Major Series of Launches From Dainippon Screen

Drupa 2004 will see the launch of several production tools from Dainippon Screen, with more to fully later in 2004.

Drupa 2004 will see the launch of several production tools from Dainippon Screen, with more to follow later in 2004.

The company's new Trueflownet provides a JDF-based, end-to-end tool designed to drive highly automated and streamlined print ordering and production, with fully integrated print production management.

It will take Dainippon Screen customers from order creation, through to prepress, onto the press and into finishing and delivery.

Drupa visitors will see the latest Trueflownet components including: TrueflowT 3.0 workflow; RitecontrolT print manager; RiteonlineT, a web browser-based online print ordering module; RiteportalT for online PDF creation; RitetransferT, a communication portal to provide easy and efficient file transfer from the Trueflow system and RiteapproveT, a remote proofing service.

The latest Trueflow 3.0 release will also be shown, to update the established PDF and Postscript workflow.

Featuring file checking, OPI, trapping and imposition, it is designed to drive optimised computer-to-plate (CTP) production and digital printing presses, and to create an advanced automated and streamlined network workflow.

Trueflow 3.0 has been described by Dainippon as a major upgrade and a fully JDF-compliant PDF 1.4 and 1.5 workflow which enables existing users to move easily from a PDF and Postscript workflow into a JDF-based environment.

It is also said to provide seamless communication with management information systems (MIS), prepress, press, and postpress operations.

It also includes a JDF-based job ticket facility and enables two-way communication in JDF.

A JDF plug-in format application features scalability to support a wide range of JDF-based file formats and the ability to link with other JDF-enabled technologies.

A new job-flow based graphical user interface features on-screen menus (with multi-lingual support) and navigation with on-line help and troubleshooting.

Within Trueflow, operators will now be able to access multiple applications simultaneously for ease of operation.

Incoming files are checked and formatted into PDF or PDF and X-1a, to ensure trouble free transfer and processing in the workflow, claim Dainippon.

In addition the image quality module from the Cezanne scanner has been integrated into Trueflow.

This feature is claimed to process RGB images in PDF files complete with their associated ICC profiles and procedure files, such as magnification, sharpness and tone data, for appropriate image processing.

Subsequently, RGB image data is automatically enhanced when being converted into CMYK thereby achieving higher quality print results.

It is supported by Ritepolisher, an Adobe Acrobat plug-in that enables users creating PDFs to choose their preferred settings for the final RGB image conversion.

Trueflow Rite, an entry-level version of Trueflow, designed to provide those wishing to take the first steps into automated direct to plate production with basic workflow functionality, will also be exhibited.

Trueflow Rite features the basic functions necessary for CTP, such as JDF-based RIP operation, job ticketing, and imposition, and will enable users to upgrade to the full, multi-feature version of Trueflow as their requirements develop.

Dainippon has developed a range of modular workflow components designed to provide printers and their customers with easy to use and effective on-line print ordering, PDF creation, communication and approval services.

The first modules to be developed will be demonstrated at Drupa 2004 and include RitecontrolT a key module and the heart of Screen's JDF workflow.

This production management system supports the interface between Trueflow and a user's specific MIS system and enables JDF-based, unified control of all the processes involved in getting a printed product to market, including design, prepress, press, finishing, and delivery.

The company has also announced that RiteonlineT, a new online web browser-based print ordering system will be launched in December 2004.

It is said to streamline the ordering of print jobs and allows printers' customers to procure customised documents or reprints at any time.

By reducing manual intervention, Riteonline reduces job cycle times, lowers costs and improves productivity.

A turnkey software application that integrates into Trueflownet workflow or that will work with other solutions using JDF and JMF messaging, Riteonline can be incorporated into existing operations.

In July 2004, Dainippon Screen will launch RiteportalT an Internet portal that allows content creators to prepare and deliver error-free, production-ready certified PDF files from any application.

Easily tailored to a printer's production workflow, Riteportal simplifies the PDF creation, pre-flight, certification, encryption and delivery of pre-defined PDF files into a simple click-and-print process from the desktop for both online and offline delivery.

The system eliminates the problems often associated with bad PDFs, such as incorrect profile settings and missing fonts.

Certified PDFs created by customers are uploaded to the print site's Riteportal server and automatically placed into pre-determined hot folders or print queues.

As a result print jobs get on press with fewer said Dainippon.

Riteportal complies with JDF and PDF and X-1a open standards to ensure flexibility and scalability and integrates easily with Trueflow.

Available from Drupa 2004 onwards, RitetransferT is a file client and server communication portal designed as a customer relationship management (CRM) tool for printers looking for an easy to use file transfer system that enables customers to submit jobs direct from their desktop.

Ritetransfer provides a customised and branded drag-and-drop Java client application for both PC and Macintosh platforms.

It supports JDF output and can generate a JDF Intent file if required.

The Ritetransfer client performs file transfer, with automatic file compression/decompression, in the background without interrupting other activities.

Customers and printers automatically receive an email mail notification once the job has been successfully transferred.

The software features an automatic update capability that gives the printer the ability to dynamically update all their clients with the latest Job Ticket Forms, Profiles and Software patches.

June 2004 will see RiteapproveT emerge to provide printers and their customers with an efficient and accurate browser-based proof approval system.

With the product, single or multiple customers will receive an email with a direct link to their specific job for comment, annotation and approval before a job is run.

Comments and annotations are logged and the approval status along with deadline notification is automatically tracked.

The Dainippon stand at Drupa 2004 will be in Hall 5 and in the CIP4 arena.

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