Details:
Summary:
The transformation of prepress and printing from a process-centric step-wise model to a data centric parallel model requires that task, application and device management be subsumed by an integrated and highly automated approach to the management of data objects, workflows and appearance. In typical graphic arts manufacturing environments scrap waste and error are major contributors to the cost of non-conformance and requisite process feedback and control methods are either ineffective or non-existent. With the pace and complexity of technological change, global market forces, time pressure, adult literacy and other stress factors impacting the graphic arts, automated Data Centric Workflows will be required in order to maintain competitive levels of productivity, reliability, consistency, cost effectiveness and human performance support. A novel approach to the management and automation of media objects, workflows, and appearance in prepress and printing manufacturing environments is described.