Workflow System Central To Remote CTP Operation

The successful introduction of CTP imaging services at Polish paper and carton distributor Cezex with four full-size CTP systems in Warsaw has prompted an order for a further 10 B1 systems.

The new systems will be installed by the company throughout Poland.

ACCHSH's Puzzleflow 4 workflow system will be an integral part of the complete project, with Agfa Graphics supplying the the CTP equipment.

The Puzzleflow 4 workflow system will be integrated with the ERP/MIS system used by Cezex, as well as the internet portal that is claimed to enable customers' involvement in the plates production process.

ACCHSH said that its contract with Cezex covers the first implementation of the new PuzzleFlow 4 system version, which will be officially launched at Drupa 2008.

The company's project manager, Tomasz Drazek, commented: "Compared to the previous version, we have introduced many enhancements, including a better compatibility with third party systems." Mariusz Dec, CTP project manager at Cezex, added: "We have been involved in the project from its start, not only as a technology vendor, but also as an advisor, helping us to choose the most appropriate systems.

The new PuzzleFlow 4 system, includes functions and modules prepared especially for our project." ACCHSH said that the most important part of the new system will be used in Cezex's Warsaw headquarters, where four full-size CTP platesetters have been installed.

Cezex have also establish an internet cafe there, as well enabling customers to conduct imposition, or image plates by themselves.

However, according to the company, the biggest challenge is the part of the system that will allow printers, advertising agencies, or other CTP studios to remotely send jobs for platesetting, making imposition and digital proofs, as well as approving them without even leaving their offices.

Therefore, PuzzleFlow 4, besides the current standard functions of Puzzleflow Express software, will include new modules to enable communication with the internet portal (integrated with MIS/ERP system) and workflow system, using so called 'web services'.

Tomasz Drazek explained: "Puzzleflow will separate the individual user accounts from each other and guarantee that every customer will be able to access his or her account only.

It was one of the most important conditions for the effective running of the whole project, especially considering such services as CTP platesetting for outside customers.

This module will be also used internally in Cezex's CTP studio and soon the further functions will be added, including load balancing, which will enable the driving of 10 various RIPs." He also said that PuzzleFlow 4 will enable standard operations used in platesetting, such as the creation of a production file, its verification before it is sent to the studio, as well as correction, imposition proof preparation and approval.

Customers will see that part of the system as a printer function, which will simplify and automate the process.

Drazek continued:"After using the printcommand a customer will create the PDF file, pre-flight it, create a production profile - including the visualisation of possible mistakes and their descriptions - and send it to the CTP studio.

Moreover, he, or she, will be able to do it from any computer in the world with internet access.

Cezex will offer the software parts - as system printers - to its customers, enabling them to carry out all of thoseoperations by themselves.

It means a real breakthrough as a customer, without leaving his, or her office, will be able to run the whole CTP plate production cycle." ACCHSH said that it implemented Puzzleflow 4 at Cezex in co-operation with Spot Group from Gliwice (Poland) which is responsible for preparing the website and a portal enabling communications between CTP studio, customers and printers, for example.

The system incorporates data and order information security that is claimed to be comparable with those in internet banking.

According to ACCHSH, customers will have a guarantee that he or she is the only person who can access his or her account, including the database of all orders and the jobs information, for example.

Tomasz Drazek emphasised: "After logging on, besides typical technical functions, a customer will be able to run operations regarding the job preparation - fulfilling the order form including all job parameters, make a job estimation and prepare a production plan.

The data will then be used in the MIS/ERP system running at Cezex.".

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