Heidelberg to Demonstrate New Prinect Color Management and Workflow Solutions

KENNESAW, GA--October 7, 2008--Heidelberg USA today announced that it will showcase a range of new Prinect workflow management solutions at Graph Expo 2008, including the first system to enable full integration of finishing equipment into the print shop workflow. Visitors to the Heidelberg booth at Graph Expo can experience the new levels of print shop integration and automation these new solutions bring in the live and completely integrated "print shop" environment at booth #1200.

Among the latest Prinect solutions and enhancements on display at this year's show are:

o Prinect Postpress Manager, the above-mentioned first system that allows full-service print shops to completely integrate finishing machines into their workflow
oPrinect Scheduler, a JDF-compliant electronic production planning system
oPrinect Color Toolbox, a suite of color management, quality control and calibration programs -- including the Near Neutral Optimizer

First unveiled at drupa 2008, Prinect Postpress Manager works in harmony with other Prinect modules to ensure an efficient overall workflow with unparalleled job transparency and tracking. When paired with modern postpress equipment, Prinect Postpress Manager transmits presetting data directly to the machines to dramatically reduce make-ready time. While machines are operating, status information is reported back to Postpress Manager, which in turn provides that information in a JDF framework to all users with access to the Prinect software. At the conclusion of a run, the system automatically collects data for cost analysis within an MIS.

"Workflow is playing an increasingly important role in today's print shop environment as printers focus on new ways to drive efficiencies across the shop and sustain their competitive advantage," said Dennis Ryan, Heidelberg USA's Prinect product manager. "Heidelberg's Prinect Postpress Manager is the critical final piece of the workflow puzzle that enables printers to achieve a seamless, integrated workflow -- from start to finish."

Postpress Manager is designed for the new generation of automated postpress equipment; however, Heidelberg also offers the Prinect Postpress Data Terminal for shops that wish to integrate older equipment into their workflow. Prinect Postpress Manager will be available early next year.

Another new workflow management component is Prinect Scheduler, Heidelberg's JDF-enabled electronic production planning system. Prinect Scheduler can be used to plan all aspects of print production, including prepress, press and postpress, increasing efficiency and saving valuable production time. "Prinect Scheduler is designed not to replace the role of a scheduler, but to eliminate hours of labor and planning processes by schedulers, production managers and supervisors who plan and review daily scheduling," Ryan said. "A busy shop could easily save up to 10 or more hours of labor on a weekly basis with this tool." From production workers in prepress, press and postpress to CSRs and management, all users of the Prinect Scheduler can easily access the scheduling board. Prinect Scheduler is also "aware" of the status of a job at any given time in production, and immediately alerts users of potential scheduling conflicts. For large shops with many active jobs, the module features a machine optimizing planning tool that helps reduce costly change-over times on equipment. Introduced at drupa 2008, Prinect Scheduler will be available early next year.

First previewed at the 2008 IPA Technical Conference in April, Heidelberg's Near Neutral Optimizer is a tool that enables different output devices to calibrate to a common visual appearance -- giving shops consistent color from any press. The new tool uses ICC profiles or user-defined reference values to calibrate directly to the neutral tone characteristics of the reference profile itself-- meaning that users no longer have to rely on tone value. The solution automatically accounts for differences in substrates, inks, overprint trap characteristics and processes, and the results conform to existing standards such as ISO, GRACoL or SWOP. With a few simple clicks of a mouse, users can prompt the Near Neutral Optimizer to compare data and generate values for calibration. Other components of the Prinect Color Toolbox include a Profile Tool for generating and editing ICC profiles and a Quality Monitor for short-term and long-term quality assessment for printing, proofing, plating and proof certification. Prinect Calibration Tools make it possible to create and centrally manage all calibration data for the linearization and process calibration of CtP platesetters and direct imaging presses.

For more information on Prinect and other Heidelberg solutions on display at Graph Expo, visit www.us.heidelberg.com.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
With a global market share for sheetfed offset printing machines of more than 40 percent, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is the world's leading solution provider for commercial and industrial customers in the print media industry. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, the Company focuses on the entire process and value chain for popular format classes in the sheetfed offset and flexographic printing sectors. Apart from printing presses, the product portfolio includes plate imaging devices and finishing equipment, as well as software components designed to integrate all print manufacturing processes. In addition, Heidelberg offers a wide range of spare parts, consumables, used equipment and services, along with extensive training programs provided by the Print Media Academy. Furthermore, the Company assists its customers' investment plans by offering financing concepts.