Exceeding expectations with XMF
Two printers tell us what a difference XMF has made to their businesses
Worldwide, printers are facing the same challenges when it comes to workflow solutions. Improving efficiency, automating production, handling multiple print processes, coping with complex PDFs are just a few of the issues. It is no coincidence, therefore, that Fujifilm launched XMF, a completely new workflow built around the latest JDF and PDF technologies, to specifically meet these diverse challenges. Two XMF users have told us how they're using XMF to increase efficiencies and transform their print production.
Firstly, LeA Printers, a commercial printer based in Orpington, Kent. As the business grew the entry level workflow solution that was in place simply couldn't cope with the volume of files coming through the system, particularly with the latest advances in PDF technology, and could take many hours to RIP a file. Although the prepress department had become adept at ‘work arounds' to try and alleviate the issue, it was clear that investment in an up-to-date workflow system was a must.
As Paul Gill, technical and joint managing director at LeA, explains: "We desperately needed to increase the speed of our workflow and cut down on the time spent preparing files for print. We were looking for a system where everything was handled in one package and we needed the ability to export preflighted PDF proofs to send to our customers."
Of utmost importance to LeA was that the workflow would integrate well with the company's current CTP equipment, as well as having the potential to RIP to offset and digital presses if necessary. Paul continues: "We investigated a number of the leading workflow solutions and Fujifilm's XMF seemed to be the most appropriate for what we wanted to achieve."
Supplier confidence
Paul continues: "We have tremendous confidence in Fujifilm having used its LP-NV plates and platesetters for many years, so we already had experience of the excellent support provided and the stability of Fujifilm products in general. This, combined with the capabilities of XMF compared to different products, cemented our decision."
Since installing XMF, LeA has reaped a whole host of benefits for the business. "We've been achieving a 50% time saving in the planning, ripping and proofing stages of the jobs," Paul explains. "This is invaluable to us as it means we can potentially double the number of jobs we process in a day, allowing us to increase our turnover as well as reducing the amount of overtime our employees were previously working," he adds.
The usability of the software has also proved popular at LeA, as David Applegate, prepress manager testifies: "I find XMF extremely intuitive and easy to use. After working with it for just a couple of weeks, both myself and my colleagues in the department felt that we really knew it inside out. It has made a huge difference to how the department operates."
"We are extremely pleased that we took the decision to invest in XMF," concludes Paul. "The confidence it gives us as a company also rubs off on our customers, and when the time is right we will be interested in adding the Remote module so that our clients can potentially proof their work via the internet."
Peak print performance
Cross the Channel and head towards the French Alps and you'll find Alpha Imprimerie, just south of Lyons, a full-service printing company. Frustrated with its ageing pre-press solution, Alpha Imprimerie needed a modern workflow solution that would enable the organisation to process and print every job reliably and accurately. It was using a Brisque with Lotem RIP solution that was not able to consistently RIP high resolution files that contained transparencies. "Our old RIP system could not accurately render all the design elements contained in native files," says Yves Rulliere, president of Alpha Imprimerie.
After evaluating several digital pre-press solutions, Alpha Imprimerie moved from a manual print production workflow to a full PDF workflow - XMF, Fujifilm's first commercial product using the Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE).
Now, with XMF workflow, Alpha Imprimerie can burn an impressive 36 plates an hour-a 30% increase in plate output-and be confident that PDF files will remain true to the original design intent. To further increase efficiencies, when plates go to press, a JDF file remains attached to the job, acting as an electronic job ticket that describes specifications such as paper stock, finishing options, process color information, and trap and imposition data.
"We see the XMF Workflow powered by the APPE as today's ideal workflow solution" says Yves Rulliere. Overall, the XMF and APPE system has resulted in a 30% faster turnaround on jobs, and in the case of book projects, the turnaround can run as high as 70% faster.
Reliable end-to-end workflow
Typically, customers will convert files created in Adobe InDesign CS3 software into flattened PDFs and submit them electronically. Prepress operators drop the PDF files into a variety of XMF templates that automatically handle imposition, pagination, trapping, and all other job requirements.
"When we send PDF proofs back to the designers, we can be confident that their designs are accurately reflected in the first proof," says Cyril Rulliere, prepress manager. Corrections can be easily made to PDF files inside XMF using automated scripts. Alpha Imprimerie's customers have reacted positively to the new system and are pleased with faster turnarounds and fewer errors.
In addition to producing exquisite printing, now, with the help of XMF, Alpha Imprimerie benefits from a better bottom line by turning jobs around faster, more accurately, allowing the business to focus on developing a larger base of satisfied customers.
