ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 22—International MIS provider HIFLEX and Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group announced that they have recently completed JDF integration between HIFLEX MIS (Management Information System) and CREO Color Servers. The seamless integration of HIFLEX MIS and CREO Color Servers will be demonstrated live at drupa 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany. These live demos reveal how printers profit from practical improvements and business benefits through JDF connectivity.

Networking the two systems allows for the automatic transfer of job information from HIFLEX to CREO Color Servers via JDF. Upon order entry in HIFLEX MIS, the job parameters (e.g. customer information, order number, print method simplex\duplex, number of copies, media type etc.) are automatically transferred to the CREO Color Server. If the job file is submitted via a submission tool/store front (web-based job submission) the integrated HIFLEX MIS receives the job details as soon as the order is submitted by a print buyer.

In the CREO Color Server, the jobs automatically enter a queue without having to re-key information, thus saving time and avoiding costly errors in the workflow. Once delivered to the CREO Color Server queue, the job is automatically processed and sent directly to the digital press.

Extensive JMF support allows bi-directional communication between systems. JMF messaging makes it possible for the CREO Color Servers to update MIS with process-related information. HIFLEX receives transaction data such as labor/processes and materials, including the correct assignment to the order number in the MIS. All information and reporting by CREO Color Servers are done via JDF/JMF over HTTP.

Stefan Reichhart, Managing Director of HIFLEX, says: “Reality has proven that networked production via JDF/JMF leads to improved process control due to more transparency and flexibility, equating to huge productivity increases and reductions in expenses. We are excited about the successful cooperation with Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group and the realization of the HIFLEX -CREO Color Server link. This paves the way for huge workflow efficiencies based on JDF automation technology as well as within digital print and production.” He continues by stating that, “Beside the fact that HIFLEX automatically receives process feedback from the CREO Color Server, there is a further, more important feature to point out: In the realized connectivity, HIFLEX is not only capable of triggering JDF job-creation but can also receive an order via JDF that was placed from within a non-HIFLEX store front system. This bi-directional flexibility offers many new possibilities in the area of networked production.”

About HIFLEX

HIFLEX is an international software provider who develops sophisticated solutions especially for the Print and Media Industry.
“HIFLEX MIS” (Management Information System) precisely models and supports all business processes in printing plants and media companies and is subdivided into the business areas Office, Factory and eBusiness. “HIFLEX Print Support” is a high-performance web-based MIS System for print and media purchasers that provides a highly developed tool to organize the process of print procurement more efficient. The open “HIFLEX Webshop” is a new web shop system especially developed to meet the needs of the print and media industry and the first and, up to now, the only worldwide online print shop with implemented Internet ordering of custom formats.
HIFLEX is known worldwide as the technological leader in JDF integration. A close cooperation exists with all well-known press and system suppliers in the print and media industry. HIFLEX is partner member of the CIP4 organization. The international CIP4 Innovation Awards (CIPPI Awards) have been handed out annually since 2005. With a first-place award in six of nine categories and second place in the remaining three categories, HIFLEX has been the most successful software provider for the print and media industry. Today, HIFLEX has conducted more JDF installations than all other MIS vendors combined.
HIFLEX MIS is installed in 24 countries and available in 24 languages. About 30% of revenue is re-invested in research and development annually.
www.hiflex.com
www.printsupport.com

About Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group

Kodak’s Print On-Demand Solutions Group develops and supports high-performance CREO Color Servers and key workflow solutions for a range of digital production printers and presses. It also develops advanced on-demand applications to enable the creation of personalized direct mail, targeted catalogs and other powerful one-to-one marketing communications tools.

The group currently supplies CREO Color Servers to such industry leaders as Hewlett-Packard, IKON, Konica Minolta, and Xerox Corporation.

This independent unit of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group will continue to help its customers leverage their investment in digital printing.

For more information about CREO Branded Products, visit www.creoservers.com

About Kodak

As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit www.kodak.com, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, and 1000nerds.kodak.com.

Editor’s Note: Kodak corporate news releases are now offered via RSS feeds. To subscribe, visit www.kodak.com/go/RSS and look for the RSS symbol. In addition, Kodak podcasts are viewable at www.kodak.com/go/podcasts. Podcasts may be downloaded for viewing on iTunes, Quicktime, or other PC-based media players. Users may also subscribe to Kodak podcasts via the iTunes store by typing “Kodak Close Up” in the search field at the top of the iTunes Store window.

For more information about Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, visit www.graphics.kodak.com. For downloading photos and videos from Kodak’s image library, visit: http://graphics.kodak.com/gcgimages.

(Kodak and Creo are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.)