ROLLING MEADOWS, IL (July 24, 2001) – Monotype Systems Incorporated announced the first U.S. release of its OnTrak Publication Management Browser (PMB) and Publication Configuration Manager (PCM), a suite of digital workflow and page/plate tracking tools including support for historical reporting and deadline monitoring. OnTrak displays graphical views and status lists of publication workflow data that automatically update during the publication process using a standard web browser. Client software accepts manual input of publication information or integration is available to page planning and press control systems to automate configuration. PMB delivers graphical workflow displays that can be viewed by publication, edition, section or department. Color and monochrome thumbnail views are available as pages are completed. The page view shows the status of a single page or spread and includes a large thumbnail and a list of events pertaining to the page. In the event of an error, the browser displays exactly where the problem occurred. “OnTrak is the glue for our PrintExpress system,” said Dennis Nierman, Monotype Systems Inc., president. “It’s a management tool that lets users monitor their operation from anywhere and disseminate production information to their entire organization.” The first installation of OnTrak will be at the New York Post’s Bronx production facility. The Columbus Dispatch and Greensboro News & Record will follow. Software workflow tools support deadlines that can be configured either by specific time or general guidelines that permit user-definable quotas of allowable open pages at intervals before deadline. If a specific deadline is missed or page flow falls behind, an alarm is provided. Each OnTrak screen displays the overall deadline status of the publication. OnTrak compiles a time-stamped list of activity for each output device so you know how many proofs, negatives or plates have been created. At the end of the day, this information can be used to create reports with an accurate accounting of consumable usage as well as minute-to-minute data that can be used for precise production management. An export facility is provided to compile historical reports using standard SQL databases. “We’ve created a real management tool, not just a pretty display,” said Nierman. “Our customers want to know what’s going on during the production process. And, at the end of the day, they want to know what happened so they can improve their workflow.” OnTrak is compatible with all PrintExpress systems including 2000 configuration where all software modules run on a single system, producing unparalleled integration, performance, reliability, resilience and fault tolerance. It is an integral part of MSI’s PrintExpress suite of modular software products designed to provide complete “system” output management solutions including: input spooling, PDF generation and workflows, Adobe CPSI RIPs, TIFF file management, page pairing, bitmap merging, imposition, soft proofing, plate labeling, plate position labeling and ink presetting interfaces as well as integration to press control and page planning systems and the ability to drive most film and plate imaging devices.