Avanti's Graphic Arts Management System V12.2 has passed testing and become the 50th product to be JDF certified by CIP4.

　　Avanti's software was specifically certified for its ability to facilitate automation by electronically communicating with prepress equipment using Job Messaging Format (JMF) communications, while transferring the appropriate JDF requirements for prepress workflow completion.

　　The 50 certified products move the industry closer to realizing the full potential of the Job Definition Format (JDF) specification, created in 2001 to allow integration between automated workflows of different manufacturers' equipment. JDF-certified equipment has proven its ability to accurately receive and pass on electronic job information in an effort to help print providers speed production and minimize mistakes and touch points during production.

　　"By using JDF certified solutions, print providers can be confident that their entire workflow will run smoothly from prepress to press and postpress. Companies like Avanti invested a lot of time and money to achieve this certification so their customers will have a 'Quality Assurance Stamp' ensuring that the different applications they count on to run their shop, can work together," says Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president, technology and research, Printing Industries of America.

　　"This is an important milestone for an important program," says James Harvey, executive director, CIP4. "InfoTrends recently reported that automation is a priority for over 60% of printers, and we know that over 40% of printers have started to implement JDF-enabled automation. The recent recession has made productivity gains more critical than ever for printers, and the JDF Product Certification Program provides clear and unmistakable guidance for those printers working towards production automation."