New Creo-Xerox Workflow Debuts At Drupa

Drupa 2004 will see Creo demonstrate a new integrated hybrid system that allows commercial printers to add digital printing easily to their current production operations.

Drupa 2004 will see Creo demonstrate a new integrated hybrid system that allows commercial printers to add digital printing easily to their current production operations.

The new pre-press workflow integrates the Prinergy workflow management system for offset printing with Xerox Docucolor digital colour presses.

Creo has collaborated with Xerox to launch the Xerox Freeflow Print Manager directly from Prinergy.

The system will also allow offset jobs to be submitted for digital printing to the Spire colour servers driving the Xerox digital presses.

Integrated in the hybrid workflow, Spire provides enhanced image and colour quality, high-calibre print quality tools, and variable information printing capabilities for the Xerox DocuColor digital presses, claimed Creo.

Creo said the system provides a number of benefits.

Print jobs can be changed from one press to another with minimal time and costs.

Initial work on a print job can be completed without a prior commitment to the particular method of print.

At the click of a mouse, operators will instantly direct work to either a digital or an offset press.

The new hybrid workflow provides full access to the Prinergy and Synapse software toolsets that can be used when assembling and storing the job.

That includes Prinergy, which allows printing commands to be carried out in remote locations.

It also includes the ability to submit jobs online, proof remotely, collaborate online, and track job status remotely.

To maintain consistency for reprints, the Xerox JDF-based digital print job ticket (DPJT) is archived in the Prinergy job folder and is automatically re-used for reprints as part of Prinergy's job management.

"Commercial printers can now have the flexibility to offer new digital services to meet customer demands for customised printing, short run lengths and faster turnaround," explained Brent McDonald, Creo product manager.

"Being able to add digital capabilities such as variable information for personalised printing is a definite growth opportunity for the commercial printer's business," he added.

Creo said that both companies, as partners, are committed to developing open standard systems that create increased efficiencies through automation, integration, and cross-vendor inter-operability.

This development is part of the agreement between the two companies announced in January 2004.

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