By Cassandra Balentine
Part 2 of 2
Each and every print environment is unique. Implementing advanced workflows helps improve efficiency from order entry to post press and fulfillment. Here we look at prepress solutions targeting wide format environments that handle cut-and-print applications.
Caldera
Caldera PrimeCenter is a full-featured prepress solution that assures improved print-and-cut productivity, prepares your print and cut files properly, and works with all your printers and cutters to standardize your processes.
Located upstream of your workflow, PrimeCenter checks, corrects, sorts, groups, and prepares files for production.
PrimeCenter can be utilized to optimize media usage with advanced true-shape nesting and create job preparation recipes for accurate and consistent results.
PrimeCenter is compatible with every PDF-enabled RIP print-and-cut solution.
Enfocus, an Esko Company
Enfocus’ two solutions for prepress operations are PitStop Pro and Switch.
PitStop Pro is a PDF preflight and editing tool, capable of automatically identifying and correcting issues in PDF files before they go into production. Switch is an automation platform that serves as a central hub for connecting various systems and processes in the print workflow.
InSoft Automation
InSoft Automation has two software modules. A layout planning tool with a ganging and smart nesting engine and an estimation module designed to enhance sales.
Markzware Inc.
Markzware’s FlightCheck is a standalone application that preflights both PDF and non-PDF files generated from Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, QuarkXPress, and various image formats.
FlightCheck features generative artificial intelligence (AI) preflight checks and thorough file inspections, which encompass colors, fonts, images, visual document previews, and detailed reporting. Additionally, Markzware offers specialized data conversion tools such as OmniMarkz, PDFMarkz, and IDMarkz for enhanced file conversion and preview capabilities.
Markzware distinguishes itself with MarkzPortal, a cloud-based Software as a Service platform that supports extensive file format conversions. This includes popular document types like Canva PDFs and Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator QuarkXPress, Affinity Publisher, Microsoft Publisher, files without the host application as well as IDML, PDF, TIFF, EPS, TIFF, GIF, TXT, RTF, HTML, AI, JPEG, PNG, and SVG. A key feature is its ability to preserve text formatting during extraction, crucial for maintaining design integrity in professional settings.
OneVision, Inc.
OneVision’s automation solutions standout in the print-and-cut industry with features designed to redefine workflow efficiency and reliability.
OneVision uses its own technology, which means no reliance on third parties.
OneVision software does not rely on APPE, but uses its own PDF engine. Since version 18 (2018), it is the first complete workflow solution that can perform PDF normalization in PDF 2.0 and generate a full PDF/X-6 print document. The software streamlines the entire workflow, from file preparation and cutting optimization to digital production tracking. Key features include automated nesting for efficient material usage, file normalization to eliminate errors, and seamless integration with a range of printers and cutting systems. In addition, personalized support is a key differentiator. OneVision provides customized onboarding, hands-on training, and ongoing technical support to address specific customer needs. OneVision’s automation solutions are trusted by more than 3,000 customers worldwide.
PrintFactory
PrintFactory’s prepress solutions are built to simplify and optimize wide format printing workflows. Its comprehensive suite of tools ensures precision, efficiency, and adaptability for print providers, setting it apart from the competition in several key areas including its workflow desktop tool, advanced color management, editor, layout, hardware-agnostic integration, cloud-based connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency and revenue growth.
PrintFactory’s innovative and user-friendly solutions enable print providers to overcome workflow challenges, improve profitability, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Whether through automation, advanced editing, or layout preparation, PrintFactory empowers teams to maximize productivity and deliver outstanding results.
PressWise by SmartSoft
PressWise automates print-and-cut workflow by providing cutting marks and barcodes for cutting programs automatically on the layouts, based on the product(s) being produced. This allows the finishing equipment to know exactly what program to run and where the baseline registration needs to set.
SA International (SAi)
SAi’s Flexi enables users to add contour cuts to any vector graphic with just three clicks. While most solutions provide RIP functionality for print and cut, the company says few can import, edit, and modify files in formats such as .EPS, .PDF, and .JPG, then seamlessly create contour cuts and send the file to a printer and cutter—all within a single software—like Flexi.
This integrated approach simplifies the workflow and enhances ease of use, eliminating the need for multiple software programs for design, printing, and cutting. With everything done in one software, Flexi ensures a streamlined and efficient process.
Significans Automation
Significans includes ongoing support and guidance, from implementation to optimization, from a team of integration specialists. This dedicated team has a combined 100-plus years of hand-on, print shop floor experience.
As a 100 percent vendor-neutral integration partner, Significans always prioritizes the best possible prepress solutions for that particular shop’s production environment, rather than push specific products.
Its solutions are also ‘future-ready’, designed to scale with growth, emerging technologies, and evolving customer demands. Its approach is totally process-driven, reflecting a deep expertise in workflow design, and an ability to integrate best-in-class tools tailored to specific customer needs.
The company have vast knowledge of each and every workflow platform on the market today, including AI technology, which it has deployed, along with strengths and weaknesses. This allows it to mix and match to deploy specific, highly customized solutions that are the best possible fit for each client’s unique production environment and future business goals.
Finally, it also provides employee training with a view to making each client more independent when it comes to dealing with workflow issues. Its training covers a wide variety of key areas including prepress, color management, coding (scripting), customer service training, and development services.
DOMar25, Digital Output
