Provinstrykkeriet

Saying goodbye to film, assembling tables and waxing devices to embrace digital production could imply cumbersome technical and organizational changes, but with Gradual Software’s CaslonFlow automation software, transitioning was easy as 1-2-3.

When Provinstrykkeriet, a Danish web offset printer special-ized in newspaper production, transitioned to digital production and CTP technology, it signaled a new era for the company's workflow. Moving on from film resulted in digital files being sent directly to a plate-setter while assembling tables and waxing devices became a thing of the past. Yet the new enhanced productivity soon demanded a closer look at the company's workflow.

Provinstrykkeriet prints 20+ newspapers on a regular basis and receives a steady flow of PDF and TIFF files from its external partners and customers via an FTP site. The site's 4MBit connection makes it possible to handle up to ten newspaper jobs per day, but it is imperative to immediately transfer files in order to avoid a bottleneck in the production process.

Until recently, pulling down files from the FTP site and then sorting these into the correct folders proved a time-consuming process for Provinstrykkeriet staff members. Additionally, the company had to contend with the ever-present possibility of human error which could significantly slow down the process. When Provinstrykkeriet decided to install the desktop automation tool CaslonFlow to automate incoming file transfers to internal folders, the result was a clear improvement in its production process. The newly automated process that quickly and efficiently handles an average of 3,000 files per week resulting in increased productivity and significant time-savings for the deadline-driven company.

Rapid and accurate file transfer

Svend Aage Roemer, System Manager at Provinstryk-keriet, describes the challenge of managing high volumes of files for the time-critical production of many different newspapers: “Our external FTP server houses about ten volumes for different customers' PDF and TIFF files. The previous software we used was OK for moving files internally, but if a file exceeded 500 MB, everything slowed down considerably,” explains Roemer, adding: “We simply can’t afford this slow-down. It's an absolute necessity that we keep files moving in order to meet our tight production schedules.”

The solution to the problem became clear when Roemer was introduced to CaslonFlow. Having seen a demo of CaslonFlow and testing the solution by moving internal files in the system, he liked what he saw – the ability to effortlessly automate the downloading of files and properly route them to a dedicated folder.
Provinstrykkeriet has been using CaslonFlow since late 2005 and Roemer is very pleased with the results. “The time-saving we see is considerable. CaslonFlow can move large files without holdup and easily verifies 2-300 MB of files every day,” states Roemer.

CaslonFlow has a built-in FTP client and will periodically check the FTP server to download and process files automatically. It contains a toolkit for building automated sequences called “Flows” by connecting applications via hot folders or scripts and then automatically moving files between them. Every flow can be customized and automate as much or as little as needed. Additional tools support file renaming, compression and decompression of files, e-mail notification, processing e-mail attachments, and load balancing.

Automation made simple

Setting up automated file transfers offers significant benefits, but it's important that the solution is easy to use, intuitive and compatible with existing applications. CaslonFlow makes it simple to create a flow from scratch and provides an extensive online library that includes sample flows and tutorials. Flows can be downloaded and installed in CaslonFlow, then modified within minutes. “We had no problems installing or using the solution and it seamlessly integrated into our existing Harlequin and Apogee workflow,” says Roemer. “The intuitive interface made it very easy for our production staff to understand and use the tools.”

Efficiency and peace of mind

Roemer notes that the company’s present production process requires very little physical work, but there is a paramount emphasis on ensuring that systems work correctly. “We have to be sure that systems do what they are supposed to do, and react and take action at once if a problem occurs,” states Roemer. “When you print newspapers on a daily basis, the production process is very sensitive to delays.”
When Provinstrykkeriet's production is working at maximum speed and capacity, CaslonFlow works behind the scenes to ensure that all is well. The interface provides a visual representation of the workflow and will notify the operator if any errors are detected.

“CaslonFlow transfers files with codes into the correct folder, the imposition for the paper is made, and from there on everything is handled automatically,” says Roemer. “It also monitors our automatic internal backup, so if the RIP goes down for one reason or another, or if the power goes off, we still have our files. The imposition software remembers all the placements, so we don’t need to do anything else before the plates are ready for printing.”

The right choice

At the moment, Provinstrykkeriet uses CaslonFlow only for downloading files from their FTP site and streamlining these into production folders. But in the future the tool may be used to automate other repetitive tasks. What is certain is that CaslonFlow has become an indispensable part of the company's workflow process.
“Our customers appreciate CaslonFlow because it enables them to upload files, day or night, with complete security that the files will quickly and accurately be sent to the right job folder for production. I like it because the software is really a workhorse, consistently delivering results for us every day. CaslonFlow has been a good investment and has paid for itself several times over,” concludes Svend Aage Roemer.

Credits

This testimonial was created in collaboration with Provinstrykkeriet (www.pt-avistryk.dk).

PDF Version

Download the printable PDF version of this testimonial here: download (PDF).