Free Workflow (Printweek UK)

ajr

Well-known member
Danish software developer WebProof has launched a workflow that can deliver the same functionality as Enfocus Switch, but which is entirely free.
WebFlow allows users to automate time-consuming daily tasks, such as sending and receiving files via FTP or email, file conversion and renaming, splitting files, and preflighting.
The software, which is already in use at companies including Lego, DDB, Bauhaus and Aller, interacts with all other hotfolder-based workflows on the market and, according to WebProof, can replace them in many cases.
Jan Adeltoft, chief executive of WebProof, said that the software was not intentionally developed as a rival to Switch; however, he acknowledged that it performed the same task.
"We have definitely not developed WebFlow to be a rival to Switch - WebFlow was developed to help our customers to make their proofing workflow completely automatic," said Adeltoft.
"However, through the years, our customers have asked us for more functionality and in this way it turns out that we can deliver the same functionality as Switch."
Adeltoft added that the company's strategy was to offer WebFlow as an entirely free product, including version upgrades and email support, in order to highlight the benefits of its WebProof software.
"The internal cost savings [printers] can get with WebFlow is one thing, but they will realize that the savings with WebProof are much higher, especially when they integrate their free WebFlow with WebProof," he said.
Companies who integrate WebProof Enterprise with WebFlow will gain access to additional features, including making corrections to the original InDesign files, via the internet, through the WebProof user interface.
The software is aimed at advertising agencies, printers, packaging companies, magazine and newspaper publishers, and any other business with internal graphic production requirements.
For more information see freewebflow.com
 
WebFlow is installed on Windows XP, Vista, 7 or Server 2003, 2005 or 2008. However it integrates nicely into Mac network and can connect to XSan as well as Xservers. WebFlow run in production many places, virtualized on Apple Xserver.
 
Sounds interesting, but the download doesn't work.

You get:

"You are not authorized to perform this action"

after filling in the form.

Not a great advert for webflow :(
 
lfelton, perhaps you an an internet issue because it is not an direct download.
After you complete the form, you actually get a message that a download link will be sent by email.
When you get the email with the link (valid email of course), then you get to download it.

Hope this helps.
 
Hi lfelton. Its probably the way, the registration works. Please try another browser. What browser are you using at the moment?


Sounds interesting, but the download doesn't work.

You get:

"You are not authorized to perform this action"

after filling in the form.

Not a great advert for webflow :(
 
I am Mac based, however I installed this for a look on a networked Win XP box (our wide format printer RIP). I can access the hot folders from the Mac, which means I can simply drag n drop from the Mac onto an alias.

You get what you pay for I guess.

Test: Convert JPEG to PDF (CMYK JPEG input)
Result: CMYK input was converted to RGB output.

Test: Add Watermark "Stamp" (PDF/X4 input)
Result: Output PDF is no longer PDF/X4 & file size is significantly reduced, even more so than one would expect after stripping out profiles and other PDF/X4 data. ADDITIONAL: A 2 page PDF with a totally different page 2 now has the same content from page 1 on page 2 after adding the watermark.

These "issues" may or may not be deal breakers for all users, I am just noting my findings after initial use (more to come as I test more options).

EDIT: I am not trying to break or push the test using uncommon files, these are "simple" files from production.


Stephen Marsh
 
Last edited:

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