Every step of the process – from manual page layout to fully automated prepress

The e:PIMS Print Automation manages the automated creation of publications, offering full support of standard DTP software such as Adobe^® InDesign^® and QuarkXPress^®.

Using database information, publications are generated automatically. The extent of the automation possible depends on the standardization of the layout and page planning. Templates are used as basis for documents to be created, which are maintained in the data base system. Connections (place holders) are generated which can be updated (bi-directionally) at a later stage.

In addition, the data base content is used for a manual layout process, in that the individual text and information elements as well as images with different macros are assembled manually. Macros are previously defined elements in the data base for automated product creation in layout programs. Macros contain place holders for prices, logos, product images and texts, which are previously defined in their correlation.

Via the existing XML interface of the e:PIMS Print Automation additional XML DTP systems such as Adobe^® FrameMaker^®, Antenna House^® or DocScape^® can be integrated. By using templates, defining the assembly of the exported XML via the user interface is easy and programming not necessary. Even complex tables can easily be created. A preview enables an early check to see if all product data has been published as desired.

For Adobe^® FrameMaker^® an extensive Perl Script Library is available which offers access to all layout functions of FrameMaker^® and further extents the automation process.

Conclusion: By means of substantial automation print publication becomes faster, more flexible and more cost efficient.