Workflow Updates Prominent At Digital Print World

The Digital Print World exhibition in London (UK) will see Artwork Systems introduce a series of updates to software products, with the introduction of Odystar 3.0, Neo 1.2 and Webway 5.0.

According to Artwork Systems, each new version incorporates new and improved features, which the company will be demonstrating on its stand throughout the exhibition.

Odystar is a native PDF 1.7 workflow that provides a range of automatic pre-press production tools.

The new Odystar 3.0 is compliant with the latest 7.2 version of PitStop.

JDF/JMF connectivity has been improved and that is claimed to provide flexibility in the way in which digital job information held within a management information system (MIS) can be utilised with the Odystar workflow to improve productivity and reduce errors.

Artwork Systems said that using the new JDF/JMF facility to communicate with an MIS system is straightforward, regardless of whether or not the MIS software is completely JDF compliant.

Odystar 3.0 also lets the user work with XMP data in a PDF file.

The company added that there is also a new Inspector facility, the graphical user interface for Odystar, which provides new functions including a PitStop PDF profile and action list control panel, default location for canvasses and other additions that are claimed to enhance performance.

Some of Odystar's modules have been updated, with Receive now also accepting data through FTP, or by email.

Route is said to send files to different workflow steps depending on the XMP metadata content of the file, and Trapper's options have been extended.

For example, it is now claimed to allow trapping pairs to be changed then re-trapped based on the new pairs.

Artwork Systems' UK managing director, Jan Ruysschaert, said: "Odystar 3.0 represents a major step forward in functionality and we anticipate a very high interest in the new workflow at DPW.

One of Odystar's key attractions is its ease of use and we have ensured that this latest version is very straightforward to understand and implement, even when a connection with a database or MIS system needs to be created." He continued: "In addition, if the output device is not PDF 1.7 compliant, Odystar allows users to accept PDF 1.7 data and still drive their older proofing, imaging or platesetting devices, which helps keep investment costs low.

Like earlier versions, Odystar 3.0 can be integrated with software and hardware from virtually any other manufacturer or supplier." Neo is a stand-alone native PDF application editing tool that is claimed to enable users to make last minute changes to PDF files and Artwork Systems will use Digital Print World to launch Neo 1.2.

The new version offers a range of additional features and is compliant with version 7.2 of PitStop and has improved interactive trapping tools.

There are also new viewing features, including 'rotate view' and the software will highlight overprints, transparencies, traps, breakouts and ink usage by percentage, said Artwork Systems.

A new Document Info Dialogue window displays additional information about the file, including pre-press data and metadata, for instance.

Ruysschaert commented: "Neo is a flexible and efficient method of handling everyday pre-press editing of multi-page PDF files.

By giving the operator high-end editing and correction functions in a native PDF environment, Neo has proven to be a huge asset in drastically reducing the approval and correction cycles that are unavoidable in today's demanding operations." The third new product on Artwork Systems' at Digital Print World will be an updated version of Webway, which is said to provide a secure and cost-effective communication system between the print buyer and production plant, or between different departments within one company.

Webway 5.0 can be used with PC and MacIntel platforms and incorporates a number of updates, including extended colour management facilities, improved file uploads and downloads, Java Web Start support and greater traceability.

The new approval chain feature means that work is approved by different groups of people in the correct sequence.

The software also has Microsoft Vista and IE7 functions, added Artwork Systems.

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