Little Rock, AR – July 22-23 the JDF Users Group Conference took place and was hosted by Democrat Printing in partnership with CIP4 & PIA. Technique Group played a major part in making the event a success and continued to show its support for JDF and JDF implementation/deployment.

On the first day Mark Anderson of Technique, along with Jeff Toombs of Democrat Printing showed seamless and detailed jdf integration between Technique MIS and Agfa Apogee Portal/Prepres This is the first occasion where a live demonstration of JDF connectivity and integration has been presented to the JDF Users group. A connection that sees two JDF Certified solutions working live. Starting from an estimate then leading into an order in Technique MIS, details such as customer, order number, and delivery details etc were passed through to prepress via the Agfa portal solution; allowing accurate and instant transfer of data about the job including number of pages and style to be manufactured. Once in prepress, customers can upload their files into their job and have them automatically processed (ripped) and displayed for review and approval, once approved the pages are displayed in real-time back in the Technique system for CSR’s to determine scheduling and manufacturing timelines. Information that was displayed included; data delivery (files), pre-flight, plate making as well as page and sheet thumbnails together with real-time costing.
This workflow demonstration at Democrat Printing had the entire group impressed at this tightly integrated solution which brings major business efficiencies including time saving; one time data entry; and improved customer service;.

The following day, as one of a number of presentation on varied aspects of jdf and workflow automation, Mark Anderson, a JDF Certified Expert, addressed the group. As an interactive session, Mark provided real life experiences of the trial and tribulations of working with JDF as the tool to automate and integrate different systems throughout a printing plant.
"I believe that JDF will be the tool that will automate the industry, if used correctly." said Mark . "But, be cautious and be certain to plan and of course pick the right partner like Technique to help drive success."

"Real life examples of integrations which show high levels of automation through JDF was a great addition to agenda of the JDF Users Group sessions", says Chris Wood, President, Technique Inc. "Printers have made it clear to us that they are looking to see jdf integration work, not just read about it on a brochure or on a website. Technique has the tools, experience and partners in place to realize huge efficiencies for printers who chose to adopt this technology"

Technique will be showing further support towards JDF at the upcoming PRINT ’09 tradeshow (booth 6711) Chicago, in September - showcasing connectivity vendors such; Agfa, Kodak and others.