(October 01, 2008) HIFLEX is pleased to announce the arrival of a new and enhanced version of HIFLEX MIS. The new 2008 release, which has been JDF-certified by the CIP4 organization, offers a whole host of new features where HIFLEX MIS can be adapted even more specifically to the individual demands of the user. The communication processes between print buyers and providers have been further optimized. JDF interfaces to even more partner systems are supported and the transparent accessibility of up-to-the-minute business data has been expanded.

Advanced automation promotes integration of the print buyer into the processing workflow. This facilitates the interactions between print buyer and printer and at the same time allows for better tracking of the process. Proven web2print functionalities have been incorporated into the HIFLEX Order Book tool, for example, provision of an upload link for the print data or displaying of a preview image as soon as the data are received from the customer. A pre-flight check with immediate feedback to the customer regarding the suitability of the data has been added for image collaboration with the print buyer. HIFLEX managing director Stefan Reichhart sums up: "The extended features of the 2008 release streamline the communication processes between customer and printer, maximize production reliability and further raise the transparency of the whole process."

The new release similarly extends the functionality with respect to JDF networking. As Stefan Reichhart also points out: "Practical implementation has long since shown that the production process becomes all the more profitable if the process steps involved can be integrated via a central data hub." It is thus a logical progression that further JDF interfaces have been added to HIFLEX MIS, for example to the Hohner saddle binders in post-press and to CREO Color Servers for digital printing devices.

The HIFLEX Information Cockpit EIS (Executive Information System), which was unveiled at Drupa, has become a standard element of the HIFLEX MIS user interface in the 2008 release. The EIS places the business data essential for decision-making at the manager's fingertips, in a clear and intuitively understandable form. With the new release, the direct access to data can even be matched extensively to individual requirements, while the data themselves can be retrieved from either the HIFLEX databases or external sources such as a financial accounting system. Stefan Reichhart identifies numerous fields of application for the EIS: "HIFLEX users can have relevant information displayed immediately at start-up, or specifically when preparing quotations or scheduling production. The possibilities include appraisals of credit status or evaluations to review the recent revenue, incoming orders and profit earned for a selected customer. The data are furthermore filtered on the basis of user groups and are only displayed where they are currently required for decision-making or analyses."

Existing clients are already enjoying the benefits of the 2008 release. HIFLEX user Albert Contzen from the UNIVERSAL Media Group in Munich reports: "The features in the new HIFLEX version make the handling of inquiries and orders even more efficient, especially as the customer is even more closely integrated into the whole transparent process. Working with a single system enables us to save considerable time at the job preparation stage." He goes on to add: "Furthermore, thanks to the predefined evaluation reports provided by the EIS, our staff can make faster decisions and also on our reliable and up-to-date dependable business data."

The test phase for the HIFLEX MIS Release 2008 has been completed successfully and the new version is now available to all users with immediate effect.