Most workflows choose to normalize incoming jobs into quality PDFs.  Workflow Automation Tools like Enfocus Switch can automate the process of converting customer files in different formats to PDF.  And PDF tools are an integral part of the most workflows for preflighting and automating corrections.

While we strive to automate as much as possible, most workflows will have instances when manual file prep is necessary.  The Adobe Creative Suite products are the de facto standard for prepping documents for print, But some Color RIPs, like PrintFactory, include apps that are even more geared toward accomplishing common tasks quickly.

Many workflows require that jobs are imposed or nested.  This is another silo that can be optimized with automation and waste reduction.  We have tools, like Fiery Prep-it, that can be integrated into your existing Color RIP workflow, and we have full-featured Color RIP solutions, like PrintFactory, that do a great job of integrating nesting tools.  Nesting solutions that automatically figure out how to cram more work on a given size media simply saves you money.  And we can help you figure out how to maximize your return on your investment.

Some workflows require that jobs be tiled so that it can be printed in pieces and then assembled to form a complete job that is much larger than the capabilities of your equipment.  This can be done in front-end apps, but most Color RIPs have better features to tile jobs.  Some solutions, like PrintFactory, can accommodate complex tiling requirements and automate them to really reduce production costs.

Workflows requiring the cutting of printed jobs present unique challenges and potential for automation.  This can be painstakingly done in front-end apps, but most Color RIPs have advanced features to support print/cut workflows.  Cutter marks can be automatically placed on jobs.  Cut files are automatically generated.  And barcodes can be added automatically that will allow your cutter to pull up those cut files.

With all the tools at our disposal, we can integrate multiple solutions to customize a workflow to specific needs.  Customization is inherent in many of our workflow tools and with scripting, possibilities really are limitless.  Scripting is also possible in Color RIPs like PrintFactory to enable custom solutions.  And we sometimes integrate tools like Claris Filemaker Pro to customize workflows for client needs.