TEWKSBURY, MASS – September 5, 2007 -- At Graph Expo 2007, ECRM will exhibit WorkMates, a PDF-based workflow solution that promises to simplify the digital prepress workflow issues of small-to-midsize commercial printers. WorkMates addresses the basic needs of printers who need to convert from film-based operations to a more efficient digital workflow. Simply put, WorkMates allows them to create and handle PDF files, create imposition, proof and make plates digitally.
Automated PDF workflows offer several production advantages. Traditionally, files are received by the RIP, converted to 1-bit TIFFs, and processed to plates. With WorkMates, users will be able to capture the file in a PDF format, impose, RIP, and proof, as well as preview the file prior to imaging. This also enables files on the RIP to be repurposed at a later date, if necessary. ECRM is exhibiting WorkMates at the 2007 Graph Expo and Converting Expo (September 9-12) in Chicago at McCormick Place South in booth #4855. For more information about ECRM and their offerings, go to ECRM's new enhanced website: www.ecrm.com.
ECRM Quote
"Lately, there's been a lot of confusion about workflow. WorkMates is specifically designed for printers migrating from film to a PDF-to-plate workflow," notes ECRM Director of Marketing, Jim Luttrell. "There isn't a more affordable workflow solution to address this basic prepress need. What customers like is that WorkMates is scalable. If a printer decides that he wants stochastic screening or color critical ICC matched proofs, all you need to do is add a plug-in module. WorkMates allows printers to configure their digital prepress on an as-needed basis."
WorkMates Features
WorkMates allows a printer to quickly and easily create PDF files, impose, RIP, proof, and manage their print jobs. Users benefit from a high degree of automation, thereby reducing prepress, make-ready, and production time.
- Create PDF:  Using ECRM's PDFMate module, a folder-based layout and an automated workflow is easily created for converting completed pages into PDFs. It's as easy as choosing specifications in a setup menu. The simple interface of PDFMate allows users to setup hot-folders for automatic PDF file creation, and create their own PDF profiles to use within the module. Using PDFMate, errors, rework, and downtime are dramatically reduced, while productivity is increased.
- Impose:  ImposeMate is an automated imposition tool. It's explicitly designed for the small-print service provider, printing on small-format conventional presses or on digital production presses. Page setup controls automate in-RIP imposition rules applied to all jobs. If the print service provider prints similar jobs consistently, one imposition setup, used as a part of one or more page setups, can be used time and time again. Rather than needing to spend time on manually laying out every page, the operator need now only submit the job to a RIP with the correct imposition setup and it's processed automatically.
- RIP:  Based upon a robust and versatile Harlequin RIP core, RIPMate allows users to perform most tasks in-RIP, saving time and money by eliminating manual work. Regardless of size, commercial printers will benefit from extensive features and benefits engineered to improve the quality and performance of the print process. RIPMate accepts and processes all PDF file formats, and a wide range of plug-ins and applications. Another benefit of RIPMate is that it scalable, enabling users to expand or change their business direction. The RIPMate is also JDF-enabled and can be integrated with most common MIS workflows.
- Proof:  ProofMate Generic is the version supplied in the standard module package. It provides printers with a tool to proof the contents and impositions made with RIPMate, on any Windows printer installed on the network. This in-RIP plug-in ensures that proofs match RIPed contents -- even if printed on a low resolution B/W laser printer. ProofMate Generic relies on the Windows printer driver supplied by the printer vendor. It uses the screening technology and color management available within the printer driver. ProofMate can also generate a color-calibrated TIFF file for preview.