The post-press savings that can be realized via automation, both in time and money, are compelling.  And now, three leaders in their respective fields have made those savings more fully and easily achievable.  Muller Martini, the world pacesetter in print finishing innovation, along with SoftSolutions and HIFLEX, two cutting-edge providers of software for the graphics arts industry, have collaborated to provide a new benchmark in digital workflow. 

Through the use of Muller Martini equipment and Muller’s CONNEX digital workflow system as well as SoftSolutions’ FLEX-OS data integration platform and HIFLEX’s MIS business automation systems, printers and binderies now have the ability to integrate their MIS functions and their post-press machines in an open architecture environment utilizing JDF/JMF digital file workflow.  Information is electronically exchanged in real time, reducing or eliminating the need for costly manual intervention while also providing more accuracy, speed and productivity in job costing, planning, make-readies, reporting, throughput and many other aspects of production.

“SoftSolutions and HIFLEX are ideal complements to our machines and our workflow technologies, enabling Muller customers both present and future to optimize the profitability that our equipment has been engineered to deliver to their businesses,” said Doug Stryker, Division Manager, Print Finishing Systems, Muller Martini.  “And because the new digital solution is built on an open platform, a wide range of print finishing machines old, new and yet to come can utilize this workflow approach to share data and realize the substantial advantages of automation...making the most of return on equipment investment.”

The combined Muller/SoftSolutions/HIFLEX digital integration solution was successfully demonstrated on a Muller Primera E140 saddle stitcher during mid-March, 2009.  In addition to stitchers, the full digital JDF workflow can be implemented on virtually all new and many legacy Muller Martini print finishing machines including perfect binders, hardcover equipment, press delivery systems, and other technologies. 

“We recognize Muller Martini as a global leader in print production and welcome this opportunity to collaborate on an open integration platform that will serve the print market.  We’ve worked with Muller Martini engineers in Switzerland and with HIFLEX MIS software experts in Europe and the USA to quickly demonstrate the benefits of JDF Standards for automating machine setups, automating data collection directly from MIS and equipment, and enabling real-time visibility on performance for better cost controls.  This project is a testimony to the fact that JDF integration is ready for prime time,” said Jay Foster, President, SoftSolutions, Inc.

“We’re very excited about this strategic initiative between Muller Martini, SoftSolutions and HIFLEX,” added Gary Marron, President and CEO, HIFLEX Corporation of North America. “The automated digital workflow solution we’ve created as a team provides a mechanism for true JDF integration adhering to an open standard, effectively eliminating the ‘islands’ that exist between administration, estimating, order entry and production…resulting in enhanced functionality and higher profit potential for printing and binding companies.”