Digital connection: Goss joining CIP4
Press manufacturer Goss is joining the CIP4 organisation. Goss International says the move shows it is taking another step in its longstanding commitment to streamlined data exchange and open systems. Volker Rendl, director of workflow R&D for Goss International says, "We have always been an innovator in digital workflow technologies that support our commercial web and newspaper customers. CIP4 membership formally acknowledges that our advanced JDF-based solutions deliver optimum versatility and compatibility."
CIP4 (The International Co-operation for Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress) is an international body, with 280 members worldwide, dedicated to developing operating standards across applications and systems within the graphics arts industry. As the association that introduced JDF (Job Definition Format), it encourages computer-based integration of all processes in the workflow.
Goss International has successfully integrated CIP4/JDF applications across its range of commercial and newspaper presses, and is now moving to place CIP4/JDF compatible interfaces on existing double-width newspaper products that utilize Goss consoles and servers. This will include not only new presses and tower additions, but also legacy systems that have been upgraded, including Metro(tm)/Metroliner, Headliner and Colorliner presses.
Goss International’s latest achievement in driving forward the development of CIP4/JDF is the Goss Web Center technology workflow solution. Satisfying all requirements for a seamless commercial web press workflow, according to Volker Rendl the Goss Web Center software is a perfect example of how Goss technologies fit well into the CIP4 philosophy. "JDF is commonly described as the digital equivalent of a job bag, allowing anyone involved to access all details of a job. Goss Web Center technology is open to any existing JDF based Management Systems, while at the same time providing the most advanced workflow and control package in the industry. It is completely modular and flexible for varied requirements, and components cover the entire production chain from presetting to job reporting."
Presetting Goss Web Center technology, through the Goss Omni Presetting technology module, includes the complete web path, slitters, angle bars, compensators and folder. Reporting, through Goss Omni Reporting software, includes job planning, real time data, after-job reports including press speed, make-ready and tracking of various other press data. All data can be easily accessed from any standard computer in the print network, or even remotely, where required.
Helping printers to further reduce make-ready time and waste on Goss commercial web presses such as the Goss Sunday press series and the Goss M-600(tm) press, Goss Web Center software is also available with an open interface to Management Information Systems. Through Goss Omni Link technology, the reporting of production data including consumables helps to optimise the processes and reduce costs, offering greater profits potential in a tough market place.
"The concept of open systems and standardized protocols is intrinsic in Goss’ commitment to ’Innovation for Business’," concludes Volker. "It gives our customers more versatility, efficiency, compatibility across multiple systems and simplified upgrades, and thus a future-proofed growth path. This membership of CIP4 confirms that we are a technology leader, producing first class workflow software at the cutting edge of graphic arts technology."
