Canon today launches version 6 of its proven, powerful workflow and production print management platform, PRISMAproduction. New to the market is PRISMAsimulate Ultra, which provides digital layout proofing, ink calculation and production simulation capabilities for graphic arts and business customer communications applications.
Management software for secure and efficient production print workflows
Developed and re-developed according to market requirements
Faster turnaround times and higher production efficiency
Ink calculation, layout proofing and workflow simulation
PRISMAproduction - Faster turnaround times and higher process efficiency
Building on 25 years of experience and customer feedback, PRISMAproduction has been further developed to automate and integrate data entry and conversion, prepress and production management into a single platform to help customers achieve the highest levels of workflow efficiency.
The workflow solution includes numerous enhancements, including improved prepress capabilities that provide more flexibility to handle a variety of print file formats, including PDF, AFP, Line Data, PCL, Postscript, PPML, LCDS, RDO and VIPP files.
As print jobs become more complex due to variable data for personalisation and single runs, print file sizes are also growing. Features of the new software release include tools for better data optimisation, allowing PRISMAproduction-supported web and sheetfed presses with inkjet and toner technology to run at full speed, even with extremely large PDF files such as those used in commercial photo applications. This not only maximises the throughput of the workflow, but also ensures that maximum productivity is maintained even with the fastest printing systems.
PRISMAproduction version 6 runs on SLES (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server) and supports even higher security standards than the previous version. With improved separation between the application software and the operating system, as well as user management enhancements, these security features ensure that printers can protect their customers' data and better comply with their own and industry-wide security standards.
Michael Engemann, head of production control at Continentale Krankenversicherung a.G., which has been testing the new version, comments: "When we tested the updated version of PRISMAproduction, it turned out that our production operation worked so smoothly with it that we decided to use it permanently. We forgot it was a new version because it just worked." He continues, "For us, PRISMAproduction is easier and more reliable to use than our previous proprietary solution. Also, there is no need to check if all the data is still there or if print data has been lost when it comes to data security. So we really see an advantage in the reliability and stability that the system offers."
PRISMAsimulate Ultra - making quotes and jobs more competitive
PRISMAsimulate Ultra is an easy-to-integrate, on-site application that supports ink costing, proofing and workflow simulation. It increases predictability and reduces makeready times. PRISMAsimulate Ultra is the successor to the popular TrueProof and consists of two independent optional modules that are purchased together with the PRISMAsimulate Ultra Server:
Universal PDF Estimator provides customers with detailed ink consumption data for Canon inkjet web presses, enabling faster and more accurate quoting for print buyers without the need to print the file first - saving time and resources. It supports the comparison of pre- and post-calculations with actual ink and media consumption and the creation of valuable management data to further optimise quotes and ink-related settings. Print shop operators can also easily generate reports with detailed estimates of ink and media consumption based on machine-specific data. The intuitive reports can be exported automatically or manually as PDF or CSV files for further processing in other management applications.
In combination with PRISMAproduction, the Printer Simulation Packages provide layout proofing and production simulation for inkjet web presses and selected toner printing systems to ensure immediate error-free output. This is done by checking the layout, register accuracy and printability of each file before printing. This is practical when expanding application portfolios, as test runs that take up valuable printing time can be avoided. In addition to seamlessly integrating printer simulation into the production workflow with PRISMAproduction, the software can help save resources, costs and waste.
In line with market demands for more automation and against a backdrop of rising resource costs, PRISMAsimulate Ultra is offered on a subscription basis, so no major upfront investment is required.
Laura Hennigfeld, Production Marketing Manager at Canon Germany says: "Printers are facing challenges such as a shortage of skilled labour, demand for shorter runs and an increase in resource costs. As many research institutes point out, automation and end-to-end workflows will be key areas of investment for printers in the coming years to address these challenges through process optimisation and productivity gains. With print applications for the graphic arts industry and business communications containing more and more data about consumers, while also serving as triggers for further communication, security is also a top priority for many print service providers. " She continues, "In addition to the automated features in our digital printing and existing PRISMA workflow solutions, customers can rely on the new PRISMAproduction and PRISMAsimulate Ultra process efficiency tools to securely manage customer data. At the same time, the Canon solution helps to expand business into new market segments and offer a wide range of print applications.
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