Optimus and LithoTechnics to demonstrate
cutting-edge JDF integration at IPEX
Birmingham, UK, April 3, 2006 - LithoTechnics
Pty Limited and Optimus today announced plans for live demonstrations
of JDF interchange at the upcoming IPEX show in Birmingham,
UK.
Visitors to the Optimus stand (#20-C23) will
see Optimus 2020 and Metrix 2.0 work together using the Job
Definition Format (JDF) to automate estimating, planning,
costing, and imposition. A JDF file describing a complete
publication will be exported from Optimus 2020 v3, and then
used by Metrix 2.0 to automatically calculate the imposition
layout. This workflow achieves maximum productivity and profitability
while allowing for operator intervention when necessary.
Henny Van Esch, International Director of Optimus,
notes, "Our customers will certainly benefit from this
new level of integration. Metrix adds unique functionality
that will prove valuable in the daily battle against wastage
and lost time. Operators can review the graphical layout results
calculated by Metrix and make informed decisions very early
in the job planning phase."
Rohan Holt, founder of LithoTechnics, added
"JDF automation is not a dream of the future - it is
here today. Printers are proving that JDF can be implemented
in stages, resulting in tremendous savings. The Optimus-Metrix
link is one example of automation that enables customers to
realize efficiencies in production planning and layout creation
right out of the box. We are very excited to be working with
Optimus to bring this solution to our mutual customers."
Both Optimus and LithoTechnics are full
members of the CIP4 Organization, dedicated to the adoption
and advancement of the JDF standard. Both companies have demonstrated
a commitment to developing and marketing solutions that automate
and streamline print production.
About LithoTechnics
LithoTechnics is a privately held company founded
in 2003 by Rohan Holt. Holt is the original inventor of SuperImpose™,
the product that was adapted and renamed UpFront® when
it was acquired by ScenicSoft in 1999. Metrix, LithoTechnics'
flagship product, received the prestigious 2005 PIA/GATF InterTech™
Technology Award, recognized industry-wide as a symbol of
technological innovation and excellence. Based south of Sydney,
Australia, LithoTechnics is a software company focused on
providing key tools and technologies to enable print workflow
automation. LithoTechnics is a full member of the CIP4 Organization.
Optimus is one of Europe's
leading suppliers of management information systems, providing
a complete range of modules to virtually every sector of the
printing industry. The Optimus 2020 MIS system is available
in eight languages and sold in more than 22 countries.
Optimus was the first company to launch an MIS
system for the UK graphic arts industry in 1984. The company
has its roots in the graphic arts market - its parent being
the Optichrome print group - and has remained unique amongst
MIS suppliers in having a background within the industry.
The modules available within Optimus 2020
include estimating, stock control, invoicing, scheduling and
job tracking. There are also shop floor data collection and
business-to-business facilities. Customers include commercial
sheet-fed and web offset printers as well as digital, direct
mail, packaging and label companies.
