Automating prepress workflow

[ThePreset]

Hi,

I work at a fairly large commercial printer. We have large-format RHO printers with Caldera RIP. We are three people at the prepress department. We´re looking for ways to automate repetetive task involved in our daily grind.

Our current process is this:
1. Jobs comes in via mail with files from the client
2. Generate folder structure for project
3. Edit/fix faults in files, add cut path for our cutter, change dimensions, n-up and such in Illustrator/Indesign
4. Export to local project folder, renaming to identify the file with the project.
5. Run it through Prepare-It by Zund, for regeristing the cut path, add registration marks and a barcode. If it's needed to split the motive into several parts, it' done in this step.
6. Move it from the output folder to a folder on our server with name corresponding to the number of the project.

For me it sounds like these repetitive task would be possible to automate. Am I correct? And if, what software would you recommend for doing that?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[zoran]

Usually Rip vendors have their own ways to automate, I would suggest you research it there first.
Unfortunately I am not familiar with Caldera and Prepare-It, but if you are looking for excellent automation tool for file manipulation, Enfocus Switch is hard to beat, especially when you pair it with Pitstop server and Imposition package.

 

[Puch]

I can second zoran's opinion; Enfocus Switch would be a logical addition to your workflow. The file logistics part (points 1, 2, 4, and 6) can be handled by Switch autonomously, right from the start. Adobe Illustrator & InDesign are integrated into Switch very well, that means you can do a lot with these applications from within Switch, but you have to have an extensive knowledge about scripting those desktop softwares. I believe Zund must have something in the basket too, which might be interfaced into Switch.

 

[Stephen Marsh]

First scope out every little step of the workflow and project. All the small steps that make up the larger steps. You are going to need to have a large budget. Let’s start at pulling a number out of the air, say 10K. Then perhaps double or triple it. You will need to create a business case for this. Formulate a return on investment to show to your management, how long it will take to pay off the investment. What the dollar value is currently for doing it manually, the affect on production and the lost revenue.

If only it was simple as purchasing Enfocus Switch! You may need extra Switch modules. Then you will need training, unless you have a lot of time to try to learn this on your own. You will likely need the assistance of a workflow integration consultant that is familiar with Switch and automating workflows. You may need other software or perhaps hardware. You may then need…

Each year there are Enfocus “safari” webinars, which showcase what is possible with a well formulated workflow plan, time and budget.


Stephen Marsh

 

[PDL]

Esko’s Automation Engine (AE) can monitor emails for files, pick up the files and create a Job folder (with a predetermined sub-folder structure), and move the files to it. AE has PitStop built into it so it’s possible much of the PDF file manipulation you are doing may be done with it. There are other builtin tools for adding marks etc..Sending files to preset folder destinations and returning them, yep. Renaming files and folders, double-yep. Any automation may rely on certain conditions and consistencies but you may want to call Esko about this. http://esko.com

 

[Puch]

Another (much cheaper) option is FileTrain from Laidback Solutions. The file logistics part of your problem can be definitely addressed by FileTrain.

 

[abc]

Switch also now has an integration with Caldera that might be interesting for you.
https://www.enfocus.com/en/news/swi...ation-partnership-between-caldera-and-enfocus

If I could give you one tip about implementing Switch, it would be to start with the pain points and areas where you can get the maximum benefits.

Too often we see people with very ambitious ‘all-encompassing’ uber projects that take ages to spec and also validate and implement.
Our recommendation is to start with the important stuff, get moving and then build from there.

For disclosure I should mention I am a product manager at Enfocus, the developer of the Switch and PitStop.

 

[kaiserwilhelm]

I have had Switch for 9 years now. One of the early adopters back before it was owned by Enfocus.
GREAT product. However, as powerful as YOU make it. You can do some rudimentary things with the incredible workflow GUI. However, to truly get the power, I would get Pitstop Server as well. Also, having a person on board that can code comes in handy. Switch REALLY comes to life with a bit of in the background coding.

Secondly, I have a guy that writes Indesign scripts for me. Example. I have a client that makes 7 common sets of art, then has 100 plus layers of laser / black plate changes. They used to individually open Layer: Oklahoma, then turn on layer: Tulsa, then make a pdf, name it Tulsa, and output.
We taught them to name their layers with LITHO_ in front of any common litho layer and LASER_ in front of laser layers.
Now, they hit one F Key, and go and get a coffee. In about six minutes, it makes 100 beautiful, perfect, pdfs - names by the name of the layer (minus the word LASER)
All with about one day of coding.
Anything you want in INDD can be scripted. I have another that: removes excess colors; changes my margins to .1875; looks at the size of the file and determines (from a lookup file) how that page will most likely run on the press - and puts in a KEYLINE .1875 from the plate gap edge - then locks that layer; looks for common names of colors that my customers call out (laser, LASER, Laser, Die, Keyline, KEYLINE, etc, etc) and renames them automatically to my naming convention.....and best of all - removes LIGATURES. All in about 3 microseconds.