New Workflow Version Integrates With Other Systems

Following the introduction of the highly automated digital workflow Odystar at the end of last year, Artwork Systems has launched version 2.0, which offers a range of new features and functions.

Following the introduction of the highly automated digital workflow Odystar at the end of last year, Artwork Systems has launched version 2.0, which offers a range of new features and functions.

Odystar is based on Artwork Systems and Enfocus Software technology and offers customers a modular system that can be integrated with RIPs and workflows from other manufacturers, turning existing output equipment into PDF 1.4/1.5 compliant devices claimed Artwork systems.

"We've had a high level of interest in Odystar since it was launched and have been surprised at the wide spread of companies that have actually installed it," said Artwork Systems' UK managing director Jan Ruysschaert.

"We aimed Odystar at pre-press houses and mid range commercial printers but UK customers have already included a screen printer, trade repro houses and commercial printers.

There has also been interest from advertising agencies, publishers and facilities management sites," he added.

Odystar runs on a Macintosh OSX platform and is a native PDF 1.4/1.5 workflow that provides automatic pre-press production tools, including pre-flighting, correcting, advanced trapping, imposition, proofing, screening and printing.

In addition to the base Odystar configuration that handles all typical pre-press preparation of files there are two modules: an automated imposition software and a PDF 1.4/1.5 RIP said the company.

The flexibility of the systems means that someone could just install the base software and still continue to use their existing equipment.

If the output device is not PDF 1.4/1.5 compliant Odystar utilises Artwork Systems flattening and printing technology, which allows users to accept PDF 1.4/1.5 data and still drive their older proofing, imaging or plate setting devices.

"Odystar handles all the typical pre-press requirements encountered in the commercial environment.

Its strength lies in the combination in one system of an extremely high level of functionality along with ease of use and integration into existing workflows.

It provides the perfect link between upstream document generation and final plate production, regardless of the workflow currently in use," commented Ruysschaert.

Odystar now incorporates certified PDF technology plus full support for PDF 1.5 layers and a comprehensive JDF support.

Other new features include integration with Webway and Mnemo runlist technology to automatically generate one multipage document from multiple source documents and an ink database for enhanced trapping said Artwork Systems.

Version 2.0 has several new gateways.

For example, there are direct drivers for proofing purposes for Sherpa, Epson and HP for instance and specific FTP outputs, while the new pre-press gateways provide the flexibility to convert elements such as text to outlines, overprints and Pantone colours.

The merge separation gateway accepts separated PDF files and converts the job in composite PDF, before recombining objects, added the company.

"We obviously view JDF as an important technology and the JDF to PDF gateway accepts JDF layout files from imposition front-end systems while there is the ability to save into PDF," said Ruysschaert.

"Users can now also integrate an existing PREPS application and create step and repeat files from JDF templates generated by S and R Editor, which is delivered with Odystar," he continued.

By entering Certified PDF 1.4/1.5 data in the workflow the operator can enhance security and increase productivity, since no additional pre-flight checks are necessary at that stage.

Odystar is equipped with certified PDF 1.4/1.5 library from Enfocus and all related preflighting, certification and correction functions are available.

The Enfocus Certified technology is used to certify files upon entering the system and after trapping or flattening, or to transmit production files to a remote location for output or approval.

"The Odystar concept was put together with the consideration that a typical user does not want to go through lengthy set-ups, difficult configurations and cluttered windows, but instead wants clear and concise feedback from the system, displaying only the items he wants to see.

Basically, a user should be able to take the product out of the box, install and operate it with limited support and training.

We believe Odystar has a very exciting future," said Ruysschaert.

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