CIP4 Standard--Digital Integration

JDF provides a mechanism to control all of the processes in print production. Unlike other job ticket formats, JDF allows the description of all the processes needed to complete a printed product, from job submission through prepress, press and postpress.

Sound familiar? It certainly did to the CIP3 consortium. JDF also provides a mechanism to allow production automation systems, or MIS, to control and track jobs. Essentially, JDF supplies a messenger service to run between MIS and production. As each process in a job executes, the results are recorded into the job to facilitate tracking each aspect.