Agfa’s :ApogeeX Launch at PrintEx03 a Great Success
Demonstrations of Agfa’s new generation workflow software, :ApogeeX, were so popular with PrintEx03 exhibition visitors that extra demonstrators and workstations were needed before lunchtime on the first day.
“In our promotions of :ApogeeX we talk about how it’s more intuitive, dynamic, controllable, scalable and connected,” said Garry Muratore, Agfa’s Graphic Systems’ Marketing Manager in Oceania, (pictured at the show) “but after PrintEx, I’m pleased to say it provided more interest to our stand than many other exhibitors! We started with two computers running :ApogeeX workflow and by the end of the first day we had extra demonstrators and four machines in operation.”
:ApogeeX is based on PDF, JDF, and digital film and combines a wide range of features into one application, including job management, advanced job tickets, PDF trapping, enhanced connectivity, and web approval of pages and flats. A single user interface provides full workflow control and the intuitive interface lets the operator initiate and monitor tasks in real time.
The system utilises a scalable, modular design to allow the user to implement functions and performance as needed and to accommodate a wide variety of operations, :ApogeeX can also be integrated into any production environment.
“:ApogeeX allows prepress groups, commercial printers, and packaging printers to complete more jobs in less time so they can raise their profitability,” said Muratore. “It is the most automated, easy-to-use workflow solution on the market and results from a significant software investment and Agfa’s commitment to automate and simplify the prepress workflow. It also underlines our leading position in digital solutions and future growth in workflow products.”
According to Muratore, Agfa has traditionally provided turnkey solutions. “This means we provide a workflow, CTP (or CTF) engine, and proofing – all developed, manufactured and supplied by us. None of that will change but we also see opportunities in sites utilising non-Agfa equipment and workflows. Our systems’ integration team have the products and resources to integrate existing workflow or output devices into the Agfa production world.”
A typical example, he said, was a customer wanting to keep their existing output devices but update to a more modern and productive workflow architecture, such as : ApogeeX.
“Here we would use a product like :Apogee Power Importer and :Apogee PDF RIP’s to provide standard industry interchange files between devices. Alternately, a customer with a big investment in workflow may want to take advantage of an Agfa CTP engine, so our systems’ integration team would do a production audit and provide an effective solution,” he said.
:ApogeeX System Features
Job Management :ApogeeX provides an intuitive overview of all jobs in the system. It shows all output devices, along with their current status. Functions include priority handling, hold/resume, approve/reject and resubmit. Users can also initiate remakes of film, a plate or a proof simply by dragging a thumbnail and dropping it onto an output device.
Job-Ticket Editing Creating a new job ticket is handled simply and efficiently, either through a JDF import or by manually editing a production plan - the user drags icons representing task processing into the appropriate place in the production flow. The process is flexible and interactive.
Functions include normalizing, preflighting/edit/certify, PDF trapping, imposition (based on PJTF or Preps Templates), rendering (Adobe CPSI) and integrated proofing (raster/contone preview, soft proof). For packaging applications, functions also include JDF-based step and repeat and nesting.
:ApogeeX offers “multiflow” capability - the ability to use multiple input or output flows within one production plan. For example, a file can be sent to a proofer and a high-resolution imaging device from one single job ticket. Users can interact with the process at any time. They can also choose their preferred automation level by identifying milestones or points at which the operator wants notification that a particular task is completed or is in process.
System Management :ApogeeX gives users a complete system overview in a single window where they can review system configuration, available processing resources (including fonts), calibration curves, ICC profiles, screens, engine parameters, imposition templates, etc. They can also see the complete plant configuration, i.e. all hardware on location.
Output Management :ApogeeX offers reliable and consistent output from both PDF digital masters or digital film (PostScript/TIFF). Remakes are easy and fast as they can be
implemented using a simple drag-and-drop motion and the software has been designed to accommodate any workflow and any application.
A key advantage of :ApogeeX is the “single-job ticket” approach. As well as streamlining the process it assures predictable, consistent results. All tasks are processed using a single job ticket.
For example, it drives computer-to-plate or computer-to-film imaging and proofing, including integrated proofing of contone previews, screened raster proofs, and softproofing, all of which can be generated in page or imposition format. Complete data integrity is guaranteed. Versioning is also handled this way. Multiple language instructions, for instance, reside in a single job ticket.
Connectivity Being based on client-server architecture allows :ApogeeX to centralise processing for maximum performance on one or multiple servers (depending on the size and complexity of the operation) and can provide access to any number of users over a network. Full JDF compliancy provides end-to-end automation by integrating MIS/IT and order entry data as well as press instructions using the CIP4 standard.
A web approval tool shortens the approval cycle by providing remote access via a Web browser.
Customisation and Scalability :ApogeeX can be integrated into any workflow incrementally - one module at a time - and can be customised to accommodate any application. It can be purchased with task processing for specific applications, such as commercial printing prepress.
About Agfa
Ranking among the world's leading imaging companies, Agfa develops, produces and distributes a wide range of analogue and digital imaging systems for the graphics industry, the medical world, non-destructive testing, photography and industrial imaging. The Agfa-Gevaert Group employs about 19,000 people. It is a global organisation with 40 national sales organisations and 120 representatives worldwide and its headquarters are located in Mortsel, Belgium. In 2002, Agfa achieved sales of EUR 4,683 million (approx. A$8,447 million).
Product and company information can be found on Agfa’s home page www.agfa.com.au
Contact Information:
Garry Muratore
Marketing Manager (Graphic Systems)
garry.muratore.gm@australia.agfa.com
Tel: +61 3 9278 7417
Sharon Harrison
Marketing Co-ordinator (Graphic Systems)
sharon.harrison.sh@australia.agfa.com
Tel: +61 3 9278 7422
Demonstrations of Agfa’s new generation workflow software, :ApogeeX, were so popular with PrintEx03 exhibition visitors that extra demonstrators and workstations were needed before lunchtime on the first day.
Job Management :ApogeeX provides an intuitive overview of all jobs in the system. It shows all output devices, along with their current status. Functions include priority handling, hold/resume, approve/reject and resubmit. Users can also initiate remakes of film, a plate or a proof simply by dragging a thumbnail and dropping it onto an output device.