The same workflow systems that make companies such as VistaPrint successful are available for print companies of any size. It may just take a small investment to get the tools, but it requires a big commitment to change production habits so an order will flow easily through the shop.

Automated workflow solutions help cut labor costs and increase production efficiencies. The fewer times a printer has to physically touch an order, the faster the work can be processed and costs are lowered. This allows printers to increase their profits without increasing their prices to the customer.

Many of today's workflow systems are aimed at automating the order entry and prepress functions. Whether going to a CTP output device for offset or to a digital printer, there is usually a workflow system to automate the process.

The current state-of-the-art workflow would be to take the newly created file, convert it to a PDF and preflight the file to identify and correct the predictable printing problems automatically. Once the problems were fixed, the file would be imposed into its proper form and output. The new JDF standards allow the printing and post-printing workflow processes to be automated if the equipment is JDF compliant.

A World of Options

There are a number of workflow solutions. EFI has products that can offer an end-to-end workflow solution. Customers can submit a file over the Internet with the EFI Digital StoreFront that combines centralized job production management and print shop management. It will integrate with a variety of third-party workflow solutions so final production can be either digital or offset.

Heidelberg offers Prinect, which combines prepress, press, and postpress management using a JDF compliant workflow. Prinect Production Solutions is aimed at providing one prepress workflow, but many output options.

Presstek Momentum Pro acts as a centralized PDF creation and preflight system, to ensure consistent output to multiple devices. It is designed for small to mid-sized printers.

Agfa's workflow is known as Apogee. Its suite of products offers integrated publishing and a collaborative portal, as well as a complete prepress and color management solution.