Trueflow 3 White Paper

Executive summary Screens Trueflownet environment, is designed to unite printing production processes control and create a more efficient business in all respects from production to sales, to business activities and management. Trueflow 3 prepress production workflow system plays an important role within this environment. It not only increases production efficiency and reduces costs, but when used with the RiteOnline and RitePortal CRM options it provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients and explore new business opportunities. These issues are covered in more detail in a series of White Papers available from Screen. About Trueflow 3 Trueflow 3 is best described as a fully JDF-compliant PDF workflow system. Trueflow 3 is designed both to drive computer-to plate (CTP) production and digital printing presses efficiently, and to manage a JDF-based operating environment for seamless communication between Management Information System (MIS), Prepress, Press, and Postpress operations. Trueflow 3 lets users create a fully JDF-enabled end-to-end print production management workflow. It is also the core of Trueflownet, Screens JDFbased business solution. The development of a modern workflow The past decade have seen prepress production workflows evolve into modular integrated systems that are the core of the entire digital production cycle at printing companies. Three digital technology platforms accelerated the integration of digital production processes; 1. PDF to replace PostScript 2. ICC colour management 3. CIP4s JDF (Job Definition Format) for integrating administrative digital workflows with production workflows. As Screens latest workflow system, Trueflow 3 integrates these technologies in an easy to use and versatile product. Screen has focused on implementing graphic standards and adding functionality to support a wide variety of users with Screens traditional high quality. Trueflow 3 provides users in any type of printing operation with ease of operation, productivity, quality predictability, and practical automation, with a maximum of operator and overall control. Choice of Workflow The choice of workflow systems in the prepress and preprint market is overwhelming. How to find the workflow that best fits your operation is a major project. Screen has decades of experience in building what is needed by small to very large prepress operations in order to have maximum control, throughput and quality consistency with digital document to final printing forms. Trueflow 3 continues the digital tradition that began with systems like Taiga, the first object oriented, page independent, high end Postscript workflow. The Trueflow system first launched in 2000 incorporated the move to PDF as the digital document format of

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choice. Trueflow 3 is built on the capabilities of its successful Trueflow 2 workflow, with additional new features that extend its suitability for various print factory environments. It has also implemented CIP4s JDF (Job Definition Format) for the exchange of factory-wide job data. However, it remains fully compatible with previous Trueflow versions. Not all companies are ready to integrate administrative and technical processes at this stage, but investing in Trueflow 3 means that you will be able to fully utilise your investments for years to come. Trueflow 3 development scope The goals of Trueflow 3 can be described as: - Wider range of output with support for additional size ranges and more devices, like digital printing o Introduction of an entry level solution (Trueflow Rite) o Offering support for larger size CtP devices (Screen Ultima series) and related processing requirements - Implementing CIP4s JDF / JMF capabilities for close integration with MIS systems, allowing automated coupling of administrative job information. - Extending automated workflow features by adding JDF workflow support and intelligent Hot Folder (Job Container) operations o Scalable settings from manual (Hotfolder) input to fully automatic Job production. - Flexible input configurations for checking incoming files (Certified PDF), extended ICC colour management support o New built-in RGB image conversion control gives a quality equal to Screens high end scanner o Input support for the latest file formats such as PDF 1.5, PDF/X and Postscript 3 - Output support for various file formats to support external image recorders and digital proofers - Java based graphical user interface to set up workflows, start jobs and monitor production from any local or remote client workstation - Efficient and low cost platform (MS Windows Server), with a license free server / client architecture - Ease of use by Wizard and Help tools for the operator WORKFLOW TYPES Trueflow 3 can be used in any production environment. From a simple Hot Folder operated system, via Job Container, to a Flexible Job Workflow Path, any set-up and set-up combination is possible within the Trueflow system. 1. Hot Folder With a Hot Folder operation, operators simply drop a completed Postscript or PDF file into a folder that has a particular job ticket template attached, and the entire prepress sequence is run automatically. This may include checking the incoming file, colour processing, trapping, imposition and proofing and/ or output of screened data to CtP imagers or a digital printing device. Holds can be placed to pause the production during proofing and correction cycles.
Note: Novice operators can utilise these Hotfolders to make output on Trueflow.

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2. Job Container The Job Container workflow can be seen as an Intelligent Hot Folder workflow. Additionally to it allows multiple files to be dropped in a Job Container over a period of time, automatically assembling one job from multiple pages that are delivered separately. The set up is similar as a Hot Folder and the entire prepress sequence is run automatically too.
Note: More than one operator can work on components for the same job and it allows for manual overrides, such as inserting corrected pages.

3. Flexible Job Workflow Path The ease and speed of Hot Folder or Job Container workflows are an advantage for fairly uniform jobs, but are less desirable if a range of different settings are needed for large volumes of pages, such as in magazine or book production. With the Flexible Job Workflow Path more complex operations can be set up. This allows different Job Tickets to be assigned to individual pages or signatures, for instance if there is a mix of colour and monochrome content. It also allows combinations of imposition schemes to be used for the same job, or changes in imposition settings at the last moment without recalculation of all the pages. Additionally this working method can automatically receive JDF, Job Ticket information, direct from a MIS system, including job parameters such as the type of proofs to be produced and the imposition scheme to be applied to the Postscript or PDF page files. WORKFLOW IN AND OUTPUT Digital document files from all possible sources need to be processed into digital printing forms with a uniform maximum quality and repeatability. Screen has worked closely with Adobe on the core software interpreter for Trueflow, which now supports the input of the latest PDF and PostScript 3 file formats as well as a wide range of output file formats. The partner development of this interpreter covers the input part of a Ripping process, through this approach Trueflow offers a unique splitting of the input and output processes. Practical benefits are the possible creation of various intermediate file formats, with trapping parameters, for file consistent output on various output engines. Also does it allow Screen to implement its own screening technologies with the best possible quality on plate, using AM screening, FM screening (Screens Randot X) and Screens Spekta hybrid screening (featuring the optimum combination of FM and AM). PREFLIGHT AND COLOUR MANAGEMENT Standard Trueflow solutions support ICC colour management, spot colour merging and various other prepress features to optimise the incoming files. PDF PolisherIN is an additional Trueflow module that handles Postscript-to-PDF or PDF-to-PDF conversion with pre-flight checking. It combines Screen, Adobe and Enfocus technology to convert Postscript to checked PDF documents, which are certain to output correctly. It also extends the ICC conversion of RGB and CMYK files with the use of the famous ColorGenius high end colour separation engine. The ColorGenius engine combines its own colour intelligence with the operators choice of recipes (which preserve the original appearance of different image types,

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such as faces, landscapes, machines etc). This allows images to be individually processed for maximum quality. It also adds optimum unsharp masking settings. ColorGenius technology is derived from the Drum and flatbed scanner technologies and is Screen owned. This is currently the only workflow that can analyse incoming RGB images (typically from digital cameras) or picture libraries) to give the same quality as conventional scanning. File output from Trueflow Files input to the PDF Polisher-In module can be Polished and may be output in the PDF/X-1a format for processing by another system. PDF/X-1a is a worldwide ISO standard that is used in many countries as the specification of choice for exchanging print-prepared PDF files. Trueflow 3 / Polisher checks incoming PDF file contents for PDF/X-1a compliance and if they pass they can be output as PDF/X-1a. Screens OutlinePDF adds to the capabilities of PDF/X-1a by converting fonts, removing non-printing objects from the PDF and adding trapping parameters. It also supports Screens multi-screening information where different values can be assigned to separate objects in the job. Trueflow 3 can also import or export 1 bit TIFF as a standard exchange format for separated and screened halftone files between workflows and imagers. It is in effect digital film containing the exact image that will be imaged on the plate. Workflow of choice Trueflow 3 allows integration in a wide variety of prepress and preprint output oriented workflows: 1. Small to mid-sized commercial printing companies Trueflow Rite is designed for small to mid-sized printers that are introducing CtP for the first time. Its intended mainly for 2 and 4 page working and is supplied with Screen Micra, PlateRite 2055Vi, PlateRite 4300/4100 plus PlateRite 8100, the entry-level 8page imager. It can also be upgraded to full Trueflow 3 functionality when business expands to require it. 2. Solutions for large-scale commercial printers Trueflow 3 is scalable to work within a large printing company and can be used with the 8-page PlateRite 8000II, 8600 and 8800 imagers, plus the 16 and 32-page PlateRite Ultima models. Its JDF support allows it to fit into an automated production system, exchanging information with an MIS. JDF permits an impressive degree of integration between Trueflow 3 and MIS environments. The automation of job handling is coupled with full control through the Trueflow client by anyone in the workflow, from the customer to final production stage. Multiple, networked Trueflow 3 servers and satellites allow configurations that can handle any production load. 3. Solutions for packaging Trueflow 3 can be configured for packaging. Its FlatWorker 6 imposition module can

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create a packaging workflow that takes content files from Trueflow 3 and created step and repeat layouts integrated with CAD files, prior to final CtP output. This packaging support complements Screens VLF PlateRite Ultima imagers for 16 or 32 page formats. 4. Digital Printing solutions TrueflowRite TP is a special version of the smaller-format workflow that is supplied with Screens new TruePress 344 A3 format digital offset press. The combination is ideal for fast turnaround short-run colour printing. 6. Two-site operations Multiple site operations are found increasingly in many countries. For example they may place the DtP studio close to the client, with print production remotely. Trueflow 3 allows tasks to be split between sites, allowing, for instance, contract proofing at the DtP site on a 4 page proofer, with the output and imaging of 8-page or larger plates near the printing press. Combinations of polished PDF, JDF or PJTF provide secure and controlled of processing with the flexibility to handle last minute changes to job or production specifications. About JDF JDF is the process automation tool of choice for the future. It is a data format that provides the information needed for process automation, i.e. the flow of jobs from customer to prepress to printer, and throughout the various printing stages to dispatch. Better production integration provides more productivity, improved quality of communication, and therefore less downtime costs. Most equipment and software developers in the printing sector are now building in JDF compliance to exchange this production information. Using Trueflow in conjunction with a JDF enabled MIS not only automates the job preparation stages, but it also allows more accurate data collection for actual costing, analysis and future estimates. Historically, electronic prepress has been the hardest part of the print production process to analyse for costing, because of the difficulty of data collection. JDF files can be imported into Trueflow from the MIS. In addition, JDF files can also be exported to downstream printing and finishing processes. JDF files are used to co-ordinate processes between Trueflow 3.0 and its optional modules. In addition, JMF (Job Messaging Format) files are used to feed back status information to the MIS. JMF is the dynamic partner format of JDF, that provides job status information and collection of live feedback information for job estimating, production scheduling, costing and billing. Trueflows capabilities with JDF for jobs are extended by the new Prepress Manager option. This Trueflow module ties in the MIS / prepress operation with other production departments like press and finishing. About Trueflownet Screens Trueflownet environment is designed to unite printing production processes

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control and create a more efficient business in all respects from production to sales, to business activities and management. The Trueflow 3 prepress production workflow system plays an important role within this environment. It not only increases production efficiency and reduces costs, but when used with the series of Trueflownet products, including RitePortal, Riteapprove and RiteOnline CRM options, it provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients and explore new business opportunities.

Summary - Trueflow 3 is a highly versatile workflow system that combines flexibility, extensibility, networked and integrated production, a wide range of input and output formats, a userfriendly visual operator interface, advanced colour management capabilities and job handling. - It can be configured to meet any size of production system and it can be integrated into the broader production and administrative environment via JDF. A wealth of integrated production and communication enhancements are available, such as: - Trueflow 3 Polisher for preparing incoming digital documents from any application - ColorGenius colour management integration with advanced recipe based colour intelligence - Remote Trueflow 3 server integration - Trueflownet Riteonline print ordering system - Trueflownet Riteportal to create Certified print-ready PDF files through Internet clients - Trueflownet Ritetransfer communication portal for uploading any digital document - Trueflownet Riteapprove for online approval of production documents processed in Trueflow 3 In addition to the quality and extensibility of Trueflow 3 within Trueflownet, there is also the ability to drive Screens renowned output devices. These feature the highest quality screening and maximum productivity in proof, preprint and prepress plate production.

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