Thamm GmbH, a leading large format print service provider based in Germany, reports that it has significantly improved its production thanks to the implementation of Enfocus Switch. Working with Switch, the company created a fully automated large format PDF printing workflow that 'practically runs itself'. By improving workflow efficiency, reducing manual processes and streamlining operations, Thamm was able to increase productivity and profitability.

Before working with Enfocus Switch, Thamm's high-performance large format output devices required considerable manual work, creating a production process that was time-consuming and subject to error. Production staff manually struggled with Acrobat preflight functions, leading to some jobs taking days to sort out. From data input to print preparation, quality assurance, production and order completion, the company's workflow was disjointed and inefficient.

After learning about Enfocus Switch in mid-2011 through Enfocus' German distributor Impressed, Thamm began to improve its production process by streamlining the workflow. Jörg Kulasik, Head of Color Management & RIPs at Thamm, explains: "We decided to thoroughly work out our production process from back-end to front. Once we integrated Enfocus Switch into our workflow, a lot changed - and for the better. What is most striking is the time saved. Repetitive processes that had to be done manually are now fully automated - and exactly how we need them to happen."
 
Customized automation eliminates errors
"Once implemented, we customized Switch according to our requirements to such an extent that our production practically runs itself," continues Kulasik. "It doesn't matter how big or complicated a job is; Switch controls the entire workflow via a database interface. Errors don't stand a chance as data is monitored from input through to printing, finishing and dispatch, and sent down the right path. Now we can comfortably handle any job - all the parts simply fit together.

For Thamm, the greatest benefit of Switch is the open software architecture, which facilitates easy integration, use of metadata, and integrated plug-ins from third-party developers. Some of the products used in Thamm's workflow include: Enfocus PitStop Server; callas pdfToolbox; callas pdfToolbox Server; ColorLogic CoPrA; and ColorLogic ZePrA.

"We've achieved a lot in a short time. We check incoming data in terms of printability, we've partially automated the conversion of print data into print color spaces, and we've control automated processes directly from our ordering system. We also implemented print data conversion workflows using callas pdfToolbox. For me, Enfocus Switch has no limits, and I'm sure we'll use it to integrate other tools and functions in the future," concludes Jörg Kulasik.
 
Smart automation with Enfocus Switch
Enfocus Switch is a modular, open automation platform that gives printers, publishers, ad agencies and other companies higher overall efficiency across departments. Enfocus Switch allows users to accomplish repetitive tasks associated with receiving, sorting, and processing files automatically. Switch's automation of these tasks standardizes processes, reduces errors, and frees up resources, resulting in substantial savings in time and money. By automating such tasks, Switch makes time available for activities that create added value, such as customer service, design, marketing and sales opportunities, or otherwise concentrating on core business services.