Workflow

Workflow is a fairly generic term for all of the stages that a project or job must go through until it is completed. For many a prepress workflow is the software that is used to automate all or some of the processes in prepress.

Workflow systems for commercial printing

There is a wide range of prepress workflow solutions available for commercial printers. Most if not all systems are modular: the base system can be extended with optional modules. One of the tricky aspects of purchasing a workflow system is making sure that you do not buy an underspecced system just to get a low initial price.

• Many vendors of consumables and/or output systems also market workflow systems. These vendors can offer attractive bundle deals and may appeal to people who prefer a turnkey solution from a single vendor. These systems include:
  • Agfa Apogee Prepress – discussed in more detail on this page.
  • Fujifilm XMF
  • Heidelberg Prinect
  • Kodak Prinergy
  • Screen TrueFlow
• There are also software companies that develop and market workflow systems. Their dealers may offer bundle deals that match those of the big boys. The available solutions include:
  • Dalim Twist
  • Esko Backstage & Esko Odystar
  • Xitron Navigator
  • Rampage
• Both smaller and larger companies may create their own mix of applications that work well together. Such workflows are generally known as Do It Yourself or DIY workflows. Such systems can be cheaper than off-the-shelf solutions but they generally lack the automation,  the client-server architecture and the loadbalancing capabilities of full-blown systems.
  Sometimes scripting is used to tie processes together. There are also applications, such as Enfocus Switch, on the market that specifically are meant to automate or integrate various processes or applications.

Workflow tasks

The tasks that a workflow handles can include:

• data reception
• preflight
• imposition
• rendering data
• trapping
• generating proofs, either hardcopy proofs or softproofs
• managing corrections and last minute changes
• output to a digital press, imagesetter or computer to plate (CtP) system
• generating data to automate printing & finishing
• reporting to MIS for both costing and scheduling purposes
• archiving jobs for reprints

Other sources of information

Prepresspilgrim has an interesting blog post about selecting a workflow. American Printer also has a good article on this.