AMERICAN
EFI previews latest innovations at Connect user conference
2011-04-28 10:06  ???:1784

  EFI is displaying the newest and prerelease versions of its products at the 12th annual Connect user conference taking place through April 29 at the Wynn Las Vegas. In addition to a broad array of educational sessions, user group meetings, speakers and exhibitors, Connect attendees are the first to see demonstrations and test drive the latest EFI products before they are released. This year's focus is on integration between various EFI offerings.

  A highlight of the lab area is the “Digital Workflow Experience,” a demo that shows an integrated workflow from submission to output. The demonstration follows a job from EFI Digital StoreFront web-to-print solution, to both EFI Pace and EFI Monarch print MIS systems, to Fiery XF production RIP, and then to a new EFI VUTEk printer.

  Conference attendees can see the latest versions of EFI Print MIS offerings. For the first time, the new PrintStream Fulfillment module for Pace and Monarch is on display and the recently launched EFI Radius Small Business Edition makes its debut as well. This new Radius software comes with a standard suite of modules designed with a streamlined user interface to ensure smaller companies can quickly and easily use the software to improve efficiencies and simplify workflows. The latest version of Radius Enterprise Edition is also being shown, highlighting corrugated packaging support, complex carton processing, and other enhancements.

  The upcoming version of EFI Pace is being shown, highlighting VUTEk, Fiery print servers and Fiery XF integration, scheduling enhancements, a new mobile Web application, and a new Outlook plug-in. A preview of the forthcoming edition of EFI Monarch is available to attendees, showing the new Mailing Module, the new Purchasing System, and other updates. The next version of EFI Digital StoreFront is also being previewed, including the new DSF Forums, an online user community; Google Analytics, for tracking user behavior online; a new tax preparation service; and enhanced Fiery integration, including handling of mixed media.

  The Fiery solutions area of the lab shows off the latest server solutions integrated with Web-to-Print and MIS. The newest version of the print job management software Command WorkStation is previewed, with features that improve image quality, color output, usability and imposition workflows. Attendees can also learn about EFI's enterprise printing products, SendMe, Fiery VUE and its latest PrintMe products for mobile and cloud printing. As part of the Digital Workflow Experience, there is a workflow demo showing Digital StoreFront to Pace to EFI PrintFlow dynamic scheduling to the Fiery Central production workflow tool to a Fiery-driven Ricoh Pro C901 printer. In the Kodak booth, there is also a live demo of Fiery integrated to Prinergy Digital Direct Workflow.

  Also on display in the Connect lab are the Jetrion 4830 and the Rastek H652 printers, along with proofing products, including the newest versions of Colorproof XF and Fiery XF.