DIGITAL digest

JDF User Group Formed, Awards Program Expanded

PITTSBURGH—To facilitate implementation of the Job Definition Format (JDF) in automated workflows, a new JDF User Group is being formed by Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) and the International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4). Plans call for the group to meet three times a year in locations across the country, with the first meeting having already been scheduled to run here March 24 and 25.

The group is to convene March 24 at PIA/GATF’s headquarters for a hands-on look at JDF implementations within the facility and a discussion of the challenges in creating successful implementations. March 25 will feature a half-day slate of panel discussions, case studies and peer networking.

Membership is open to users of JDF-enabled systems in processes from job creation to fulfillment, including sheetfed, web and digital production facilities. Under the direction of a steering committee consisting entirely of printers, the group’s focus will be the practical integration of different systems.

For more information on the JDF User Group, including how to join, contact Hallie Barcalow at (412) 259-1706 or hbarcalow@piagatf.org.

In addition, CIP4 has announced a reorganization of its annual Jürgen Schönhut Memorial CIP4 International Print Production Innovation (CIPPI) Awards program. Four regional “Best Process Automation Implementation” categories are being added to the program this year, and an earlier deadline (March 20) has been set for submissions, so the winners can be announced at Drupa 2008.

Also, each application may now be considered for multiple categories and selected to win more than one award. The only restricted categories are the regional awards—Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets.

Any printer, prepress service provider or publisher may enter. Winners will be determined by a panel of judges who have no affiliation to any vendor, printer, prepress service provider or publisher.