Small Webpress company needs a system upgrade. Workflow, Impo, RIP - Everything!

[ZacGil]

We are currently looking to uprade our systems and bring in some automation to our workflow. We run primarily magazines/newspapers, with some flatwork(maps), digests, brochures. Most of these are inbetween 16-72 pages with a few exceptions of large 180 page jobs. We are on the smaller side with only 2 presses, a heatset and a coldset. Here are the specs that we are currently running.

-DHA as our info management system(which is currently not being used in the prepress department and we are open to suggestions for a new software)
-Hightail/Usendit for clients to upload files
-PDF workflow, doing edits in Acrobat/Pitstop
-Prinergy Evo 5.1 to do all of our PDF refinining/trapping/color-matching
-Then we send it through the Alwan software for color-optimizing/ink-saving
-Drop those optimized files into Preps 5.2 for impositions
-Then we send our JDFs back through Prinergy Evo to output to Kodak Trendsetters/Proofs
-Proofs get sent to either an HP Designjet or an Epson Stylus Pro 9900
-Anocoil plates set for either a Hantscho heatset press or a Quad/King coldset press

We are looking to upgrade most, if not all of our systems. Automation is high on the priority list but since we are running old versions of several programs, we have been unable to Update our Mac OS in 4 years. We will need to upgrade preps or move to a new Imposition software.

Any information is welcomed!
Thanks in advance,
Zac

 

[cosmo]

have a good look at fuji xmf, it doesnt separate the impo and program like kodak does, its all done it the same package, and once set up properly does it with ease, it will do all of the above.

 

[[email protected]]

DataManager automates with JDF Data

DataManager automates with JDF Data

Zac,

DataManager automation with Metrix Planning provides the complete foundation for what you are looking for. While we can work behind enterprise system like Pace or Monarch, we also have complete built in MIS capabilities. Our latest release harvests JDF data produced from virtually any system as templates that can be automatically applied against incoming work. For companies that are specialize in packaging or a commercial printer that focuses on book/publication work we have optimized automated solutions that can compliment or replace whatever systems are in place. We support full integration with Graphic asset processing using Pitstop Server, all using web based interfaces.

Regards
Steve MacKenzie
cssgroup.net

 

[fire11]

Take a close look at Xitron's Sierra platform. It's the same as Fuji's XMF…but without being tied to a hardware vendor. I agree with cosmo's comment above, it'll do all you need for much less money. I've bought it once with one organization and am trying to do it again now with another…no regrets!