FUJIFILM Graphic Systems Div.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ—Agfa recently concluded a three-day Apogee user conference in Ghent, Belgium. This was the third time Apogee users (185 from 21 countries) gathered to discuss workflow issues and solutions. Technology partners Adobe Systems, Enfocus, Hewlett-Packard and ScenicSoft joined Agfa to provide insights into the next generation of workflow automation, which the company says is essential to printing business growth. Jean-François Cuillerier, of Quebecor World, a co-developer of Agfa Delano, emphasized the positive results of automation at the printer. "We are in control," he noted. "There is less stress in the plant and less confusion. We have more predictability, and our customers

Donnelley Gets USPS Certified CHICAGO—R.R. Donnelley has become the first commercial printer to be approved for the second phase of PostalOne! certification by the United States Postal Service—for the electronic submission of postal statements. PostalOne! is a system that allows for electronic submission of postage statements and corresponding presort documentation. Gateway Installs Perfecting Unit LOUISVILLE, KY—An eight-unit Mitsubishi Diamond 3000R perfecting press has been installed at Gateway Press. The press features a centralized operator makeready and control system (COMRAC). Sheridan Books Adds Web Press CHELSEA, MI—Sheridan Books has installed a Timsons T48A arch web press at its facility here. The press, which features a simultaneous plate changing

BY MARK SMITH Job Definition Format (JDF) support came the closest to being a theme among prepress exhibits at the recent Graph Expo and Converting Expo 02 in Chicago. The competitive pressure to beat the drum for JDF compliance may be causing an unintended complication, however. There are signs of a growing trend toward JDF being equated with all efforts to digitally integrate the entire print production process, a concept also known as computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). That leap is not completely accurate, or at least premature. JDF capabilities are not precisely a successor to the CIP3/4 support touted by manufacturers in the

BY LARRY WARTER In order to survive in an ever-changing industry, today's printer will have to become the "smart factory" of tomorrow. The "smart factory" concept integrates all of the internal printing plant processes with information flows linked to the outside. Many of the criteria for being a true "smart factory" are related to standards (including accredited standards, as well as industry specifications), which address aspects of the process that everyone agrees should be standardized and, at the same time, leave opportunities for individual companies to differentiate themselves in other parts of the process. One of the most crucial steps in becoming a

Southern Exposure For Fujifilm GREENWOOD, SC—Why would a Japanese company choose to locate a sprawling manufacturing complex here? It's a question Fuji Photo Film executives, and probably all 1,600 local "associates" of the company, are used to hearing. Especially since the site is about a one-hour drive from the nearest major airport. An abundant supply of high-quality water for use in its processes is the number one reason, says Hirokuni "Harry" Watanabe, company president. "Fuji sampled and analyzed water from a number of areas in the U.S. before picking this location in 1988," he explains. In keeping with its ISO 14001 certification and

PALO ALTO, CA—R.R. Donnelley announced the development of a new Inventory Management Solution (IMS), which is a book-on-demand, soft-cover production system that it says is designed to help book publishers improve cash flow through shorter printing runs. The system will combine a HP Indigo 3000 digital color press with an integrated, in-line binding module. According to John Conley, vice president of digital services for R.R. Donnelley, the first IMS module will be installed this summer in the company's Harrisonburg, VA, book plant. (www.rrdonnelley.com / www.hp.com) HUDSON, NH/VANCOUVER—Presstek Inc. and Creo Inc. report signing an agreement under which Presstek's Anthem chemistry-free

BY MARK SMITH Advancing the capabilities of computer-to-plate (CTP) systems requires plate and platesetter manufacturers to perform a tricky little digital two-step. The pair's timing has to be just right since each half of the CTP solution is useless without the other. While the platesetter may represent a much larger initial investment, the plate really does the leading because of its broader impact on the success of a CTP implementation. As a whole, the printing industry hasn't been content to just dance with the ones (technologies) that brought it to the party. Thermal imaging barely had its coming out before people were looking ahead

CPS Corp., a sister company of INX International, has been recognized for its environmental record and has been accepted into the National Environmental Performance Program, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Muller Martini has launched a new digital on-demand finishing division. Andrew J. Fetherman was named manager of the new division. Fetherman was formerly product manager for Muller Martini's press division. That post is now held by Donald Geiger. Kim Graven-Nielsen has been named president and CEO of newly formed Esko-Graphics. The company was created after the merger of Purup-Eskofot and Barco Graphics. Presstek Inc. announced the qualification of its Anthem thermal CTP

ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE—A new two-color, 28˝ Komori Lithrone press has been installed at All American Printing. TUSCALOOSA—The University of Alabama has added a new four-color, 21 1⁄16 x 19 1⁄8˝ Sakurai 474EPII press. CALIFORNIA IRVINE—The Dot Printer recently installed a Fujifilm Javelin Luxel T-9000 CTP thermal platesetter. The company is a five-facility, $36 million commercial printing operation. LOS ANGELES—Lithographix has installed its second Rollem TR die-scoring system and a Durselen/Rollem PB01 drilling system. NAPA—Label printer Jonergin Pacific has purchased CRC Information Systems' "The System" business management software. The company specializes in the production of high-quality wine labels. SAN DIEGO—Speedy Bindery has purchased a Best Osako

BY MARK SMITH Digital files have become the norm in print production, but the processes involved in generating them continue to evolve. Image capture—chiefly, photo-graphs into color separations—was one of the first areas to feel the impact of electronics with the introduction of scanners. Decades later, the scanning process and market continues to be reshaped by technological advances and dropping prices. For the past 10 years or so, the production step has also faced possible obsolescence due to the rise of digital photography. This context gave added weight to Heidelberg's recent announcement that it was discontinuing "all scanner development and production operations." The company