Trueflow SE

Details Trueflow SE

Direct processing of native PDF data

Trueflow SE features the newest printing technologies from Adobe Systems, Adobe PDF Print Engine. Compatible with the latest Adobe Creative Suite DTP environment, Trueflow SE can output files directly from Adobe InDesign CS improving data input performance.

Advanced workflow

Trueflow SE has added the Adobe PDF Print Engine to offer full transparency for the Trueflow environment in addition to the traditional workflow.

Equios Pre4m

From v 7.2 Trueflow SE is controlled by Equios Pre4m, making Imposition settings part of Workflow’s client interface. This saves the investment for separate hard and software to create impositions. Moreover Equios Pre4m delivers an enhanced Job function module enabling support for JDF stripping parameters. Any MIS system that is capable of creating CIP4 Stripping parameters connects seamlessly to the workflow. JDF Jobs will be created on the Trueflow system instantly and flawless.

A hybrid workflow for digital Print-on-Demand (POD) and offset output

Trueflow SE unifies management of output data and processing, whether you use an offset printer or a digital printer. In a hybrid workflow, where data is delivered to the appropriate device according to the number of copies required, it's critical next to maintaining quality, also to ensure smooth management of data before printing starts.
With Trueflow SE, data and process management are unified under one system, before printing. This makes it easy to respond to changes even last-minute changes in the number of copies required.

Optimal data provided to the output device

Another benefit of Trueflow SE is that it minimizes the variations in output from different devices by tailoring the data for the specific output device, whether requiring embedded fonts or adding trapped data.
Output instructions are easy to setup; simply create a job ticket for the output device within Trueflow SE.

Wide range of file formats supported

Trueflow SE accepts standard PDF data files such as PDF/X1-a, PDF/X-3, and PDF/X-4 files. Print-job files can even be output across a network, and Trueflow’s Outline PDF and 1-bit TIFF files offer reliable data transfer for output through proofers, imagesetters, and platesetters at remote sites.

User-friendly “job-flow” visual operator interface

Trueflow SE features an extremely user-friendly graphical user interface and puts everything just a click of the mouse away. Job files are presented in an easy-to-grasp, graphical form, and a variety of new features significantly increase operating efficiency. The drag and drop "jobflow" style interface design makes it easy to create the desired processing workflow. Simply drag icons representing process steps from the list on the left side of the screen and drop them onto the job tickets. Intuitive pop-up menus simplify navigation through multiple menu layers.

Auto-trap and interactive trapping

Integrated automated trapping is a standard feature for Trueflow SE. Trueflow’s Auto-trap handles object trapping, overprinting, centerline luminosity, kickback, and guaranteed color registration. Files are trapped using the parameters defined in the Auto-trap template. These include special trap settings for spot colors and kickbacks. A screen preview simulation of trapped results is available, and text-to image and tint-to-image settings can be specified. PDF Trapeditor/Trapeditor allows users to apply trapping to each individual object in a Trueflow SE job. It can also be used to modify existing trapping instructions. The effects of the changes can be previewed on screen by the operator, ensuring the right results. Multi-screening instructions can also be created, to ensure that optimal screening is applied to each individual object.

Easy plate imposition

Trueflow SE offers a plate imposition function specifically for CTP workflows. This function features an easy-to-use visual operator interface for plate, paper, and file positioning that makes it easy to set and edit plate signature settings for an imposition template, or to create output ready signature files for platesetters and proofers. The fully supported plate imposition function features a wide range of imposition template editing tools, color control bars, and register marks. It allows you to edit the plate layout plan so you can lay out multiple jobs on a single film or plate, and supports on-screen previewing of the plate layout, including printer’s marks.

Edit plate settings include: For plate:

Plate size, center offset, and grip width. For paper: Paper size, base point of grip, and grip width. For finishing: Place target (plate or paper), base point of grip, and origin. The plate size, paper size, gripper margin, and plate margin information in the signature pattern files created by the plate imposition function can be changed at a client computer. (Page size editing will soon be available as well.)

Spot colour merge and filtering

You can merge spot colors simply by choosing the colors to merge from the registry's color list and then re-importing the file. This is a useful function in cases where the spot color names used in Illustrator and QuarkXPress, for example, are different, but the color is actually the same. With the spot color merge function, you can merge the two colors and output them on the same plate.

JDF-based automated workflow and flexible late-binding function

Trueflow SE offers two different automated workflow paths that use JDF technology: Hot folder and Job-container. These automated workflow paths provide customized automated processing for everything from initial input to final output. Trueflow SE also features a Job workflow path for jobs with a large number of pages, which enables output processing while keeping track of multiple folds and pages. The flexible Job workflow path is late binding, and has the advantage of allowing last-minute corrections by the page.

Hot folder workflow path

For output-ready jobs, Trueflow SE uses a fully automated workflow involving intuitive job tickets and hot folders. You can use Trueflow SE hot folders to create fully automated custom workflow paths. After the folders are created, you simply drag and drop a job file into the appropriate hot folder; the remaining steps through output are carried out automatically.

Job-container workflow path

The Job-container hot folder workflow path is a flexible automated workflow that can process PostScript or PDF data for pages as they arrive, even if some of the pages are missing or out of order. If some pages are likely to arrive late, this intelligent Job-container workflow path is probably your best choice. It enables automated parallel processing of a large number of multiple-page and page-independent late-binding files in an output-ready signature. The Job-container workflow helps eliminate delays and assures consistent productivity for plate output ready jobs.

Flexible Job workflow path

If you use the Job workflow path, when you enter a signature number in a PostScript or PDF file name, Trueflow SE automatically assigns the resulting pages to that signature. The Job workflow path also gives you the flexibility to insert blank sheets and numbers. Trueflow SE offers Late Binding Technology, allowing users to change the signature after data has been initially assigned, or process the job using a different workflow ticket from the one originally selected. With this workflow option, you can even use separate workflow tickets to process different pages or signatures. The Job workflow path provides uniquely flexible late-binding functionality and enables true last-minute page replacement. Changes can be made to any one page without affecting the other pages. It's also easy to add in new pages that arrive late. This workflow, which is made possible by Trueflow's superior job recorder and page RIP functions, eliminates delays and assures jobs are ready for prompt plate output. Trueflow SE also offers a hot folder copy function that makes it easy to reproduce the workflow tickets in a hot folder and eliminates the need to create tickets in advance. Trueflow SE can also include separate proofing and plate output imposition processing settings in a single workflow ticket. You can even make settings so that a workflow ticket that includes imposition settings automatically outputs the job signatures to a proofer once the page data is received.

Functions that make two-site operations even better

With the incorporation of the Adobe PDF Print Engine, Trueflow SE is now compatible with the JDF-JOB format workflow and can transport both Polished Page PDFs and Outline PDF files between different locations.
Job files include processing parameters and version information, detected automatically at the output site and applied during output.

E-mail notification

The e-mail notification function uses the mail server to notify you whenever a specific process is completed or if an error occurs.
Notification for a single process in a given workflow can be sent to up to three different e-mail addresses.
This function increases efficiency by assuring that the proper people know the status of a given job at all times.
Trueflow SE also offers a truly unique feature: e-mail notification of job progress for remote operators.

Real-time job progress monitoring and editing page data

Job progress can be monitored in real time in a networked environment.
It's easy to tell job status for pages being processed or jobs awaiting data at a glance, yellow indicates processing is in progress, while green indicates processing is finished.
When you double click on the thumbnail icon for a page that is stopped or for which processing is complete, the launch menu is displayed, and you can edit the job as desired, merging spot colors or using TrapEditor, DotTiffView, or FlatWorker, for example. You can even switch pages or send a job to a recorder for output again, or check the details of an error.

An advanced RGB workflow that would make a high-end scanner proud

Trueflow SE now features intelligent image quality management options made possible by the acclaimed Colorgenius DC color conversion engine featured in the high-end Cézanne scanner.
While you are working on the job, the images in the PDF are displayed in vivid RGB and handled with their industry standard ICC profiles and an additional recipe file (setup file) that contains magnification, sharpness, and tone data.
Then, just before output, the remarkable color conversion engine automatically converts the RGB data to CMYK of a quality that rivals what an experienced operator could produce.
The end result is higher print quality for you and your customers.

Powerful and flexible Archive solution

JobArchiver is a powerful and flexible archive solution designed specifically for Trueflow. This easy to-use software integrates with Trueflow SE to provide flexible storage of completed jobs, as well as efficient search, retrieval, and restoration.
JobArchiver complements Trueflow by archiving Trueflow jobs, including PostScript, PDF, Dot TIFF, and EPS files, as well as Trueflow's templates and signatures. It also supports specific Trueflow features such as Job color coding and image file previewing.
JobArchiver gives you the peace of mind that comes from reliable backup, without affecting system performance.

Multi-screening support

Screen's unique multiscreening settings support, a software option, helps you to improve quality and add value to your product. It can be applied to every kind of object, from images and text to solid backgrounds, decorative lines, outline characters, and diagonal screened lines. You can select a different kind of screening as appropriate for different objects within a single page, which makes it easy to eliminate moiré or give certain parts of the page different finishes. Choice of screenings can be made from Screen’s extensive screening library, including the optional innovative Spekta 2 AM/FM hybrid screening, high-quality FM Randot X screening, and AM high frequency screening. This complete screening library and mixing features offers printers the ultimate in choice, quality, and reliability.

Working with MIS

Since Trueflow is connected to your MIS, it can automatically generate Job tickets using JDF Job ticket data (containing processing instructions) from the production office. This assures correct transmission of information between the various production processes to enable a seamless and efficient workflow. Not only does this eliminate errors but it keeps the production staff up to date on the status of each job in production.

Supports CIP3/CIP4 for press and post-press support

Trueflow SE outputs PPF files that comply with CIP3/4 standards. These files, which use prepress data to streamline downstream processes, dramatically reduce the work involved in setting up PPF-compatible printing presses by offering automated ink key control. PPF files can also be set up to include information for postpress devices such as binding, cutting, and folding equipment. Trueflow SE offers all the process integration advantages of CIP3/CIP4 support.

Additional products

PDF PolisherIn
The impressive PDF PolisherIn module features two important components:

1) File checking
Incorporating the latest Enfocus Library and supporting the full range of Enfocus profiles and action lists. Incoming files are checked and formatted into PDF or PDF/X-1a, ensuring trouble free transfer and processing in the workflow.

2) Image Quality Management
This unique software feature is derived from the widely acclaimed Cezanne professional scanner. Utilising a high level of Artificial Intelligence (AI) it enables the user to work with either default or customised settings for the management of RGB images in PDF files that are converted to CMYK for the prepress workflow. RGB files within a PDF can now be converted complete with their associated ICC profiles and procedure files incorporating data on colour cast, sharpness, and tone curves for enhanced image processing. Subsequently, RGB image data is automatically enhanced when being converted into CMYK delivering higher quality print results.
Additional this is supported by 'ColorGenius AC', an Adobe® Acrobat® plug-in designed by Screen, that enables users creating PDFs to choose their preferred settings per RGB image before the final RGB image conversion. Overall this module makes a significant contribution to improve image quality, job quality and all round workflow productivity.

Spektacolor
With Spektacolor, the spot color specifications in the job file received are color converted to a CMYK + Spot Color inkset (maximum 8 colors). The combination of this color conversion technology and high-frequency screening creates tone reproduction that is similar to that achieved when spot color inks are used. Overruns, ink consumption, make-ready and cleaning times can be reduced or eliminated when spot color inks are reduced to a simple color set of CMYK + Spot Colors inkset (maximum 8 colors).

What's more, there's no need for the designer to worry about printing conditions; designers can simply select and specify spot colors for the image as desired. Spektacolor converts the RGB specifications in the data received to a CMYK + Spot Color inkset (maximum eight colors). Two to four spot colors can be added to the traditional CMYK color set to ensure high-quality output of colors that are difficult to reproduce using the four CMYK colors alone. CMYK + Spot Color inksets provide vivid color with a terrific visual impact, and are indispensable for package design - especially since the visual impression made by a product's packaging is so critical to sales results.

Packaging print has traditionally relied on a wider range of spot colours than commercial printers would find profitable. This adds to production costs and demands extra time in make-ready on the press.

Screen is addressing this issue with its Spektacolor prepress technology, which will dramatically reduce or even eliminate the need for spot colours. It generates colour separations that can exploit the maximum gamut possible from extended-range process ink sets with eight colours. Because each implementation is tailored to the user’s own combination of process inks, paper and press, the maximum possible gamut, accuracy and repeatability can be achieved. The technology is equally suited to flexo or litho print processes for flexible or folding packaging. On average about 85% of Pantone values can be matched, removing the need for most spot colour inks apart from fluorescents and metallic’s.

PDF TrapEditor
The PDF TrapEditor option is an Adobe® Acrobat® plug-in. It provides control of detailed trap settings, and supports object-based trapping by width and colour. Traps can be modified after auto-trapping in Trueflow SE. The operator opens an online link with PDF TrapEditor in order to edit and modify trapping conditions globally, or to specified objects. Gradient trapping between images, overprint and white edge functions are integrated part of the trap function. Additionally multiple screening can be specified per object. The major benefits of PDF TrapEditor is the ability of changing trapping settings for specific objects and the ability to specify different screening for different objects.

Pageinspect
This Trueflow SE option enables the Trueflow SE operator to automatically check page by page for problems such as missing corrections and erroneous colour specifications in corrected pages. The check is visualised by a before and after image viewing procedure wherein the differences are highlighted. This check is part of the workflow set-up and can be specified in the Trueflow SE job ticket. The check takes place after input processing and before proceeding to imposition.

Trueflow Re-Output Controller (ROC)
This additional software, based on Barcode technology, eases and automates re-output of CtP plates. When installed, all output will be managed through this system. It adds a unique barcode to every plate which then can be read by a barcode reader. In the event that a specific plate needs to be re-output, the barcode is scanned by the barcode reader. Automatically the correct file will then re-load into the output queue and the plate will be output.