CHICAGO, Oct. 15 -- The KODAK PRINERGY workflow system continues to get even better. At Graph Expo 2006, Kodak will preview the KODAK PRINERGY workflow solution, version 4, the newest iteration of the market leading workflow system for print service providers. The upcoming release builds on a history of technology leadership to deliver unprecedented flexibility to customize, manage and automate conventional and digital print workflows. The PRINERGY system version 4 will help unify and optimize the production workflow, providing greater control than ever before. Version 4, which includes KODAK COLORFLOW technology and new features that support a KODAK Unified Workflow solution, allow greater integration and color accuracy throughout the operation; a new level of collaboration with customers; and new options for scaleability, efficiency and automation. “The PRINERGY system is a fundamental building block of a KODAK Unified Workflow solution,” said Jon Bracken, Vice President Marketing and Channels, Workflow and Prepress Equipment, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “Version 4 is a significant development that will initiate a paradigm shift in prepress workflow management, helping graphic communications providers develop fully integrated, managed blended production environments.” Enhanced PDF transparency workflows The newly integrated ADOBE PDF Print Engine is the technical complement to Kodak’s enhanced transparency enabled PDF file processing capability. These improvements increase flexibility to choose when and how transparency is applied in the workflow, reduce the occurrence of artifacts being introduced into files when refined, and increase the speed, consistency and reliability of processing complex files that include transparency elements. The PRINERGY system version 4 also delivers enhanced Layered PDF Versioning introducing support for layered PDF input files. Tools for collaboration and workflow integration The introduction of a new PRINERGY system “Dashboard” is a distributed browser based interface for providing status and progress in production. It will provide prepress management and customer service representatives better visibility into the production process with an overall view of Job status across single or multiple PRINERGY workflow systems throughout an operation. For digital and conventional production environments, the PRINERGY system version 4 can include an optional Digital Print Manager, software that enables automated digital print production. The system can automatically read job intent, select a manufacturing plan and route jobs to the appropriate press. It is fully integrated with KODAK INSITE software and KODAK EYEMEDIA software platforms to support KODAK web to unified print solutions. It also supports variable print data file submission to KODAK NEXPRESS digital production color presses. The PRINERGY system version 4 also features enhanced options for production reporting and automated data exchange between MIS systems, with KODAK PRINERGY Business Link software, version 3, which provides instant, real time access to status, productivity information and job costing. The software conforms to CIP4 JDF prepress and MIS Interoperability Conformance Specification (ICS), expanding business integration operations. Enhanced workflow automation The PRINERGY system version 4 will offer new workflow automation and data management capabilities. Enhanced Rules-Based Automation expands the range of production events supported, including imposition, layout and digital print events, resulting in greater JDF support, flexibility and control in production at a job, customer and system level. Users can better customize, track, control and automate activities in prepress, with new user defined Custom Fields. Custom Fields enrich the job meta-data that is stored and can be populated from PRINERGY Workshop or from JDF. They allow users to create and customize their own JDF based job information in PRINERGY software and are accessible via Rules-Based Automation in the production workflow, further extending workflow automation. A new Job Notes feature also allows operators to add comments on job status, improving job history and collaboration in production. The PRINERGY system version 4 introduces new scaleable, JDF based solution options for managed, distributed production. The new JDF based prepress production hub configuration improves control, automation, and flexibility at operations with complex hub and spoke implementations. It also increases system availability and provides a flexible new upgradeable growth path for existing customers. “The new PRINERGY system is well equipped to enable our customers to integrate their conventional and digital press environments to drive greater efficiencies and enable new business opportunities,” Bracken said. “The continuing advances that Kodak is making in Unified Workflow, especially around integration with business workflow and customer facing tools, will change how the industry evaluates prepress workflow into the future.” Version 4 will feature updates for all configurations in the family of PRINERGY workflow solutions: PRINERGY workflow system, PRINERGY POWERPACK workflow system for packaging printers, the PRINERGY PUBLISH workflow system for publishers and agencies, and the affordable PRINERGY EVO workflow system. KODAK products are backed by KODAK Service and Support, Kodak’s worldwide service organization. Named Best Support Organization at the 2006 International Business Awards, KODAK Service and Support includes more than 3,000 professionals in 120 countries. These professionals are fully qualified to help customers control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.