Many print service providers have limited hands-on experience with what JDF can do. Upon investigation, shops often find that they have more JDF enabled equipment than they originally thought and that actually linking them together as a JDF workflow might not be as far a stretch as it once may have been. This lab will highlight JDF vendor solutions with a focus on the promise of true interoperability and job ticket automation. A special walk through of the JDF Test Drive will introduce users to the various JDF solutions on display in the Expo.

PDF files have become more integral to packaging workflows as they improve and validate the file hand-offs throughout the supply chain. The Ghent PDF Workgroup (GWG) Packaging Specifications, accordingly, are bringing substantial benefit to the industry.” - states Gary Vogt (formerly of Kraft Foods).

This special IPA presentation outlines how stakeholders in packaging production, from brand owners and designers to pre-press and printers, can benefit from the FREE GWG Packaging Specifications. The session will look at the unique dynamics and challenges of the packaging industry, the current developments in PDF file exchange, and showcase how leading packagers are utilizing GWG specifications successfully. In addition to looking at advantages from a business viewpoint, the session will also address managing technical hurdles involved in PDF creation, exchange and output in the packaging industry.

Anyone involved in package production interested in learning how to avoid costly mistakes, cut time in the production cycle and exchange files without frustration and finger pointing should attend this session.

Managing brand color is critical in communicating your client's message; learn how to overcome the new challenges posed by digital output from both the creative and the production side. In this session, we’ll discuss everything from the creative side of “this is how I made it” to “This is how we can ensure everything goes ok”. We will discuss brand color communication, best practices and handling all the “what if’s” that come with project management.

Session attendees will steps through all phases of Brand Project Management including:

• Conceptualizing
• Creation
• Manufacturing
• Quality Assurances

In this lab session attendees will learn the basics of multichannel profile creation and application. Each attendee will create a multichannel profile using Profilemaker Packaging software and sample forms from a multicolor press run that will be measured in the lab.

The session will explore the application of multichannel profiles in Adobe Photoshop CS-4 and then for use on several proofing RIPs. Attendees will configure or see the configuration of at least one of three proofing RIPs from CGS, EFI, and GMG. Sample proofs will be made from each controller to an HP 3200 using the test files from the Roundtable session to be held.

Finally, students will proof spot colors with each of the RIPs.

The lab will include visual and colorimetric analysis of proofing results.