MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., - May 27, 2003 – Heidelberg recently addressed printers at the Mid America Print Expo regarding tools and strategies for minimizing production times and creating profitable operations. James Mauro, Product Manager, Prinect Press Products delivered a presentation on the Job Definition Format (JDF) and Heidelberg’s use of this technology in the Prinect family of Computer Integrated Manufacturing modules, and Charles Stein, Regional Prepress Sales Manager, presented Heidelberg Computer to Plate (CtP) technology in breakout sessions at the show, held recently in Minneapolis, Minn. JDF’s Role in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Mauro presented the key benefits of a JDF-enabled workflow, stating that it reduces data entry by production operators, who can focus on producing jobs rather than managing them. Additionally, he described how JDF workflow enables printers to combine the products and applications of various suppliers – as long as they are compliant to the JDF standard. “For the printer, Computer Integrated Manufacturing using JDF provides efficiency, automation, control and transparency – from estimating, quoting and scheduling jobs – to prepress, press and finishing production – to delivery and billing,” Mauro said. “CIM using JDF is also promising as a method for printers to collaborate on jobs directly with print buyers, using the Internet as a conduit.” JDF is a dynamic file format that not only directs the path of a job as it travels through production, but that it also records and stores valuable data about the job as well. JDF captures data from each stage of production. “JDF will become as vital to production as PostScript and PDF.” Thriving Market for CtP Charles Stein addressed the core benefits of CtP devices for the small to mid-sized print shops such as alleviating the high cost of film, reducing the time of contacting film to plate and production of higher quality plates. Stein also highlighted recent Heidelberg innovations benefiting CtP-based printing operations, including: - the fully automatic Quicksetter 300 and 400 E polyester platesetter - MetaDimension, a state-of-the-art color proofing system with InRip trapping, and - Supercolor, a versatile, user-friendly PDF color management solution. “Heidelberg understands that one the most important and fastest growing segments of the industry are small to mid-sized print shops,” stated Stein. “This market segment relies heavily on CtP as an efficient, profitable tool to meet customer demands for quick turnarounds and lower costs. Supporting tools such as color management and proofing ensure that quality is maintained at the highest level despite the demanding environment.”