NEWSTEC, Brighton, England, U.K. - 21 May 2001. Agfa introduced IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0, the heart of its IntelliNet Series 2 next-generation workflow solutions for newspapers. NewsFlow automates production workflow management via complete planning, comprehensive plate annotating, logging, viewing, page merging and pairing, and output capabilities. Designed to handle the variety of formats newspapers have to deal with, NewsFlow accepts PostScript, PDF, and TIFF files. It accommodates a wide range of newspaper operations - including editorial sites transmitting to multiple printing locations and printing locations receiving files from multiple editorial sites. It adapts seamlessly to any communications network. And NewsFlow's open approach ensures smooth integration for future growth. IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0 will be available June 2001. Agfa will offer an upgrade to sites using earlier releases of NewsFlow. Achieving Automation Through Production Planning. IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0 includes complete production planning and scheduling capabilities, enabling newspapers to establish comprehensive production plans for their entire newspaper operation - controlling the processing and distribution of page separations to all sites. "With NewsFlow 2.0, its easy to establish a complete plan quickly and modify it when necessary," said Andy Grant, Agfa worldwide marketing manager for workflow systems. "Now newspapers can plan as far in advance as possible, and do their planning from almost anywhere." A Flexible Approach To Workflow Management. IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0 can match the specific requirements of any newspaper workflow, automating the strings of sequences that already exist within their operation. "For example, a typical sequence might consist of the following steps - RIP, proof, wait for editorial approval, and send to two printing sites," says Grant. "Only NewsFlow 2.0 gives newspapers the flexibility they need to create the multiple sequences and specific conditions that match their unique needs." Creating A Practical PDF Workflow. IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0 can be used to manage an efficient, practical PDF workflow. It integrates the capabilities of Agfa Apogee Create, which enables users to create reliable workflow-optimised PDF files, and IntelliNet NewsRIP 2.0, which is based on Agfa's Apogee PDF RIP. It combines a full-featured RIP with a PDF rasteriser to create a versatile and practical PDF workflow. A Centralized View Of The Production Process. IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0 provides clear, accessible operator information allowing operators to both monitor and control production. System-wide logging gathers data from all activities across all sites in the network. Special alarms and colour-coded status indicators let operators make faster production decisions and spot potential problems. IntelliNet WebTrack 2.0, Agfa's optional Web-based global production tracking and proofing solution, uses this logging information to provide a complete, secure overview of the entire production run via a standard Web browser. Fast, Reliable Communication Throughout The Production Team. "More and more newspapers have workflows that require fast, reliable communication between many sites - such as multiple editorial sites, production facilities, or geographically dispersed printing locations," said Grant. "IntelliNet NewsFlow's advanced asynchronous communication capabilities link all of the sites in a NewsFlow system like never before." NewsFlow 2.0 optimises communications speeds, enabling all sites to communicate as quickly as possible for maximum productivity. Electronic Plate Make-Up. IntelliNet NewsFlow's optional Electronic Plate Make-Up (EPM) capability performs automatic page pairing, electronic double burn, and multi-page impositions. It also provides background merging and text and barcode annotation of images. This capability simplifies the process of bringing together multiple elements (i.e. importing scanned advertisements into a pre-RIPed page) to create a complete plate. Agfa can also configure pairing and merging capabilities to suit special requirements. Output To A Wide Range Of Devices. NewsFlow 2.0 outputs completed pages to a wide range of devices from Agfa and other manufacturers, including Wydnet, ECRM, Autologic, Hell, Herkules, and PressFax. It interfaces with Agfa's Polaris family of platesetters designed for newspapers via IntelliNet NewsDrive. Taking Efficiency All The Way To The Press. "One of the most exciting aspects of NewsFlow 2.0 is that it lets newspapers extend workflow efficiency all the way to the press," said Grant. Agfa IntelliNet InkSet 2.0 produces ink key data tailored to specific presses - enabling significant reductions in make-ready times and paper and ink waste. IntelliNet PressSite coordinates production of a high volume of plates, ensuring that the right plate is at the right place at the right time. PressSite helps maximise press capacity and minimise plate errors. Part of Next-Generation IntelliNet Series 2. NewsFlow 2.0 is part of Agfa's new IntelliNet Series 2 family of workflow solutions designed for newspapers. Agfa designed the full IntelliNet suite of products to integrate easily into any workflow, allowing every type and size of newspaper operation to achieve workflow efficiency and automation. Intellinet Series 2 includes IntelliNet NewsFlow 2.0, automated production workflow manager; NewsDrive 2.0, high-productivity Polaris interface; IntelliNet NewsRIP 2.0, powerful newspaper RIP; IntelliNet TIFFProof 2.0, for automated color proofing; IntelliNet InkSet 2.0 automated ink-key data; and IntelliNet PressSite 2.0 plate production coordination. Agfa IntelliNet solutions are in use at more than 250 newspaper sites throughout the world - including The Wall Street Journal Europe, Financial Times, Canberra Times (Australia) and The Post Crescent (Wisconsin, U.S.A.). Part of Agfa's smarter approach to newspaper production. IntelliNet Series 2 is just part of Agfa's wide range of advanced prepress solutions for newspapers, including Polaris platesetters, digital plates and other media, Phoenix News imagesetters, colour management solutions, screening technologies, digital proofing solutions, scanners, and other key prepress systems and consumables. Agfa also offers integration consulting services aimed at helping newspapers maximize the benefits of IntelliNet Series 2.