New Universal Interface helps increasing productivity, improving process control and securing digital asset investments Lucerne, Switzerland, 1 October 2002-The UP3I standards board, an initiative of leading industry vendors, announces that its core members, Duplo, Hunkeler, IBM, Oce, Stralfors and Xerox have developed the first systems based on UP3I (Universal Printer Pre- and Post-processing Interface). UP3I solutions are demonstrated in the IBM and Oce booths together with Hunkeler and Stralfors at Xplor, 2002, October 28-30, in Anaheim, CA. UP3I defines a standard for end-to-end communication of system data between the hardware components of an integrated digital print line. The UP3I initiative was formed to establish an internationally binding communications interface for all hardware components in a process line. UP3I is based on an open vendor-independent non-proprietary standard enabling integration with present and future workflow management standards. It enables integration with other workflow standards, such as JDF developed by CIP4, by being the conduit for job ticket and control information to reach every device in the digital print line.   With this first implementation of UP3I a range of features is available including automatic job changeovers, real-time process control, automatic waste reject, automatic job recovery and reprinting, single point of operator control, dynamic finishing and delivery control and enhanced document appearance. The new interface increases the customers' productivity, optimizes production workflows and saves the expenses of implementing several different interfaces.   About UP3I The UP3I standard was developed by leading industry vendors including, Duplo, Hunkeler, IBM, Oce, Stralfors and Xerox. Recognizing the benefit to the market many other vendors of digital printing products have joined the initiative as "Associate Members".   For more information on the UP3I interface and the board activities including a board panel discussion at Xplor 2002 please visit UP3I's web site at www.up3i.org.