Explaining How JDF Could Be So Important

At Graphics of the Americas, Esko-Graphics will demonstrate its JDF compatibility.

At Graphics of the Americas, Esko-Graphics will demonstrate its JDF compatibility.

As an active member of CIP4, Esko-Graphics said it recognised the value of JDF in its early days and it has invested considerably in the integration of JDF capabilities into Scope, Esko-Graphics supply chain management workflow.

JDF - Job Definition Format - is a standard for process automation that is built as an XML Schema (an open and widely supported standard for data interchange).

JDF provides and standardises language for collecting and preserving data about a print job throughout its lifecycle.

It includes a command and control language that allows workflow or management information systems (MIS) to drive individual devices on the shop floor.

It also provides a methodology for automating business and production workflows.

Esko-Graphics believes that what makes JDF exciting for pre-press are the opportunities for integration with management information systems (MIS) systems.

Not all suppliers in the industry are capable of linking the tools of the trade with management information systems, digital asset management systems, accounting systems and desktop applications into one complete and comprehensive tool kit believes the company.

MIS typically has an abundance of relevant pre-production information, ranging from simple administrative details (job and customer name) but can extend much further, for example, with imposition data (number of sheets, folding schemes and inks, for instance).

Conversely, pre-press software can provide MIS with job status information used for job tracking and cost calculations.

The biggest benefit comes from avoiding repetitive work and manual re-entry of job data.

That seems insignificant when considering automatic job creation in pre-press but it is very important when pre-press can automatically create an imposition based solely on MIS data.

"Esko-Graphics recognises the importance of system connectivity to components supplied by third parties.

Customers depend on this capability to implement complete workflows, where various software and hardware products are driven by centrally managed job and process parameters.

Specification, design, production and distribution are all collaborative processes.

By offering growth paths with connectivity to other systems, vendors can open up opportunities for each step in the process chain," said Aleks Zlatic, Esko's area sales manager for Latin-America.

Esko-Graphics estimates that the sharing of that information between MIS and production systems can save as much as 25 per cent of costs associated with developing impositions.

The company said that it also uses JDF to assign files to pages on the basis of metadata.

When the job creator passes the metadata along with graphic files, pre-press can process that data more intelligently, by automating the creation of page lists.

JDF is also used for page approvals.

"There is a great deal of technical work Esko-Graphics has undertaken to assure Scope workflow systems are JDF-enabled.

It has required thorough knowledge of XML but, more importantly, a deep understanding of the printing process and variables that need to be delivered between systems to complete jobs.

That's why we took the initiative to propose the imposition specification within JDF 1.2," commented Hubert Scheir, Esko's director of marketing EMEALA.

"At the same time, saying that you are JDF enabled can only be appreciated when you are showing inter-operability with other vendors.

We fully understand the value of partnering.

It's why, for example, Esko-Graphics has created a bi-directional JDF link between its workflow and RealTimeProof," he added.

In commercial printing, Esko claimed that Scope links the traditional pre-press functions with sales offices, the pressroom, the finishing and logistics department.

The broad capabilities of JDF links are applied for job scheduling, remote viewing and approval and plateroom feedback.

All production parameters are defined upon receipt of the job, including the imposition.

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