WEBCENTER - Esko anybody using this?

[storm]

Just asking to see if anybody is using ESKO - webcenter - we are currently using webway but webcenter seems more powerful..before we upgrade I would like to know if anybody is using this and do you have success with the online approval and assett managment - the real PRO's & CON's - also share workflow and knowledge if possible - drop up a line...


cheers


Marc

 

[dauby]

Hi Marc,

We also use Webway and from what I here Webway will be overtaken by Webcenter. When I don’t know but I’m looking forward to it. On the subject of Webway how do you use it? Right now all we do is let our customers upload files and we take it from there. But I am going to give them a workflow that lets them trap there files and eliminate going through a mac operator.

Mark

 

[PDL]

As WebWay and WebCenter are both offering a solution for web-based review and approval, WebWay has been integrated into WebCenter. Please refer to the WebCenter page for more information on EskoArtwork’s collaboration tools. Link -> WebCenter - EskoArtwork
EskoArtwork has a migration plan for owners of Webway to WebCenter. Please contact your representative for more details. Or use this link to contact a WebCenter Product Specialist. Link -> Question about WebCenter? - EskoArtwork

 

[Niels]

WebCenter 7

WebCenter 7

Hi Mark and Marc,

As a brand new member I can perhaps share my WebCenter 7 experience. I'm currently managing the transfer from Webway to WebCenter 7. Since we're in a rather close partnership with the EskoArtwork company we'll be running the Beta of the 7.1 version in a few weeks.

In my opinion WebCenter is more powerful tool and can be considered as a serious improvement upgrade. We can provide our customer a wider range of possibilities and we can target a wider audience with WebCenter. It is nicely connected with Nexus 9 and Shuttle resulting in a smooth operation. Real Pro's and Con's is a bit difficult but I'll give it a go, let me know what else is relevant for you.

First of all the application setup is more 'professional'. The web server and application server are split and running on two machines, meaning more stability and security.
Downside of that is that you need quiet a bit of Windows server skills to install the application and there's not a lot you can do if something goes wrong.

Support wise EskoArtwork can improve a lot...but I think they recognize that in Gent.

WebCenter has an SQL database which is a lot more powerful than the Webway solution, it allows you to use that standard to integrate with other applications, MIS/ERP etc.For instance, we're currently working together with EskoArtwork on making a connection with an ADAM - DAM system.

The Viewer is a dream compared to the Webway Viewer which can be a mess sometimes. It's a lot faster as it works with normalized PDF coming from a 'small' Backstage rip. There are a lot more tools for checks and annotations as well. A huge improvement over Webway.

What more..the entire way of setting up approvals, cycles, users, notifications, search commands is a major improvement over Webway...

A very nice feature is the Task manager that makes it possible to fire off tasks to a person or a group. That task can have specifications, documents and a checklist attached. Very nice.

A Con is that the file store can not be any other volume except the application server. That means when files are uploaded they are stored on the application server and you have to download them to the internal network for editing. Bit strange as the application server is --most likely-- also in your network. We've asked for a backdoor in the application to get the files on the internal network. In 7.1 they've come up with a 'push folder' idea which allows pushing files through the network to other internal locations.

Still some minor items we, as a company, would like to see but what else is their to expect... ;-)

Our major customers see it as a huge improvement and want it 'NOW'. We're going to migrate them in a few weeks. A real challenge is to get our remote proofing environment integrated. Still see some benefits in the workflow connection of Webway that's not available in WebCenter but I have some pretty nice alternatives, let's see if they work.

I can write a multiple pages on the Webway-WebCenter topic and I'm happy to share any information you need. Just let me know...

regs from rainy Holland.
niels

 

[nathanw]

Hi Niels,

I am currently planning my migration from WebWay to Webcenter. Were there any issues when you made the switch? Did you figure out a way to move the users to Webcenter, or did you have to re-enter everything?

Any advice?

Thanks, Nathan

 

[Niels]

hi Nathan,

As we were one of the first companies in Europe to migrate Webway to WebCenter we had to make new groups and users for WebCenter. Not that big a deal and it gave us the opportunity to clean up the database, remove 'idle' users and add some of the WebCenter features, like additional contact details, company location etc.
But...I had a conversation with one of the developers of WebCenter in January and he told me he was working on a migration tool that should be available soon. With that tool you can easily convert existing Webway users/teams to the WebCenter environment automatically...It's maybe worthwhile to ask your local Esko support center, they should be able to answer that question.

niels

 

[storm]

Hi Mark and Marc,

As a brand new member I can perhaps share my WebCenter 7 experience. I'm currently managing the transfer from Webway to WebCenter 7. Since we're in a rather close partnership with the EskoArtwork company we'll be running the Beta of the 7.1 version in a few weeks.

In my opinion WebCenter is more powerful tool and can be considered as a serious improvement upgrade. We can provide our customer a wider range of possibilities and we can target a wider audience with WebCenter. It is nicely connected with Nexus 9 and Shuttle resulting in a smooth operation. Real Pro's and Con's is a bit difficult but I'll give it a go, let me know what else is relevant for you.

First of all the application setup is more 'professional'. The web server and application server are split and running on two machines, meaning more stability and security.
Downside of that is that you need quiet a bit of Windows server skills to install the application and there's not a lot you can do if something goes wrong.

Support wise EskoArtwork can improve a lot...but I think they recognize that in Gent.

WebCenter has an SQL database which is a lot more powerful than the Webway solution, it allows you to use that standard to integrate with other applications, MIS/ERP etc.For instance, we're currently working together with EskoArtwork on making a connection with an ADAM - DAM system.

The Viewer is a dream compared to the Webway Viewer which can be a mess sometimes. It's a lot faster as it works with normalized PDF coming from a 'small' Backstage rip. There are a lot more tools for checks and annotations as well. A huge improvement over Webway.

What more..the entire way of setting up approvals, cycles, users, notifications, search commands is a major improvement over Webway...

A very nice feature is the Task manager that makes it possible to fire off tasks to a person or a group. That task can have specifications, documents and a checklist attached. Very nice.

A Con is that the file store can not be any other volume except the application server. That means when files are uploaded they are stored on the application server and you have to download them to the internal network for editing. Bit strange as the application server is --most likely-- also in your network. We've asked for a backdoor in the application to get the files on the internal network. In 7.1 they've come up with a 'push folder' idea which allows pushing files through the network to other internal locations.

Still some minor items we, as a company, would like to see but what else is their to expect... ;-)

Our major customers see it as a huge improvement and want it 'NOW'. We're going to migrate them in a few weeks. A real challenge is to get our remote proofing environment integrated. Still see some benefits in the workflow connection of Webway that's not available in WebCenter but I have some pretty nice alternatives, let's see if they work.

I can write a multiple pages on the Webway-WebCenter topic and I'm happy to share any information you need. Just let me know...

regs from rainy Holland.
niels

Hi Niels
Nice to here that somebody is using this product - We are currently thinking about switching over - as Webway did not do exactly what it said on the tin.
Can I ask you how your clients are finding this product?
Do you find it easy if you have a lot of lines per job?
Also the main problem that we had with Webway was that we work with a lot of lines per job
- sometimes over 100 - This became a major headache for the account handlers.
I am hoping know that Webcenter streamlines the approval process.

This is the procedure that we would like to use it for -
We create some Artwork - We then notify the client its there - Then the client shows the file to the relevant people - they comment on the Artwork and then the client sends us an email to action the amends - repeated procedure until its approved and ready for print.

The account handlers would then instruct the Artworkers to view the file online and make the amends which have been left.. When testing I was having problems printing out PDF's with the annotations can this be done...

Also a big question which may become important is that we was told that you can edit the overall theme for the software depending on each client - - is this true - do you have an example I could have a look at????
So for each client we could adapt a theme based on there brand - hope this makes some sense.

Do you use this also for asset management or do you use it for any other purpose.

Please keep intouch as 2 heads are better than 1...
cheers
Marc

 

[nathanw]

Thanks for the tip Niels!

Nathan

 

[Niels]

Hi Marc,

Thanks for explaining your situation a little bit, makes it easier to answer your questions.
B.t.w, can I ask what business your in? I'm working for Elopak, we produce beverage cartons for the liquid food industry. Our customers are multinationals in juice and dairy products. We're a total systems supplier, so from food science, logistics analysis, filling equipment to packaging concepts.

Our customers are very enthusiastic about WebCenter. For them it's an excellent tool to reduce time to market, improve efficiency and manage their design projects. We have a very large dairy customer that is actually using our WebCenter solution as a Saas model for 25 product managers and marketeers, their entire marketing department is using it. So yes, the absolutely love it.
We managed to cut prepress lead times with 50-70%, cut costs, reduce remake and error but also the single source of information is of great value for our organisation and of course our customers.

If you talk about 'lines' I assume you mean people involved. Our workflow is similar to yours but we have less lines, 5-10 is maximum. Making annotations is a dream in WebCenter, the annotation options go far beyond the features in Webway.

We publish the file online and start an approval cycle as soon as we're happy, the client can reject the document and make annotations, all annotations are nicely kept per document (and version) in an Action History. You can print the History which makes it easier for the account handlers and operatorsto filter comments and amend. You really should try it.

Custom interfaces are available in WebCenter and they are actually pretty easy to make. You have to stick to some general rules regarding layout, color and logo's but each customer can have his own interface. This feature is packed in a nice Deployment tool and the WebCenter manual has all the information to do it yourself.

WebCenter is not really an asset management tool. At least, that is not what is was designed for. For real asset management in any media flow I would suggest ADAM. (www.adamsoftware.net). ADAM provides the technology to manage the mediaflow, categorize and index your digital asset in a very powerful way. It can be used to create and link media processes to various publishing platforms and systems.

One of my main projects today is making a WebCenter-ADAM platform. That combines the best of both systems and the synergy is extremely valuable for our organisation and our customers.

We're using WebCenter as the 'active ' part, the design approval cycle. That is from 'artwork in' to 'approval' remote proofing included. After projects have been approved we take the project assets to ADAM, what we see as the 'passive' part. There all asset are stored and used for various processes. From reallocation between our international production plants to image bank and brand book facilities for our customers. EskoArtwork is helping us with the integration of WebCenter -ADAM. Credit to them for taking this project on board.

Sorry guys, again an extensive reply but I hope it gives you an idea of the possibilities.
Let me see if I can make a small demo team for you, so you can try it yourself. I'll send you the login details.

cheers,
niels

 

[storm]

Thank you Niels.

Thank you Niels.

Hi Niels

Thank you for your workflow breakdown.. Thats really good and informative..
I have spoken to Bart Lammertyn regarding the Adam software and I will have a look into this addon.
He also sent me your email address if ok could I contact you directly????

Also do you have any information / or a Manual regarding the theme issue - you could email [email protected] if possible that would be much appreciated....

Kind regards

marc

 

[Niels]

hi Marc,

We haven't been in touch here for some time. I send you login information for our WebCenter. Did you receive that and have you tried it yet?

let me know ok?
cheers
Niels

 

[[email protected]]

CSS Group has a customer that originally purchased Web Center, but found it too limited for what they were looking for. They asked us to develop WebCenter features within our DataManager product to handle both Structural design requests, as well as any file type or assets that customers wished to upload to the server. DataManager, our product is now fully integrated with DataCenter. We were even able to provide a real time centralized web view of 5 different Design Centers to co-ordinate the management of the Artios files, while allowing each of them to operate locally.
You can visit CSS Group Home Page or fell free to contact me.

Steve MacKenzie
1-800-448-8432

 

[Viki Solutions Rep]

An alternative is Viki Solutions' Vera product which is color accurate, print and packaging focused, and integrates with any prepress workflow system. It is completely customizable by customer and has task functionality. Includes threaded rich text, real-time annotations, high performance proofing, and has video and web capture functionality for your customers' various needs. Furthermore, Vera can integrate with box.com and MIS systems, and other integrations are possible. Additionally, it is Java-free, browser-based (both HTML5 and Silverlight) and can be hosted locally or in a private or public cloud to save hardware costs. Finally, with full reporting of the approval process, we are winning over pharmaceutical and other industry clients where tracking is essential. As the Director of Business Development, I am answering this question just to let you and others know there are alternatives out there.

Contact us at Viki Solutions | Online proofing, prepress portal and creative workflow software for print, packaging and brand management for more information.

Thanks,

Chris