Digital Workflow Based on DoNet Concept

At present, the printing industry is facing a series of serious challenges, such as "With the popularization of computer-to-plate (CTP) technology, it is necessary to further shorten the delivery period," "With the diversification of user demand trends, small-volume business has increased. "Subtraction", "Reduced by the impact of funding and fierce competition, printing unit prices continue to decline," "Because of rising raw material costs, to ensure that profits become difficult problems" and so on.

Printing companies must develop an unprecedented business strategy to consolidate and expand their business areas in such a difficult environment.

As a means to get rid of difficulties, printing companies are seriously considering the realization of the “optimization of the printing business as a whole” and established a one-stop production system from the creation of a printing plan to the delivery of the final printed matter.

The use of the JDF data format to form a network and form a digital workflow is a key factor in achieving this goal.

System integration through isolated processes in JDF

Different processes and departments use JDF for information sharing

The Job Definition Format (JDF) advocated by CIP4 is a universal language that allows information to be communicated between different systems. Specifically, different processes and departments can use JDF to cross each other's boundaries and exchange or share information in a flexible manner. In addition, the use of JDF can integrate system processes in the polarization process (due to the fact that different process properties make it difficult to achieve synchronous sharing of information). The two poles mentioned here refer to management departments (mainly including DTP data management, receiving/issuing orders, job management, schedule management, cost management, etc.) and production departments (printing specifications, paper specifications, actual performance of operations, post-press processing specifications, etc.) ).

Can all problems be solved by constructing a network that supports JDF?

Before concluding the argument that "supporting JDF means to achieve overall optimization", it should be noted that although JDF can be used to establish an unobstructed information flow (software) network, and it can flexibly utilize almost all printing business processes. Information, but each process terminal that is the origin of information is composed of proofers, computer-to-plate systems (CTPs), printers, or paper cutters without exception. No matter how excellent the data flow, if the terminal equipment is not stable, it can not play an effective role. The digitalized response capabilities and machine performance of various types of equipment greatly affect the overall optimization effect. KOMORI believes that the JDF should be used to achieve partial optimization of various processes, and the overall optimization effect can be improved by persistently seeking for partial optimization.

Digital Workflow Based on DoNet Concept

Say goodbye to “return to work” and establish a “complete operation” system to achieve partial optimization.

To achieve 'optimization of print jobs' has become a priority

How to reduce "cost wastage" is an issue that must be considered in the process of optimizing processes. The vast majority of "cost waste" is due to secondary processing or modification operations that are performed for different processes, ie "return to work." The key to bid farewell to "return to work" is to establish a "complete operation" system. It is necessary to thoroughly classify the contents of each procedure, carefully produce qualified work results, and pass the results to the next procedure accurately.

This means that you need to have a printer that supports the digital workflow, not only with advanced data management capabilities, but also with advanced software that can effectively handle all types of data.

It is imperative to use hardware and software flexibly and skillfully to build a working environment that enables “stabilization of printing processes—standardization of printing operations”. The perfect business network can pick out the most needed high-quality information and conduct effective and reliable data management through JDF.

Citing the DoNet concept to build a digital workflow

DoNet is a digital workflow. From the perspective of printing equipment manufacturers, KOMORI focuses on high-performance printers capable of processing digital information (devices that print final prints) and aims to achieve "standardization of print jobs." In order to ensure the connection with prepress equipment and postpress equipment, KOMORI's DoNet supports JDF data format. Through repeated connection tests, it achieves unparalleled compatibility with globally renowned equipment manufacturers and sellers' products. The operating environment is the starting point and fully implements the concept of an open network structure.

In order to further pursue the "optimization" realm, KOMORI has formulated seven major topics, namely color management, support for operator operations, shortened job preparation time, stable and reliable high-speed printing, reduced waste of materials, optimization of production processes, and printing. With the standardization of the environment, we are tirelessly developing product development activities for these issues.