Gent, Belgium - PitStop Connect 10 connects printers and publishers with their brand-owner, agency, and designer customers; ensuring hassle-free file delivery and PDF quality control. By eliminating errors and streamlining the production process, users can save time, cut costs, reduce stress and improve customer satisfaction. New to PitStop Connect 10 is automatic Connector updating, secure file transfer, and individualized service that automatically "drives" jobs through Enfocus Switch 10-supported production using intelligent metadata.

The fundamental job of PitStop Connect is to allow printers and publishers to easily create and distribute Connectors; i.e., small desktop tools to which customers drag and drop files. PitStop Connect is a single gateway for file transmission that is made more predictable with built-in, bulletproof PDF preflighting and correction technology made famous by Enfocus. Issues such as missing fonts and low-resolution images are detected and corrected automatically.

The PitStop Connect news comes on the heels of Enfocus' announcement of Switch 10, the latest version of the company's suite of workflow software solutions that automate repetitive tasks. The two solutions can be used independently of each other, but exponential benefit is realized when they are used together. For example, customized metadata for automatic routing and processing of files through a Switch 10-supported workflow can be set-up in PitStop Connect. The Enfocus Switch 10 product information page is located at http://www.enfocus.com/contentpage.php?id=7029.           

Significant reduction in job cycle times, hassles, and costs

"All too often file delivery causes problems on both the production and creative sides of printing and publishing workflows," says Elli Cloots, Director of Product Management at Enfocus. "What is needed is efficient communication between all parties, and that is precisely what PitStop Connect 10 delivers. It ensures that files print exactly as designed, which improves turnaround times, increases productivity and ultimately improves customer satisfaction.
 
"It allows for streamlined delivery of files that will fly through the production process, and enables printers and publishers to cement business relationships with customers."
 
PitStop Connect 10 not only benefits printers and publishers, it also makes life easier for creatives. They can save time and enjoy invaluable peace of mind knowing their files comply with the printers' requirements and will be printed as intended - no more last-minute phone calls to correct errors.
 
Connectors are free for creatives and can be downloaded straight onto their desktop. Connectors do not require any installation and simply run when required. Those sending files are given immediate feedback when the file has been delivered correctly. For PDF files, the sender can view the preflight report to identify and solve any issues, or view the automated fixes that took place.
 
What's new, in detail

With PitStop Connect 10, whenever the printer or publisher changes preflight and delivery settings in a Connector, these settings are automatically updated and distributed to all installed Connectors. This ensures that everyone in the delivery chain is working with the correct parameters.
 
Additionally, PitStop Connect 10 has a smooth interface with the Enfocus Switch 10 suite of automated workflow solutions. The intelligent metadata fields can be set within the Connector so that customers only have to fill out relevant and personalized information. Once received at the printer or publisher side, files can be quickly and easily sorted, managed and processed. Through Switch and the integration with MIS and ERP systems, it is possible to re-use existing information and maximize efficiency and customer service.
 
File transfer security has also been improved, using the industry-standard SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol).
 
PitStop Connect 10 is also compatible with the latest preflight technology and PDF standards. This includes Preflight Profiles and Action Lists, as delivered through Enfocus' PitStop Pro 10 software; as well as support for PDF/X-4 for printing and PDF/A for archiving.
 
Pricing and availability

PitStop Connect 10 will be available in the second quarter of 2011, from www.enfocus.com. For more information on upgrades and pricing, contact your preferred reseller, email [email protected] or consult the Enfocus website at www.enfocus.com.