August 29, 2001 Lynnwood, Washington — ScenicSoft announces that it will show a sneak preview of the next major update of its PDF-based packaging solution, Pandora, at Print 01. Pandora 1.5 introduces major new functionality that automatically optimizes the filling of press sheets, with support for both die cut and straight cut scenarios. The die cut auto-fill feature offers advanced auto-nesting with the ability to export resulting multi-up cutting dies in CFF2 CAD format. The straight cut auto-fill feature ensures realistic, executable straight cutting sequences that can be described and exported in CIP3 PPF (print production format). CIP3 data from Pandora can be used with cutting device consoles such as the POLAR™ Compucut. The Compucut system can be installed on existing POLAR cutters and allows automatic configuration of cutting programs, making even the more challenging cutting sequences easy to execute. A major challenge in today’s print production environment is to optimize the use of every production asset in the shop. Managing to squeeze in a few extra labels or an extra box on the press sheet can make the difference between winning or losing an order, and in making a profit on the job. "The algorithms are extremely fast and people will be stunned when they see the optimization levels and fill percentages that can be achieved. Substantial engineering resources have gone into building this technology," says Esad Suskic, Pandora Product Marketing Manager. "The nesting can go several levels deep, as objects can be placed within other objects where it makes sense. Different layouts can be reviewed quickly, and final layout choices can be made based on the provided fill percentages or other criteria. This is breakthrough technology, and the team can’t wait to show it to our users at Print 01."