The expertise of Apogee is migrated into new solution for wide-format production 

To complement its ink-jet solutions for the wide-format sign and display markets, Agfa Graphics has introduced an advanced automated workflow solution that is built using the company’s extensive applications’ experience. Offering a dedicated option based on the renowned Apogee technology, Asanti is designed for entry-level and mid-sized production companies who want to streamline their productivity, integrate colour consistency and fidelity, and enable fully accountable end-to-end quality management. 

Sign-makers and display producers increasingly are seeking to improve their efficiency, save time and lower costs across all areas of pre-press and production, having been forced thus far to employ different software elements to implement file handling, color management, RIPping and pre-flighting. Now Asanti can be utilised to bring all these elements together in a single PDF-based workflow, with rendering based on the industry standard APPE (Adobe PDF Print Engine) that enables full JDF control for automated accountability. 

The new Asanti solution is based on Agfa Graphics’ many years of experience in PDF workflows and enables high levels of automation throughout the production process. The result is a very cost-effective end-to-end capability that incorporates all the requirements needed from start to finish, ensuring consistency in color and quality from incoming files, through file editing and RIPping to printing on multiple devices. 

This new solution is complemented by Asanti StoreFront, a web-to-print system that is based on cloud technology and requires minimal up-front investment. This easy-to-use online shopping solution is designed to help users grow their businesses and explore new markets. It handles incoming orders and their status via its dashboard, integrating seamlessly with Asanti to generate time-saving, error-free features throughout the job handling process. 

Resulting in a reliable PDF-based printing solution that streamlines all pre-press operations, complete with full pre-flight and correction capabilities, Agfa Graphics' Asanti also interfaces with third-party RIPs and print engines. As a production hub that uses a common user interface, it enables operators to take input from various sources, including Asanti StoreFront, standardising functions to ensure consistent colour reliability and profiles, regardless of the type or number of output and finishing devices. 

Workflow optimisation using Asanti optimises all procedures, removing the disadvantages caused when having to implement a variety of different tools and options. As well as reducing costs and time, the complexity of the pre-press operation is reduced significantly, with the elimination of errors and reworked jobs. 

“Agfa Graphics is in the powerful position of having built up many years of expertise with its Apogee workflow for the printing industry,” states Willy van Dromme, Director of Marketing Wide Format at Agfa Graphics. “By migrating and adapting the elements relevant for wide-format digital printing, the new Asanti solution brings the sign and display industry a fully optimised solution which seamlessly integrates all tools required, simplifying the use of PDF and bringing the benefits of JDF compliance within reach.”