BEDFORD, MA -- May 1, 2002 -- Creo Inc. is pleased to announce that Pandora 1.5, a powerful PDF-based packaging layout solution, is integrated in version 2.1 of the Prinergy Powerpack workflow. This powerful step-and-repeat program and nesting application from ScenicSoft, fully supports PDF and is designed to automatically optimize the press sheet surface for label, postcard and packaging printers. "Managing a few extra labels on the press sheet can make the difference between winning or losing an order, and making a profit on the job," explains Bob Kutschke, Creo director of packaging workflow. "The Pandora-Prinergy Powerpack solution is a forward-looking PDF-solution with unique integration between our products." Pandora 1.5 is integrated in the Prinergy Powerpack Workshop and runs on both Macintosh(r) and PC platforms. Pandora was demonstrated with Prinergy Powerpack at IPEX. Version 2.1 of the Prinergy Powerpack workflow will include enhanced features that address the needs of flexographic printers, converters and trade shops. This version includes 7.5 degree-shifted flexo angle screening and vector scaling as standard features. Optional flexo features include MaxTone screening, which allows for high-quality highlight dot reproduction, and solid screening, which permits smoother shadows reproduction. Another feature, raster scaling uses an advanced scaling algorithm to provide Prinergy Powerpack users with a universal scaling solution for all their workflow needs. Two new features of version 2.1 allow users to apply different characteristics to individual PDF objects, for example, mixing FM and AM screening or using two AM screens on a single job for artistic effect. Creo is demonstrating these DotShop and DotShop Composer tools at IPEX. Creo is introducing a new entry-level configuration of Prinergy Powerpack workflow. This new single-server configuration offers core packaging functionality and production workflow management for narrow web flexo printers and offset printers with small format computer-to-plate devices. Features of the compact configuration include trapping, step-and-repeat, normalizing, high-resolution rendering and flexographic screening solutions, as well as proofing connectivity. "Prinergy Powerpack entry-level workflow is an affordable solution for companies with moderate throughput and performance needs," says Mark Maldeghem, product manager, "yet it's built on the unique architecture of the Prinergy workflow that allows for seamless performance upgrades when required." The Prinergy Powerpack entry-level workflow is a new addition to the packaging solutions family that includes single server, mid-range and high-end configurations for converters and packaging trade shops, as well as full packaging prepress configurations. Packaging printers are discovering several products that serve as building blocks of Networked Graphic Production, the Creo initiative that streamlines production from concept through converting. The first tool is the Prinergy Powerpack workflow, providing production management by employing an integrated database to record all transactions and provide data for metrics that affect resource planning, accurate billing, and change-order management. It also automatically allocates jobs or parts of jobs to the various servers and operators and ensures optimal productivity. Another tool, the Synapse InSite Internet portal, enables online collaboration between creative and technical people, online job submission, and remote proofing for a faster and simplified proofing process. New in version 3.5 of Synapse InSite software is the multiple approval feature, which allows more than one stakeholder to electronically sign-off each element of a job. Print buyers may specify as many as six stakeholders to approve individual elements or 1-up artworks. For packaging printers with multiple stakeholders that include clients and legal departments, this tool shortens the proofing cycle and reduces the cost of multiple hard proofs. A third tool, Synapse Prepare software, enables creative designers to create perfect production-ready PDF files that meet the printer's requirements. These products are helping printers/converters shorten their cycle times, minimize errors on press, and deliver quality printing faster by bringing print buyers closer to the production cycle and reducing manual steps in the process.. The new Creo solutions for packaging printers, converters and tradeshops were featured at IPEX, April 9-17 in Birmingham, UK. For more information, visit www.creo.com.