CMM International, Chicago, IL (April 18, 2005) – Creo Inc. is introducing powerful new versions of its integrated workflow solutions for the packaging market at CMM International, underway in Chicago from April 18-21, 2005. New developments include a major new version of the Prinergy Powerpack prepress workflow system, as well as significant enhancements to Pandora, the step-and-repeat tool that efficiently creates packaging layouts. Creo is also demonstrating how printers can enhance their existing prepress workflow by implementing the latest versions of the Synapse InSite Internet portal into prepress, and Synapse Link business integration software. These powerful value-add software modules integrate easily with the Prinergy Powerpack workflow, and are enabling customers to achieve greater automation, collaboration and productivity than ever before. These workflow solutions support Networked Graphic Production, the industry-wide initiative that is focused on using open file standards like JDF to automate the entire print production process—from idea to delivery. These new solutions enable printers and converters to boost revenue, reduce operating costs and streamline their production by integrating their prepress systems with other vendors’ management information systems (MIS), production planning tools, press, and finishing tools. New! Prinergy Powerpack 3.0 The Creo PDF packaging workflow, Prinergy Powerpack, delivers unprecedented control, integration and automation to packaging converters. “This is the most significant upgrade ever for Prinergy,” said Stan Coleman, corporate vice president, Printing Workflow Systems. “Version 3.0 features major improvements in automation as well as a powerful new suite of production tools that bring great value to our packaging customers.” New features include: Enhanced user interface features optimized screen layouts, drag and drop, and contextual menus for easy-to-learn, efficient operation. Rules-based Automation allows users to create sets of rules that Prinergy will automatically execute, such as: make a proof anytime a one-up file is approved or archive the job to tape after the last plate is made. Rules are created using a simple icon-based user interface that is powerful and extremely easy to use. Automation saves packaging printers and converters cost, reduces errors and improves turnaround time. PDF Compare and PDF Merge reduce the time and cost associated with managing correction cycles in a packaging workflow. PDF Compare and PDF Merge are new Adobe Acrobat plug-ins for the Prinergy Powerpack workflow management system. These tools allow prepress operators to compare two files, extract all of the production work that was done on the original production file (traps, screening assignment, overprint settings, etc.) and merge all of those elements into the revised production file. This ensures that both design and production master files are always up-to-date, which saves time in prepress and reduces costly errors on press. PDF preflight allows operators to customize preflight criteria or use predefined profiles to check and correct input files automatically. Advanced HyperFlex extends the imaging potential of flexographic plates by enabling smaller dots to be formed and held on the plate throughout the print process. This new version of HyperFlex can be applied to normal AM screening in addition to Creo Maxtone hybrid screening. Fort Dearborn Company Implements Prinergy 3.0 Fort Dearborn Company is a leading provider of high-impact decorative labels, serving consumer goods manufacturers across North America. A long-time user of Prinergy Powerpack, Fort Dearborn implemented version 3.0 in its Elk Grove Village, IL facility in January 2005. “Version 3.0 was very easy to deploy. The user interface looks different but it’s easy to navigate,” said Pat LaVigne, Prinergy administrator. “The new features and functionality Creo has introduced are helping us automate our prepress production so that we can provide better delivery times and value to our customers. The new Rules-based Automation, combined with Smart Hot Folders and Spotless printing, brings significant benefits to Fort Dearborn.” Prinergy Powerpack version 3.0 can be purchased at CMM International and is available at no charge to existing Prinergy users with full support contracts. New! Pandora Version 2.8 The latest version, 2.8, of the Pandora step-and-repeat tool introduces several new features, including enhanced Mark Creation and Editing. Users will now be able to define marks, select the separations they will print on and dynamically render text, font size, color and overprint characteristics. Editable marks will also allow users to edit marks within Pandora, without having to launch other applications. Other features include JDF support for the Prinergy Evo PDF processor, PDF 1.5 support, ruler tools and enhanced Prinergy/Pandora Integration. Pandora 2.8 is scheduled for release in summer 2005. Synapse Link Supports More MIS Synapse Link business integration software is a powerful information gateway that allows printers to integrate prepress data into management information systems (MIS). Version 2.0 of Synapse Link features prepress event data tracking options by job part, surface or separation basis. It now supports many additional MIS vendors and adds more powerful process automation for tasks initiated by the business system, including job creation with associated job templates, archive, purge, import/export and retrieve options. Networked Graphic Production and Packaging Networked Graphic Production partners Globe-Tek Corporation and DiMS! are providing live demonstrations at the Creo booth that how show their management information systems track Prinergy Powerpack prepress events through Synapse Link business integration software. Synapse InSite Now with Color-Accurate Soft Proofing SynapseInSite 4.0 will introduce several new features including InSite Color, the only color-accurate soft proofing fully integrated with Creo workflow solutions. This SWOP certified option extends the capability of Synapse InSite workflow by ensuring a proof viewed by multiple stakeholders at different locations will be displayed with consistent and accurate color. Furthermore, the on-screen color will match a hard copy proof viewed under the controlled lighting conditions of the light booth. Other new features that extend the power of Synapse InSite include the creation and display of customizable job information sheets and production schedule information as well as the ability to view reader spreads. See these powerful new workflow solutions demonstrated by Creo at booth # 3238 in the Digital Workflow Solutions Center at the CMM International in Chicago, IL, April 18-21, 2005.