New arifiQ Optimizer Automatically Creates Gang Runs & Imposed PDFs of Custom Jobs

Friday, November 17, 2017

Press release from the issuing company

arifiQ Development today announces the new arifiQ Optimizer, which identifies the most cost-optimized imposition and production paths for single and gang-run jobs; automatically creates sheet-sized, imposed PDFs; and transfers the imposed PDFs directly to any prepress or digital workflow system. arifiQ Optimizer will be available as a stand-alone application via the cloud or desktop on December 1.

Screengrab of the arifiQ Optimizer showing Gang-Run imposition sheets and production specs calculated and ready to submit to the hotfolder as Imposed PDFs. The operation takes one click, 3 seconds, and no human decision-making.

No Templates Necessary

One of the greatest competitive benefits of arifiQ Optimizer is that it does not require use of predefined templates; resulting in substantial time savings and many more options for ganging. It also eliminates numerous human touches in production planning and prepress (production path, lay-out/impositions).

“This functionality is a dream come true for both the production manager and the prepress operator,” says Stefan Karlsson, CTO at arifiQ. “We have wanted to plug this gap because it has long been a process in desperate need of automation.

“Without the arifiQ Optimizer,” Karlsson says, “it takes significant time and effort to calculate file layouts for Ganging in an efficient way. Also, while imposition templates may handle the most common products, it takes a long time to find the right ones. Most importantly, stakeholders will not enjoy the savings, and other benefits, of optimized production.”

How it Works

First, arifiQ Optimizer accepts any number of PDFs. Then, in a period of time that only spans a few seconds to a few minutes, the Optimizer calculates the most cost-effective and least wasteful imposition and job production path. The single or gang run jobs are automatically transferred to the prepress- or digital workflow system as imposed PDF sheets. A video showing the process is available at https://arifiq.com/video-2/.

What are the Benefits?

The Optimizer is a substantial time saver for prepress operators, as the tasks of selecting a press, finding the right templates and paper sizes, and doing the layout of the pages, are all taken care of. The Optimizer eliminates the vast majority of choices and checkboxes in a typical prepress system (along with the risk of human error). The imposed PDF files are stored in a hot folder, to be picked up by a traditional prepress or digital workflow system, and then the sheets can be released to CTP or a digital press.

When combined with arifiQ PRO’s quote and order system, arifiQ Optimizer offers a true, automated workflow starting at the print customer or the sales person, and progressing through to production. arifiQ technology can also be integrated with MIS/order systems.