In the fast-paced world of print production, having the right tools can make all the difference. Fiery, the leading independent provider of digital front ends (DFEs), has just raised the bar with the launch of Fiery Command WorkStation 7. We sat down with Kerry Moloney, Senior Product Marketing Manager and Mike Robinson, Senior Product Line Manager at Fiery to get the inside scoop on what this game-changing release has to offer. Think of it as your ultimate print command center, designed to unify and simplify your workflow, enhance color control, and boost efficiency. Let's dive in and discover how one central job management solution that transcends printer brands and models helps consolidate print production processes.

WhatTheyThink: The next generation of Fiery Command WorkStation, version 7, just launched and recently won a 2023 Pinnacle Award. Can you sum up this release?

Kerry Moloney: This release brought a breadth of exciting new features for the Fiery user base. Some enhancements are totally new, and some improvements are advancements to already popular features. This makes it a well-rounded release with something for everyone. Whether that be more ways to customize Command WorkStation to your liking, faster ways to get jobs ready for print, or new ways to verify color results—it has new capabilities for all user types.

Mike Robinson: In addition, Fiery Command WorkStation 7 sees the introduction of the new Fiery Account. This new account type opens up more efficient ways to work for users, plus provides business insights that will benefit individuals, and their company. Once set up, users can quickly download Fiery software, and back up Command WorkStation workspace settings and their makeready licenses. Fiery cutsheet printer users can use the free Fiery IQ production analytics, and try the Fiery IQ paid applications for 30 days at no cost.

Winner of the 2023 Pinnacle Award, Fiery Command WorkStation 7 is now available and free to all Fiery customers. 

WTT: Can you tell us more about the color enhancements and how this improves color control for print operators?

KM: One big advancement in the area of color control is that version 7 sees the integration of the “everyday” Fiery ColorGuard process control functions. Previously, to initiate a daily calibration or verification, users needed to step out of the Command WorkStation interface to take these actions. Now, via the Notifications feature in Command WorkStation, users are alerted too, and can action, these vital tasks that keep printers printing the expected. It saves time, is more convenient, and means these steps are less likely to get missed in busy production environments. 

MR: We’ve also made significant developments to Fiery Spot Pro which come with Command WorkStation 7 for users of our software packages such as the Fiery Graphic Arts package. For example, Spot Pro variations make it even easier to get spot colors to print exactly as brand owners desire by using familiar tools to make visual adjustments to the hue, brightness, and darkness of a color.

The new, patent-pending Spot color checkup feature does exactly what the name suggests—it allows users to check and report on how accurately their Fiery Driven™ printer is reproducing a selection of colors at any given time. This provides the opportunity to make adjustments when needed, which ensures more consistent color reproduction over time.

WTT: How does this new release help to improve makeready times for printers?

KM: Fiery Command WorkStation version 7 brings Fiery Impose’s advanced integration with Duplo’s DC-648 Slitter/Cutter/Creaser finisher. The integration enables users to create custom imposition layouts with finishing marks all in one interface. Direct communication with the Duplo DC-648 saves significant time and reduces the potential for error and rework. 

MR: Another notable feature is Fiery JobMaster™ that now has the capability to let users scale individual pages of varying sizes after merging jobs from totally different sources. What this offers users is a way to quickly and easily create professional-looking documents, even when the content isn’t from the most ideal sources. 

WTT: How important is customer input and feedback in the development of Fiery products and your road map?  Were there any new features in this release that were driven by customers?

KM: Yes, indeed, version 7 includes multiple features based on customer requests. Job History, as an example, was requested to address the issue that sometimes, multiple versions of a job can exist, and it can be tricky to know which was the “final” version for reprinting. Knowing the full history of a job means it’s easily identifiable so less mistakes are made.

Another area where we commonly see feature requests is around customizing Command WorkStation to suit how users prefer to work, or what they want to see. In version 7, we’ve broadened the customization options for the server list. This includes the capability to hide infrequently used print queues and information. That way operators view only the things that are important to them, and they can see more servers on the screen with less scrolling. 

We also added Dark Mode for macOS users which was a frequent request on our Fiery Communities platform. Users like this popular display setting as it’s said to reduce eyestrain and glare, plus conserve battery life on certain types of laptop displays.

MR: Customer feedback has always been and always will be extremely valuable to us, both in terms of feature developments, plus any other areas we can improve on such as training and services and so on. So, keep the feedback coming.

WTT: Any other news or information you want to share with existing or potential Fiery users? 

KM: Yes, after speaking with customers at recent trade shows, it’s important to know that Fiery Command WorkStation can be installed as client software as many times as users wish at no charge. This means that from wherever, 24/7, operators and managers can get a full birds-eye view and control of print production. Related to this, Command WorkStation is the job management interface for all Fiery Driven printers whether they are driving cutsheet, large format, or high-speed inkjet—truly unifying print rooms by reducing learning curves and providing all kinds of business efficiencies.

MR: If users need additional assistance, don’t forget the award-winning Fiery eLearning platform where users can access thousands of Course modules, Express videos, and How-to guides for free. Plus, take advantage of Fiery Communities where users can post questions, find answers, and chat to experts on any Fiery-related topic.