

• Variable Data for print, text, color, shape, and barcode based on information from a dynamic generator or databases,
• the Ink Consumption calculation per print file as well as for the whole Imposition,
• the Color Management as well as the therewith connected optimization of color application on the print system
• the File Management and the therewith connected structured storage and classification of single print files,
• The display of the structure of Orders with all information that has to be managed for the Order as well as for the Order Items,
• the Data Check and allocation of production relevant or production critical information,
• the manual or automated Data Preparation of checked files based on the available information from this Check,
• the Calibration of Colors in comparison to existing templates for single colors,
• the creation of Color Books and Grid Charts,
• the Verification of Prints against ISO standards,
• the Management of recurring processes,
• the integration of leading ERP systems,
• and much more.

The Workflow ensures that 

• Print data is structured and stored in an efficient and accessible manner
• Order information is managed as simply as possible and all information that is necessary for decision-making regarding the Order is collected,
• The order Status can be audited at any time by operators
• Transparency throughout the entire process between customer support, prepress technicians, printers, and controlling departments is given
• The preflight for print data is carried out immediately when the data is checked in and thereby the productive capacity for the print system is ensured,
• Readable test reports are available for customer communication
• Data Preparation for the print can be carried out almost entirely in the browser
• The data Preparation for extensive changes and Editors that are specialized in these tasks can be displayed and the necessary interfaces are available,
• Personalized content is created based on predefined data sets or by intuitive input options in a browser window
• Variable costs regarding Orders or Print Items (Ink and Substrate consumption) are available immediately after checking the print data
• a color-accurate reproduction of the print result on the selected substrate can be achieved and users will be provided with information about deviations in color from defined values
• The ink Consumption for the individual Print Items can be managed by intelligent color metrics, without creating color differences
• color-accurate outputs can be produced across printing systems, tracks of the same printer, or across substrates without having to edit the print data.
• The imposition can be prepared in just a few steps and recurring or existing Die shapes can be used schematically on the Print Item
• all expense
• all process steps are logged and made available for tracking or controlling purposes
• By protocolling a reprint can be created at any time as well as when processes, substrates, or print parameters have changed in the meantime,
• the system setup is simplified as all processes can be displayed via one browser-basted system
• there are no significant hardware or software requirements for the end device

Artikel update: Workflow version 1.16.0 – 09/2023