JDF: Connecting Systems, Automating Setup

THE GRAPHIC arts market saw the need for industry standards and understood the growing XML (Extensible Markup Language) development when it supported the decision to create CIP4 (www.cip4.org). This association includes major equipment and software vendors in prepress, digital printing, offset and finishing.

CIP4 created the Job Definition Format (JDF) as a standard way to exchange and understand job information. This process can begin to empower creative and production staffs to support an efficient manufacturing process. Tremendous efficiency can result from understanding the interdependence of each department.

We largely still depend on paper-based processes that are isolated and disconnected with our current way of doing business. These original processes were set up before we had the ability to think of connecting systems with intelligent information and automation. As the creative options expand, so does the need for simplifying and standardizing the critical information elements each process requires.

The ultimate goal is the seamless and transparent connection of all elements in the print process. The job information can automate the data collection process.

The JDF XML standard was designed to act as the conduit for linking the disparate points of the print process. With JDF transparently embedded into each print process, creators of content can move closer to being assured that what they have created is what will be fulfilled.

In addition, managers of the content and print process can begin to experience the benefits of a greatly reduced need for proofing and validation along with an increase in efficiency of the entire process.

The JDF file format provides the job information that has been written and communicated in many different ways into an automated process. This infrastructure begins to allow an entire digital workflow process to create a true manufacturing process with real time information.

JDF In Action

The University of Tennessee’s Graphic Arts Service department is one of the leading in-plants in JDF implementation. Manager Gary Williford began his JDF journey when he started looking into PDF automation and workflow process improvements.

Williford says he “understood globally what the concept was about, but really came to the realization of how this could work when we were doing the analysis of implementing a PDF-automated workflow. The natural thing was to take the workflow to the next level with JDF.

“It did for us in the press room and bindery what CTP did for us in prepress,” he continues. “JDF provides the basis for productivity gains and quality improvements in the production of the printed product. Productivity increases are made possible by automating press and cutter equipment setups. Quality improvements are achieved by the accuracy of the electronic setups of the equipment. Difficult ink blends that were next to impossible to set manually can now be matched to the proof with minimal labor time.”

JMF (job messaging format) is the XML standard that works with the JDF process to provide the two-way communication between systems and applications. This enables the intelligent information highway to optimize communication and connect systems.

The data in a JDF file travels from the job submission process and prepress into the MIS (management information system) or business system. This can automate tasks such as makeready to include ink key settings and sheet setting to manage getting the press up to color quickly.

“Our pressroom, where the colors were manually being set, was our first area of immediate benefit and automation by capturing the ink presets to adjust the ink settings,” says Williford. “We hit colors we were not able to print before, and we can now match those colors because of the preciseness of the system by using JDF.”

Bindery can also benefit from JDF, by using intelligent information to set up folders and stitchers. This brings additional productivity through the reduction of labor-intensive processes. Williford’s in-plant uses JDF data to program its Polar paper cutter.

Examine Customer Workflows

Efficiency in workflow requires you to map out what you do today as well as how you would like to interact using the possibilities provided by industry standards. You must define the workflow processes customers require to interact with your services, including:

• Communication

• File transfer

• Job submission with file organization and standardization to include versioning and archival

• Preflight to make sure the file meets the specifications for production quality

• Layout and photo editing

• Proofing

The goal is to use the investments in technology and human capital to achieve the highest level of productivity both for the customer and the in-plant.

The University of Tennessee faced challenges in the workflow process, but the support and technical expertise of Heidelberg helped the in-plant through the analysis and implementation process. Williford continues to analyze the next steps for further JDF integration and automation. He plans to build on what his shop has implemented while looking for new areas where JDF can add value. He is presently evaluating bindery equipment for possible JDF implementation, and the future holds the possibility of integrating the MIS system into the workflow.

“Build on what you have, and understand that your workflow processes determines how you can utilize JDF and other industry standards to develop a strategy and implementation plan,” says Williford.

JDF is a strategy, not an event. You will likely implement it slowly over time as you begin to analyze your processes and equipment needs. Creating a long-term workflow integration plan using a JDF strategy will help ensure that you incrementally reach your desired level of automation and interoperability. IPG

Janice Reese is executive director of Network PDF, which works closely with industry associations and vendors to support the implementation of industry standards to connect the digital supply chain across a global network. Network PDF provides strategic and tactical marketing for business development and implementation using XML-based industry standards including PDF, JDF, XMP, and more. Reese is active in industry associations and standards groups including IdeAlliance, CIP4, PODi and CGATS. Her past work includes business development with Adobe Systems for the development of Acrobat and PDF. Reese was involved with one of the first variable data solutions based on ppml/vdx. She works with CGATS and PODi to develop a variable data standard. Reese is a consultant for various PostScript, prepress and new media organizations and is leading the drive towards Web-based print and new media solutions, along with content publishing connected with PDF automation. Contact her at: janice@networkpdf.com