Workflow Upgrade Majors On Automation

Esko-Graphics has released Backstage 2.0, an upgrade for Scope, the company's workflow automation server.

Esko-Graphics has released Backstage 2.0, an upgrade for Scope, the company's workflow automation server.

Backstage integrates all design and production components in one workflow, automating routine tasks through batch functions and the use of hot-folders.

It streamlines communications within the graphics environment, and also with management systems, customer service and directly with customers said Esko-Graphics.

"The Backstage 2.0 release focuses on automation tools that help prevent errors in the workflow.

To the packaging and print buyer, error reduction leads to two significant results - cost reduction and faster time-to-market," explained Jan De Roeck, marketing director for Esko-Graphics packaging software products.

"We are able to achieve this by interfacing Backstage to business systems so that the pre-production workflow becomes an extension of the packaging or print buyers supply chain.

For example, by automatically creating barcodes and other essential design elements with Design Wizard, and allowing job parameters to be defined up front with or without JDF, we are eliminating redundant data entry by operators that can lead to incorrect content," he added.

Backstage 2.0 is claimed by Esko to be completely JDF-enabled and capable of accepting instructions that direct Backstage tasks to correctly process a job and to remotely drive other software functions via JDF commands.

Backstage 2.0 supports four different use cases - job creation linking an MIS/order entry system to the Backstage Graphics Information System, digital delivery between Backstage and an asset manager or proofing system, receiving feedback from a device such as a platesetter and launching tasks, even from the web.

Other enhancements and new features include Backstage Pilot, which is said to be an improved graphic user interface providing intuitive menus and faster access to desired actions.

A Backstage Pilot desktop icon opens the interface, where all menu tools are visible, with access to all jobs.

Files for any application type are opened with a simple double-click.

Backstage keeps job-life cycle milestones of pre-defined pre-press activities, with 'to do' actions required to complete them.

Job status is accessible from this database, added Esko.

Backstage 2.0 is said to allow job parameters to be defined up front, helping reduce errors throughout subsequent job processing.

For example, if a certain type of barcode is specified, settings for other barcodes automatically become unavailable to the operators, thus reducing the risk for human error downstream added the company.

Esko said that Backstage is able to import and export PDF 1.5 files.

Design Wizard takes design templates and instructions for design changes and automatically generates graphic variants such as barcodes, ingredients, and health warnings - avoiding re-entering data and virtually eliminating erroneous content.

Backstage can also automatically populate a prepared imposition with completed pages.

"Total automation is the way of the future, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry where the integrity of the file is paramount throughout the job.

By reducing manual intervention, we automatically reduce the risk of errors," explained Duncan Macnally, general manager of Field Boxmore, UK.

"Our highly skilled operators dont have to spend time on simple, mundane tasks as these are all carried out in background on the Backstage server.

It gives them more time to spend on the complex jobs where their knowledge and experience really counts," he added.

Backstage 2.0 is immediately available to customers, through Esko-Graphics international network of resellers and distributors.

Esko-Graphics will be providing upgrade seminars for customers free of charge, where users will be trained on installation and new features.

A three-day personal on-site training session, including preparation and upgrade installation, is available for an additional fee added the company.

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