FULL STORY
• Process integration in the pressroom simplified with Prinect Pressroom Manager
• Extended reporting functions improve quality assurance
• Polar cutters integrated in Prinect
• New online functions facilitate communication with end customers
Heidelberg will be showcasing an improved version of its Prinect print shop workflow at IPEX 2010. Prinect 2010 - which will enter series production in the third quarter of 2010 - boasts new functions in all areas of production. The focus of the Prinect presentation at IPEX 2010 will be on integrating production processes and print shop automation.
Greater efficiency in pressroom integration
At IPEX 2010, Heidelberg will be unveiling a new version of Prinect Pressroom Manager that will make it easier to effectively link the pressroom to prepress and / or a third-party management information system (MIS).
The new ‘Job Combiner’ function of Prinect Pressroom Manager makes it possible to efficiently prepare CIP4/PPF prepress data for production, even without an MIS link. This enables information on coating plates to be assigned to several print sheets, for example. The benefit for the printer is that he obtains the exact data required to complete the job efficiently. It is now also possible to output pallet labels for postpress on a network printer directly from the press control station. This makes pallet identification for the downstream production steps much more reliable.
Extended productivity reporting and documentation of carbon footprint
For customers who are looking to process more than just colour / press presettings, Heidelberg has added many more production evaluation options to the Analyze Point function of Prinect Pressroom Manager. Together with the automatically generated press, job, and shift reports and the quality records for the Prinect colour measuring systems, the current job information and production data is always available at a glance for all employees authorised to access these details. The productivity report with OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and operating status diagrams enables a continuous process of improvement in the pressroom.
Analyze Point also displays the carbon footprint calculated for the individual print jobs. The calculation is based on key parameters such as the paper used, the number of printing plates, and the press's energy consumption. This makes it easier for print shops to establish the carbon footprint of a particular job - a prerequisite for carbon-neutral printing, that is to say offsetting carbon emissions by purchasing emissions certificates.
Polar cutters can be integrated in the Prinect workflow
Heidelberg is also offering more postpress integration options. In addition to Heidelberg postpress systems, Prinect Postpress Manager now also enables Polar cutters to be integrated in the print shop workflow. Sharing job and production data ensures that everyone involved in the process has the same information and also creates transparency with regard to costs.
More online functions
Heidelberg has responded to customer requests for more Prinect online functions. Combining the MIS add-on Prinance Direct Access and the web-based Proofing Workflow in Remote Access enables customers to simplify workflow connections with their own customers. For example, if customers confirm jobs in Direct Access, Remote Access can compare key job parameters with the data actually supplied when it is being uploaded after the preflight and report any deviations. This identifies errors at an early stage and avoids expensive corrections during subsequent production operations.
More efficient colour management in prepress and press
Along with end-to-end production management, Prinect also offers integrated support during colour management at the prepress and press stages. The improved functions of the Prinect Color Toolbox for optimising grey balance result in shorter setup times, while the new Device Link profiles stabilise the printing process further and help save ink.
Prinect print shop workflow creates transparency and helps improve print shop margins
By turning Prinect into a print shop workflow, Heidelberg has revolutionised the integration options for management and production processes in print shops and thus the opportunities for boosting margins. Prinect now enables completely integrated production.
The central capture and preparation of all production data enables users to schedule and reschedule in real time based on information that is always up to date. It also creates transparency in production and ensures efficient cost control thanks to automated actual costing. What's more, Prinect is an open system. This means that the management information systems of around 50 third-party suppliers and digital presses from various manufacturers can be integrated in the Prinect workflow.
The Prinect portfolio offers print shops the ideal solution, whatever their size and specialty.
Pictured above: The new ‘Job Combiner’ function of Prinect Pressroom Manager makes it possible to efficiently prepare CIP4 / PPF prepress data for production.
There are additional illustrations in this article in our IPEX Newsroom.
© Graphic Repro On-line, 11 March 2010.
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