Chicago, IL (PRINT, Booth #2600) - Agfa Graphics announced today that it is demonstrating an array of innovative prepress and inkjet solutions during Print '09 Chicago (Booth #2600, South Hall) that will help printers run their business in a more effective and optimized manner. Industry analysts and studies suggest integration is one of "the" key drivers of the industry going forward. 
 
- Agfa's "Integration Stadium" (located within the Agfa Booth, #2600 South Hall) will facilitate the benefits of integration.  The "Integration Stadium" is a simulated environment in which Print '09 attendees will see demonstrations of highly effective integrations to digital presses, MIS systems and more.  In order to achieve real world results, Agfa has teamed up with a select group of partners including Press-Sense, Technique (Booth #6711, North Hall) and Canon (Booth #2612, South Hall)
 
A visit to Agfa's "Integration Stadium" (as well as partner booths) is a bird's-eye view into the following examples of integration:
 
- :Apogee JDF integration with Press-Sense iWay - This Web2Print integration focuses on the possibilities that exist for today's commercial printers. It includes outreach to new clients and improving interactions with existing customers all via a web-based storefront.  Print '09 attendees will see iWay's flexibility with template based ordering, variable input and static document uploads and the power of :Apogee in both job creation and production processes. A variety of delivery scenarios will be explored and so much more
 
- :Apogee JDF MIS Link to Technique MIS -This demonstration will offer a hands-on look at this open JDF partnership that enables the highest possible integration between MIS and prepress systems. This integration facilitates automated job creation in the prepress system with full bi-directional status messaging. Material usage data is reported back to the MIS for job costing analysis, thereby eliminating the need for manual data collection by prepress operators. Technique MIS has the ability to dynamically include production tasks and specify private features within :Apogee Portal and :Apogee  Prepress allowing printers to efficiently manage their workflow inventory costs, billing and scheduling
 
- :Apogee Digital Print Link to Canon imagePRESS - :Apogee Prepress has been enhanced to drive high speed digital presses including, the Canon imagePRESS.
 
- :Apogee Prepress manages the data to create proofs, plates and digital printing. All parameters for media selection and the various finishing features can be set in the:Apogee workflow, so products are delivered from the digital press. This means no additional input from the operator is required. The strong synergy between digital printing technology and Agfa's prepress solutions ensures commercial printers have realistic ways to secure profitable growth for their businesses while at the same time, optimizing and streamlining their production flow.
 
According to Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager of commercial / wide format, "Today, integration is a means by which printers can improve communications between processes, personnel and equipment. Integration facilitates optimal connectivity and production flow. This helps printers avoid costly errors, improve turnaround time and cut out time consuming and or other labor intensive processes. At Agfa we are committed to helping printers explore business strategies that will help them transition into the future, integration is one way to assure their businesses will be effective and profitable going forward." 
 
Print '09 attendees, the media and industry experts will also have the opportunity to learn about the aforementioned integrations and newest enhancements to Agfa's portfolio of prepress and inkjet solutions at the Agfa Graphics News Conference on September 11, 2009 at 10:30am in McCormick Place Booth #2600, South Hall and everyday during Print '09.