DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY, June 3—Kodak believes strongly in the key role that Job Definition Format (JDF) plays in automating graphic arts workflow by bringing together disparate systems from a variety of suppliers and enabling them to speak the same language. With its five new JDF certifications for KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System, Kodak now offers more JDF certifications and compliance than any other workflow solution on the market, enabling PRINERGY to better integrate and communicate with a wide variety of peripheral solutions, including Management Information Systems (MIS). These five new certifications demonstrate Kodak’s ongoing commitment to the JDF movement across the industry.

“We are dedicated to expanding and enhancing our support for JDF throughout the Unified Workflow, providing a flexible and powerful set of solutions that enable our customers to maximize productivity and efficiency through integration,” said Judi Hess, General Manager, Enterprise Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company.

The five new JDF certifications include:

•    JDF MIS to Prepress certification for KODAK PRINERGY Connect

•    JDF 1.0 Layout Creator to Imposition certification for KODAK PRINERGY Connect

•    JDF 1.3 Layout Creator to Imposition certification for KODAK PRINERGY Connect

•    JDF 1.0 Layout Creator to Imposition certification for KODAK PRINERGY Evo

•    JDF 1.3 Layout Creator to Imposition certification for KODAK PRINERGY Evo

The JDF MIS to Prepress certification specifies the information to be exchanged between an MIS and a workflow system, including the way to describe the information and the method of communication. This means that two certified systems—even from different vendors—will have a level of interoperability when installed, allowing for job creation, specification, of impositions, and tracking of materials.

The JDF Layout Creator to Imposition specification dictates how an imposition application describes fully imposed pages to a workflow system and how that workflow system will render the information. Both certifications further enhance the print service providers’ ability to reduce errors, cut down on waste, and expand visibility into the production workflow.

“As a committed member of the CIP4 organization, we regard JDF certification for our product as key in supporting Kodak’s Unified Workflow goal of open connectivity,” noted Nick Benkovich, Product Manager, Enterprise Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “These additional five certifications in combination with our three previous certifications clearly demonstrate Kodak’s leadership position in support of this important open industry standard.”

JDF is vitally important to all printers and enables production efficiency by ensuring devices in a workflow can communication with each other. In addition, JDF’s ability to bridge the gap between production and MIS gives users a better overall view of the entire process, including real time costs and profitability.

The five new JDF certifications will be included with KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System, Version 5.0.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.