Express PrintShop
Express PrintShop
Express PrintShop is an on-demand printing solution designed for scalability, productivity, and affordability. This professional workflow system connects multiple network printers through a single RIP controller, supporting printing of reports, presentations, mailers, banners, labels, and various types of business communications. Express PrintShop provides system performance, color accuracy, support for variable data printing, and workflow management. It is suited for environments such as newspaper houses, advertisement agencies, output centers, repro houses, and commercial printers.
Overview
Advanced WorkFlow Management
Express PrintShop was developed from prepress workflow management tools—Express WorkFlow. It integrates functional features with ease of use and facilitates data delivery between components in the job environment. Express PrintShop aims to optimize and automate production processes while maintaining data integrity.
High Performance Engine
The Express PrintShop server uses a Harlequin-based Express RIP. The Express RIP combines speed and flexibility, with a range of features, and uses open standards applicable to on-demand printing. It supports file formats such as PostScript, PDF, EPS, PCL, and 1-bit TIFF. Jobs can be submitted via hot folders or directly through Apple Talk, enabling use within a network.
Cluster Printing
The cluster printing feature of Express PrintShop distributes print jobs across multiple printers automatically, increasing printing speed and throughput for large jobs.
Load Balancing
Load balancing allows distribution of jobs among connected printers, reducing print time and avoiding bottlenecks.
Fault Tolerance
If a printer encounters an issue or lacks paper, the job diversion feature sends the task to other available printers, helping maintain production flow.
Easy Job Handling
Express PrintShop manages jobs via hot folders or Apple Talk and connects to networks (PC or Mac) via 10/100 base-T internal servers or optional wireless networks. USB v2.0 and parallel interfaces are also supported.
Color Stability and Accuracy
Supported Input Formats:
– PostScript® Level 3, 2, 1
– Adobe® PDF 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, etc.
– EPS, JPEG, GIF, PCL4
– XPS 1.0, HD Photo
– 1 Bit Tiff, 8 Bit Tiff, TIFF-IT
– DCS, DCS 2
– TIFF 6, TIFF/IP-P1 (Optional)
System Features:
– Harlequin® PostScript® Level 3 RIP
– Harlequin® ColorPro ICC Processor
– Booklet Printing
– Cluster Printing
– Fault Tolerance
– Real Time Device Monitor
– Advanced Job Management
– Variable Data Printing (Optional)
Features and Benefits
Easy Configuration
Complex workflows can be set up in a short amount of time. Each module is represented by an icon in the toolbar and can be positioned and connected to others easily.
Variable Data Printing (Optional)
With Compose’s Velocity VDP engine, Express PrintShop enables personalized printing, letting users create labels or other items integrated with variable elements and output them to compatible printers. This is designed to streamline variable printing and improve productivity.
Booklet Printing
The booklet printing feature supports eight styles—including perfect-bind, saddle-stitched, cut-and-stack, step-and-repeat, simple page pairing, fill sheet, desktop calendar, and wall calendar. This function aims to assist book printers in producing professional booklets efficiently.
Real Time Dashboard
Express PrintShop offers real-time monitoring of consumable usage and device status for each output machine. The dashboard displays ink levels, cassette paper sizes and levels, installed accessories, and printer messages. Users can monitor their production machines and respond quickly to any issues to minimize downtime.
Advanced Job Management
Express PrintShop includes tools to manage and reprioritize jobs, eliminate bottlenecks, and reduce downtime, with the goal of improving productivity and efficiency in demanding print environments.
