Near Term and Long Term Implications of Job Definition Format usage in the Printing Industry Brian Alterio Principal, Alterio Associates, Inc.

JDF – The Open Standard JDF is the vehicle for effective process automation in the printing industry JDF is enabling technology for Computer Integrated Manufacturing – C.I.M.

What is Process Automation? Automation (ancient Greek: self-dictated) A system in which a workplace or process has been converted to one that minimizes human labor with mechanical or electronic equipment (source: Wikipedia)

Process Automation System A system that uses a network to interconnect sensors, controllers, operator terminals and actuators P.A.S. is based on open standards in contrast to a DCS (distributed control system), which is traditionally proprietary

RIT – Lean Manufacturing Study 2003

RIT – Lean Manufacturing Study 2003

Is Process Automation Needed? Q: Where would the Japanese auto industry be today without Dr. Ed Deming’s process control and automation? A: Not where it is today!

JDF Technology Innovation “When technological innovation comes into an industry it always creates net new growth. The leaders in the industry tend to view this as a threat whereas the entrants view it as an opportunity.” Clayton Christensen Professor of Business Administration Harvard University

Why Process Automation in the Printing Industry? Print is no longer a boutique-atelier business Though some of us would still like to think so! Efficient manufacturing is critical to maintaining economic equilibrium Produce more with fewer employees Reduce errors with the accurate transfer of information throughout the enterprise Perform MIS based productivity tracking through JMF messaging

How Does JDF Serve These Needs? Open standards are essential in process controlled manufacturing in a CIM environment Common inter-operability language The JDF initiative is the linch-pin to the new streamlined business models Web to print job submission Digital print solutions

But!… Are We There Yet? What are the critical impediments? JDF compatibility of your MIS system JDF compatibility of current shop floor workflow and hardware systems Legacy equipment Capital expense for retro fitting Capital expenses – new purchases

Haven’t We Been Here Before? Consider the advent of PostScript 1980 – Hell Chromacom or Scitex CIPC? First commercial proprietary CEPS systems 1984 – First commercial PostScript RIPs Apple Computer integrates PS in Laserwriters The advent of desktop publishing applications Open, and soon to sweep the industry 2006 – JDF is the PostScript of today !

“Wisdom is No More Than Having Been There.” We can learn from what we have experienced There were those who steadfastly hung on to their proprietary system mind-set Open machine language (JMF) can and will dynamically change the industry The “wisdom” part comes in when you look and learn from others’ experiences

Incremental JDF Deployment The very nature of JDF supports incremental deployment XML - eXtensible Mark up Language Incremental deployment is the most logical and realistic strategy Front end strategies –Analyze your needs (short term) –Define your goals (long term)

Think Small to be Successful! A JDF deployment strategy should be realistic and achievable Research: JDF – MIS compatible upgrades JDF workflow compatible upgrades e-Commerce job submission portals Middleware JDF extension venders

Where’s the Advantage of JDF in the Business of Printing? There is boutique printing… Hand made custom manufacturing Craft oriented Expensive and highly competitive Relatively small market Profitable?

Where’s the Advantage of JDF in the Business of Printing?

Where’s the Advantage of JDF in the Business of Printing? …and then there’s the rest of the business

Where’s the Advantage of JDF in the Business of Printing? …and then there’s the rest of the business Process automated manufacturing Lower overhead, highly productive Fewer errors = fast turnaround Increased capacity Diversified business models MORE BUSINESS = More Profit

An Example of Analog Job Planning

The Printed Job

Analog Errors Can… …and Will Happen!

JDF Based Job Planning – Process Automation

JDF is Not Pie in the Sky Real world implementation is happening today in the more forward thinking companies in the industry “JDF/JMF gives you real time status of the job on the press, as well as very good ROI in prepress and postpress” Joe Novak, Director of Technology The Williamson Printing Company, Dallas TX

What are the Long Term Advantages? Reduced data input errors Enable efficient communications Enable highly streamlined workflows Enable real time job tracking Enable real time productivity reporting Enable robotic inventory management Enable RF-ID supply chain management

What are the Long Term Advantages? More competitive & More profitable

What are the Long Term Advantages? Profitability = Business longevity

Brian Alterio

Thank you