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Monday, October 9, 2006

5ives at Graph Expo

Over on Xerox's In the Balance blog, Bill Lamparter has published his list of five technologies printers must understand and implement to ensure survival. None of the 5 technologies: MIS, JDF, Digital Printing, Workflow Enhancements, and Color Management and/or Bindery (those two tied for 5th) should come as a surprise to anyone.

I agree with Bill on the six technologies listed. These need to be on the minds of everyone walking the show floor next week. However, JDF is too low level. I would swop JDF with a more generic high level term such as integrated process automation.

JDF is not only the technical apparatus enabling integrated automation, but has also become the buzzword used to describe associated activities. Beyond JDF, the industry needs to start thinking of integrated process automation as a manufacturing principle and not just a piece of technology.

JDF has proven to be the fastest route (almost plug and play in some instances) to achieving integrated process automation in some situations, but JDF is not the only option and there are successful printers that have engineered highly efficient production systems without using JDF.

If you look at the commonalities between printers that have been successful with computer and process integrated manufacturing, you will notice that they didn't just buy equipment that was JDF-enabled. They engineered their entire production workflow to be as efficient as possible. This includes people processes.

It's important to understand that while JDF is an important initiative, its only a technology and it will not replace solid process engineering and operations planning.

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2 Comments

  1. I think that the comments on JDF are valid overall, but need some clarification. Yes, the whole point of JDF is process automation and every printer should do everything needed to reduce costs and improve productivity using more streamlined workflows with or without use of JDF. But many software companies and manufacturers are counting on JDF to provide the missing link in putting disparate applications, systems and devices together – namely open, interoperable workflows regardless of the environment. We are clearly not there yet, but we are all moving in the right, and same, direction. Its usage is critical with respect to offset and digital integration and the introduction of JDF-based solutions that unify offset prepress systems with digital print production. JDF will continue to evolve and more solutions based on this evolving standard are a welcome and important development for our industry.

    Larry Zusman
    Xerox Worldwide Workflow Marketing Manager
    VI and Workflow Solutions

    Comment by Larry Zusman - Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 01:26 PM

  2. I'm not knocking JDF. I agree that it's the right direction.

    If a printer only buys JDF-enabled hardware and software, this will not save their business. Implementing JDF within a manufacturing environment that has embraced process control (E.g lean six sigma) might.

    Simply: investments in JDF need to be coupled with investments in process optimization and control.

    Comment by Adam - Wednesday, October 11, 2006 at 03:54 PM