Esko Imposition Software: FastImpose/Powerlayout

[pp411]

We currently use a Nexus Raster Workflow (output to Links/Pages), and would like to upgrade to a pdf workflow. We have used Preps for years, however we are concerned with how it will handle the pdfs.

We are looking into using Esko's FastImpose, however we understand that this is mostly used with commerical printing (for example, saddle-stiched books). We do a mixture of commercial work, labels, and packaging. Currently we use PowerLayout to import nested CAD files, which are then placed in Preps. In addition, we also have a Flexo dept. where we have started to handle the prepress for (currently it is sent out).

I am concerned with using multiple programs to handle different impositions. I'm curious to hear what other people are using. Any suggestions?

[pam_add]

fastimpose for book imposing
plato for packaging and nesting

[jetzerm]

We use Kodak Preps for Commercial.
Kodak Pandora for Packaging including flexo work.

[eskopdl]

You'll want to look at EskoArtwork Plato as well. Plato: Watch movies about Step and Repeat for Windows

[jeffkin15]

Fast impose would be your preps replacement for book work. PowerLayout (Mac) & Plato (PC) would be your Step and repeat editors (tabular, nested etc...)

These products essentially do the same as preps and Pandora. PowerLayout and Plato are slighty more advanced then Pandora.

[RickS]

We were on the Artwork raster workflow until July when we upgraded to the EskoArtwork PDF workflow. We had used preps for everything and continue to do so without any problems. We are a typical commercial sheetfed printer with varied types of jobs.

[pcmodem]

We too switched to the Nexus PDF workflow from the Nexus rasterworkflow and are continuing to use Preps for our Imposition software.

We did run into a few issues:
1.) Nexus Manager requires Tiger (10.4) or higher. We were on Panther (10.3)
2.) The Preps purple Eve 3 key does not work with Tiger (10.4) need to upgrade to the blue iKey dongle.
3.) In order to control which separations print, you need to have Preps 5.3.3 which also requires Tiger (10.4)

[steppy]

We use FastImpose with Backstage.

Just curious if anyone has worked Preps into a Backstage workflow. FastImpose is fine but some of its quirks often generate the "this sucks, it doesn't work like Preps" comment.

I'm then tempted to give them Preps and not listen to any complaints :>}

stephen