Fujifilm's Updated XMF Workflow, XMF Remote Systems Are First to Feature Adobe Mercury RIP

HANOVER PARK, IL—November 13, 2014—Fujifilm North America, Graphic Systems Division announces the release of Fujifilm XMF Workflow v6.1 and the Web portal system XMF Remote v10.1.

As a result of the shift toward shorter runs, product diversification and quick turnarounds, printing companies are under pressure not only to process a greater number of jobs more efficiently, but also to process an increasing number of jobs that require a high level of RIP processing, including projects that use various types of graphic processing to create a finished product with various visual effects and projects that require variable printing as part of one-to-one marketing. A further important issue is the need to improve the level of service provided through smooth communications between departments within the company, and also with parties outside the company, such as their clients.

XMF Workflow v6.1
To address these issues, XMF Workflow v6.1 not only includes the Adobe PDF Print Engine 3 (APPE3), it’s also the first workflow system in the world to incorporate Mercury RIP Architecture, a technology for high speed operation developed by Adobe. As a result, XMF Workflow v6.1 achieves dramatic improvements in file processing times. In addition, XMF Remote v10.1 is designed for utilization in a wide range of environments through various improvements, including complete compatibility with HTML 5.

The most significant characteristic of the Mercury RIP Architecture incorporated in XMF Workflow v6.1 is load balancing by processing each page of a single job simultaneously during rendering, resulting in higher processing speeds to maximize the utilization of system resources.

This results in significant productivity improvements when outputting pages to a digital press or when producing variable output. XMF Workflow v6 can also harness the Mercury RIP Architecture to allow ‘parallel processing of multiple jobs’ and achieve a processing capability approximately 10 times greater than previous systems; although the exact ratio depends on the operating environment. In addition, it is also possible to assign different orders of priority to different processes and actively adjust the resource allocation for each respective process. For example, the resource allocation can be adjusted in accordance with orders of priority that have been established in advance, such as assigning first priority to remote proofing and preview displays viewed by clients via XMF Remote.

Efficiently processing multiple jobs allows printing companies to facilitate a more effective utilization of various output devices. Even in the event that the output to a platesetter, proofer or digital printer overlaps, the system can reduce processing standby time to a minimum, ensuring that each output device is put to efficient use. Furthermore, as a single XMF unit is capable of executing the volume of RIP processing equivalent to five platesetters (for example, the Javelin 8900, up to 60 plates per hour) and not only can the number of RIP devices for each output device be greatly reduced, resulting in easier management and lower costs, but the results of the operation executed by different output devices will always be consistent, resulting in a highly reliable workflow.

Another advance achieved by XMF Workflow v6.1 is that the latest virtualization technology is harnessed to greatly increase redundancy. No matter how fast their processing speed or how superior their functionality, workflow systems cannot be an effective asset unless their speed and capability is stable and available at all times. If for example, XMF Workflow v6.1 and XMF Remote v10.1 are both in use together on two computers and one computer develops a hardware issue, it is possible to use the functioning computer to carry on the job seamlessly from the state existing immediately prior to the occurrence of the problem. This complete backup system provides safe and secure support for nonstop operations.

Highlights of XMF Workflow v6.1

• The incorporation of APPE3 and Mercury RIP Architecture facilitating RIP processing capability that, depending on the operating environment, may be around two to 10 times faster, in comparison to previous systems
• Superior redundancy achieved through the latest virtualization technology
• Various features including pre-flighting, color management, and imposition are all centralized
• A Job Management function which allows the centralized management of all data for printing and output settings, for each job
• An Ink-Saving function that optimizes the volume of ink used while maintaining transparency effects, overprints and other features
• The possibility of linking with MIS using JDF and CSV

"The pace of print production continues to accelerate with shorter runs, faster digital presses, personalization, and less margin for error," said Mark Lewiecki, senior product manager, Adobe Systems. "On top of that, designers are taking advantage of new features in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, and are pushing the envelope with complex graphics. XMF Workflow v6.1 is an important step forward. It harnesses the power of the Mercury RIP Architecture, a performance framework for the Adobe PDF Print Engine 3, optimized for Variable Data Printing (VDP). The speed and innovation of XMF Workflow v6.1 should provide big dividends for Fujifilm customers," added Lewiecki.

XMF Remote v10.1
XMF Remote v10.1 on the other hand, is equipped with HTML 5 compatibility for all functions used by the client, and even on computers and tablets where the use of Java is not possible for security and other reasons, complete XMF Remote functionality is now available. As it is not necessary to download the Java applet, startup time is also now shorter.

An additional new feature is the Express Job function, designed for work with new clients and one-off jobs, which allows clients to participate in a job simply by registering their email address and without registering an account. A simple preparatory procedure is all that is required to provide online data submission, proofing and approval services, and as a result, XMF Remote can now be used for a wide range of applications.

Highlights of XMF Remote v10.1

• All client functions are HTML 5 compatible
• Clients can participate in jobs simply by registering their email address and without registering an account
• Simple online data submission using drag-and-drop is enabled, and preflight is executed automatically
• Using XMF, clients can make efficient remote proofing while looking at the actual operation results
• Compatibility with multi-stage approval flows requiring proofing and approval by a number of different people
• iPad’s can be used for proofing, allowing clients to issue instructions for proofing and confirm the changes whenever and wherever they are.

For many years, as a leading company in the field of printing plate materials, Fujifilm has been involved in the worldwide development, production and the sales of a diverse range of printing-related products, including CTP plates and PS plates for offset printing, printing chemicals, workflow software, platesetters and inkjet digital printers. XMF is a core system for all of these solutions, and Fujifilm intends to further evolve XMF in line with the needs of the market.

About Fujifilm
Fujifilm North America, a marketing subsidiary of Fujifilm Holdings America consists of four operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; and one-time-use cameras; and also markets motion picture archival film and on-set color management solutions to the motion picture, broadcast and production industries. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars. Fujifilm Canada sells and markets a range of Fujifilm products and services in Canada.

Fujifilm Holdings, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and thin film coating technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2014, the company had global revenues of $23.9 billion, at an exchange rate of 102 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship.

Source: Fujifilm.