Like a common language, wide-format digital printers need set standards to enable their devices to communicate with different parts of the workflow efficiently. When different products operate on the same standard “language,” printers can easily purchase new equipment that will integrate with their existing workflow and connect with one another. Using JDF technology, they achieve standardized interoperability and break free of the data exchange issues and loss of time and revenue caused by competing systems. Through Printing Industries of America, you can take advantage of a new CIP4 JDF Product Certification Program for wide-format devices to complement the existing certifications. This new certification is based on the Digital Print Workflow Interoperability Conformance Specification (DPW ICS) 1.4a. Why is this important to the growing wide-format market? For starters, a JDF Certification provides a competitive selling point to attract new customers and extend services for new clients. For a limited time, members can participate in a beta test of DPW ICSat a special reduced fee.* Here, Dr. Mark Bohan, Vice President, Technology and Research, Printing Industries of America, and CIP4’s Education & Marketing Officer, shares some of his thoughts on JDF Certification for both the seller and the consumer. Discover facts that will increase consumer confidence in purchasing JDF-Certified products and the unique profitable advantages for sellers. Q: What does “JDF-Certified” mean? Mark Bohan: If a product is “JDF-Certified,” it means that it writes and reads JDF and JMF as established in one of many “Interoperability Conformance Specifications” (ICS) documents published by CIP4. The “ICS” documents establish the basic requirements for systems that produce and consume JDF within different workflow options. Certification means that a product has proven that it meets these requirements for basic interoperability, the level of the certification relating to the amount of JDF and JMF information that the systems will handle. Q: Who certifies that my products are JDF compliant? MB: Printing Industries of America provides world-wide JDF certification testing for CIP4. Registration for the certification is carried out through the CIP4 website, www.cip4.org. The program was developed in collaboration with CIP4 and their members to provide a method to ensure that the basic interoperability was available. We have seen great strides over the years with the results for the certifications and level of JDF implemented by the different manufacturers. On a personal note, it has been great to see the development of the program and the success that it has had in helping workflow implementations, as this was one of the reasons that I joined Printing Industries of America to head up this program. Q: How will my customers know that my product is JDF-Certified? MB: We issue products certified by Printing Industries of America a...

Where would we be today without technology and innovation? We’ve seen new technologies in areas like workflow automation, high-speed inkjet, and intelligent mail that provide industry members with expanded opportunities. Printing Industries of America has a dedicated team that stays on top of advancing technologies and how they will likely impact the future of our industry. What began with the Lithographic Technical Foundation (LTF), which became the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), has grown into the Center for Technology and Research. Members of the printing and graphic arts community recognize us as the trusted source for technical information, testing services, publications, expert training, and consultation. So what can the Center for Technology and Research do for you? Take a look at some of the benefits we offer that make your organization more profitable and efficient. Contract Research, Consulting, and Custom Training We have solutions for your unique issues. When your company needs testing to solve a production issue, we create a customized research plan. Consultation services provide an unbiased assessment of your company’s performance. Our custom training programs give your employees the training they need when and where they need it. Lab Services, Process Controls, and Product Testing Do you need to implement materials quality control? Do you have a print problem leaving you stumped? We’re one of the few places in the world with the expertise and equipment to diagnose and analyze it for you. We also design and sell devices such color bars, test forms, and light indicators to improve your control of print production. Finally, we routinely test paper, ink, and other materials on press to help suppliers improve their products. Technical Hotline Speaking of “calling upon” experts, with our Tech Hotline, just pick up the phone and dial a technical expert! This is a free member service. We’ve helped with thousands of issues, so call our Technical Consultant, Dillon Mooney, at 1-800-910-4283, ext 786. Simulators This one-of-a-kind press training simulation software recreates press operations which schools and companies can use as a practice press. It exposes trainees to a variety of printing conditions and problems, provides a “hands on” component to a training class, and can also be used to assess an individual’s skill level. InterTech Technology Award Has your company developed an innovation that you expect to have a significant impact on the industry? The InterTech™ Technology Awards have honored the development of technologies predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. More than 80% of technologies that receive an award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace. Automation and JDF We have solutions and best practices for implementing automation in your facility, regardless of its size. Our JDF...

Where would we be today without technology and innovation? We’ve seen new technologies in areas like workflow automation, high-speed inkjet, and intelligent mail that provide industry members with expanded opportunities. Printing Industries of America has a dedicated team that stays on top of advancing technologies and how they will likely impact the future of our industry. What began with the Lithographic Technical Foundation (LTF), which became the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), has grown into the Center for Technology and Research. Members of the printing and graphic arts community recognize us as the trusted source for technical information, testing services, publications, expert training, and consultation. So what can the Center for Technology and Research do for you? Take a look at some of the benefits we offer that make your organization more profitable and efficient. Contract Research, Consulting, and Custom Training We have solutions for your unique issues. When your company needs testing to solve a production issue, we create a customized research plan. Consultation services provide an unbiased assessment of your company’s performance. Our custom training programs give your employees the training they need when and where they need it. Lab Services, Process Controls, and Product Testing Do you need to implement materials quality control? Do you have a print problem leaving you stumped? We’re one of the few places in the world with the expertise and equipment to diagnose and analyze it for you. We also design and sell devices such color bars, test forms, and light indicators to improve your control of print production. Finally, we routinely test paper, ink, and other materials on press to help suppliers improve their products. Technical Hotline Speaking of “calling upon” experts, with our Tech Hotline, just pick up the phone and dial a technical expert! This is a free member service. We’ve helped with thousands of issues, so call our Technical Consultant, Dillon Mooney, at 1-800-910-4283, ext 786. Simulators This one-of-a-kind press training simulation software recreates press operations which schools and companies can use as a practice press. It exposes trainees to a variety of printing conditions and problems, provides a “hands on” component to a training class, and can also be used to assess an individual’s skill level. InterTech Technology Award Has your company developed an innovation that you expect to have a significant impact on the industry? The InterTech™ Technology Awards have honored the development of technologies predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. More than 80% of technologies that receive an award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace. Automation and JDF We have solutions and best practices for implementing automation in your facility, regardless of its size. Our JDF...

This article is contributed by Keith Whisler, Technology and Research Analyst, Printing Industries of America. He also manages Printing Industries of America’s Production Manager Listserv Group. Eleven years ago I began working with a large multi-facility commercial printing company, and one of the first things they did was include me in the company’s prepress listserv. It was nice at first because, being new, I didn’t get much email. The listserv provided a steady stream of messages to read. Many of which looked interesting, so I began saving them in a separate folder. As time went on, however, I found the listserv to be a useful resource. It was like having over 100 counterparts instantly available to answer questions and provide support. If I couldn’t remember a setting in an application, I just had to ask the question on the listserv to receive multiple answers. Have problems with a file or project? ­Ask the listserv. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked to have an InDesign file back saved. If something came up that I knew was previously posted on the listserv, I could browse through my archives. It was a great tool that our organization took full advantage of. Nowadays we have Twitter, LinkedIn Groups, online forums, blogs, and an assortment of other social media and information sharing services. All of these have great features and are very useful, but do they replace the good ole listserv? Twitter is great to get an idea out to your followers as long as it is short and sweet. LinkedIn Groups are a great place to share ideas within a specified topic, but maybe not to get answers to questions. You can also muddle through some of the sales pitches that are tossed in to your LinkedIn Group. I’ve used online forums many times to find answers to questions, but it usually takes some time for a response, so if the answer isn’t already posted, I bail. As for blogs—well they’re good for ranting I guess. The listserv, however, is specific to a group or organization, so there is usually a common interest, whether it is research for a law school, information to share within the medical community, or questions and answers in a large company or user group. The postings tend to be relevant to the members. This information also comes to you via email. I know—who needs more email? Keep in mind that setting filters is a great way to organize these messages into their own directory, and unwanted messages can be easily deleted. So are the days of the listserv over? I think not. All of the above mentioned resources can and should be used...

It is no secret that the most successful companies are employing automation to cut costs and increase efficiency. You can read about it, and you can listen to presentations on it. But how would you like to actually experience it? The next Automation Solutions Network Meeting features a tour of Creel Printing, which recently acquired another industry leader, Digital Lizard. You have probably heard of these companies, but in case you haven’t, we’ll give you some of the reasons this is a plant tour you don’t want to miss. Full-Service, Award-Winning Facility Creel has a 300,000-square-foot facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, operating 24/7 and providing a full range of services, including pre-media, printing, binding, mailing, distribution, and fulfillment. For more than 50 years they have been earning industry accolades, producing high-quality products, and providing outstanding customer service. The company earned their eighth Gold Ink Award in 2012 for their meticulous craftsmanship in addition to a slew of other printing awards. Expanded Capabilities Creel expanded their capabilities after acquiring Digital Lizard in 2011. Already one of the top digital printing companies in the U.S., Digital Lizard brought their own advancements, including processing protocols to manufacture, finish, and ship on the same day; state-of-the-art HP Indigo presses; a full-service bindery; and pre-negotiated discount shipping rates. Digital Lizard also develops automated Web-to-print storefronts to improve ordering, workflow, and reporting, allowing customers to deploy their own portals or improve the capabilities and return on investment of those that exist. Effective Print-on-Demand system from Digital Lizard High-Quality Automated Equipment As a combined force, they produce high volumes of superior products and services by employing a facility full of enviable automated equipment and systems. High-tech equipment like the Xerox iGen4 and DucoTech HighLight Color produce quality digital variable prints. They recently implemented a modern MIS system that has taken them to a new level of efficient data organization. This is your ticket to automated success! Join the tour May 2–3, 2013, in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the Automation Solutions Network Meeting. Register now to experience successful automation at its...

One of the biggest challenges we face in the print production environment is achieving accurate, consistent color. There are many factors that contribute to getting optimal color results, including proper digital file handling, calibration, profile creation, and more. Your solution? We have developed hands-on workshops that show you how to troubleshoot, manage, and print the best digital color. Our instructors are knowledgeable with years of field and training experience. Best of all, the techniques you learn here at our world-class training center can be applied back at your very own facility. Join us for a practical training workshop that covers the techniques you need to know to get the best color from your digital presses. Check out Optimizing Color from Your Digital Press, today! Take it from the expert: in this video Dave Dezzutti, Technology and Research Analyst at Printing Industries of America, and experienced workshop instructor, gives some insight into what you can learn about producing more consistent color. Discover how to optimize color output from your digital press in an in-depth, experiential workshop, Optimizing Color from Your Digital Press, May 21–22, 2013. You will leave knowing these essential skills and more: Digital printing and color management terms, techniques, and practices Standards and specifications—the best ones for digital and how to color manage                     your digital press to get there How to troubleshoot color and output-related issues using common desktop tools and how to diagnose digital file problems—hands on! How to get your digital press to print to G7® and ISO 12647-2 Don’t just take our word for it! Hear the comments from a few of our previous attendees: “I found the Optimizing Color from Your Digital Press workshop very helpful. My coworker and I learned a great deal of information on digital printing operations that we can apply to our unique situations here at our facility. Beginner or experienced, this course is extremely helpful and applicable!”—Steve Yoder, Prepress Manager, Schlabach Printers The information I received from attending Optimizing Color from Your Digital Press workshop will definitely help us achieve our color management goals as a company. I am a novice to digital printing, but our presenter spoke to us in easy-to-understand terms and made certain we would not leave the class without a complete understanding of the topic. I have recommended this workshop to my coworkers!”—Crystal Cole, Color Manager, Graphic Dimensions, Inc. This is the only Optimizing Color from Your Digital Press course offered in 2013. Due to the hands-on applications of this course, class sizes are kept small and fill quickly. Register you or your staff members today here. See all of our training workshops at www.printing.org/training under the “Public Workshops”...