Maximizing Your Print Management Software ROI: Reengineering for JDF
One of the
principle capabilities of the JDF standard is to pass job specifications from
management information systems to production equipment; ultimately automating
the setup and operation of equipment. For example, MIS could automate your
prepress workflow by sending JDF instructions on a job’s page count, sizes,
and imposition. MIS JDF information could program cutters by passing the trim
sizes, the number cuts, the position of the cuts, and other cutting
specifications.
Most
management information systems already contain the job plan information that
could potentially automate JDF friendly equipment; they just may not have JDF
capabilities. The JDF standard has been in development since September of 2000
and JDF 1.0 was published in 2001. While many MIS systems are beginning to
incorporate JDF functionality, very few have actually implemented JDF.
The more MIS
and production equipment becomes JDF enabled, the more critical it is that an
accurate job plan resides in the MIS. Without JDF, incorrect instructions on a
job ticket can be very forgiving, since the equipment is manually setup and
operated by people. In a JDF workflow, faulty production instructions coming
from the MIS system could cause automated JDF-enabled production equipment to
plate, print, and finish jobs incorrectly.
The necessity
for accurate JDF information is forcing many printers to rethink and redefine
their order entry processes and the responsibilities of employees. With a JDF
workflow, order entry people have to be proficient in planning jobs from
prepress through press and finishing. They require knowledge of the
capabilities and limitations of production equipment so that the equipment
receives the proper instructions and the job is produced correctly.
Printing
organizations employing JDF will spend more time and resources to properly
plan jobs in the front-end of their operation, and less time and resources
actually producing jobs in production.
