Are you currently using Enfocus Switch?  If so, I’m sure you’ll have already heard that there have been some fundamental changes to the way in which the software is licensed in their latest version, Switch 11.  According to Enfocus’ 2011 survey, customers are looking for:

Automation that is tailored to:

1. Company size

2. Turnover and budget

3. Number of employees and their skills

4. Software, technologies and standards already in place

5. Markets and customers they server

So now instead of the 3 distinct product flavors – LightSWITCH, PowerSWITCH and FullSWITCH – Enfocus have taken a new modular licensing approach.  This means as a customer, you can choose the modules and features that work for your business, rather than having to pay for additional features that simply won’t be used.  In a nutshell, you’ll be receiving a tailored, flexible solution that can be customised and evolved over time to meet your exact requirements.

The new Switch modules

Here’s a quick overview of the modules:

Switch Core Engine – For powerful file management, with an emphasis on handling PDF’s and scalable performance.

Configurator Module – Boosts existing solution and gives use of every configurator.

Database Module – Enables you to use existing information in your business to enhance workflows.

Metadata Module – Enhanced workflow intelligence.

Scripting Module – Use to create customised flows and unlimited access to the Switch scripting API.

SwitchClient Module – Remote access to automation.

Web Services Module – Custom access to automation.

SwitchProxy Module – For network security and business continuity.

Performance Module – To increase concurrent connections.

What do I have to do?

A recent survey* conducted by Enfocus showed that, “80% of our customers say workflow automation is ‘very important’ or ‘critical’ to their future.”  If this is true in your case and you choose to upgrade to Switch 11, it is worth discussing your options before you run the update.  We’ve worked in the creative industries since 2003.  Using our knowledge and experience with workflow automation and the Enfocus product range, we can provide a range of flexible professional service options. We can help you clarify exactly what functionality you’re using and which bits you’re not.  This means you can avoid paying over the odds for your Switch solution and ongoing support.  From installing the update and smoothing the transition process to prevent possible downtime, to reviewing your existing workflows and conducting a comprehensive ‘health check’, we can assist.

Similarly, we’re more more than happy to provide flexible options to compliment the existing email support covered by the Enfocus support contract.

If you’d like to discuss your options, please give Adaptive a call on 0333 123 1240 or email us at info@adaptive.uk.com.

*quote sourced from Enfocus research conducted in December 2011 and referenced by Saskia Desmet, Director of Enfocus Sales

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An internationally renowned weekly news and business publication, The Economist have been PowerSwitch users since Adaptive (part of the Pro2col Group) supplied their first licence back in 2006.  They have progressively grown their publishing workflows over the last 5 years to meet the demand of their expansive reader base, with worldwide circulation of just under 1.5 million.  Now, four servers run a range of Switch flows supporting everything from advertising and editorial production, through to data transmission and archiving.

The Economist implemented Enfocus PowerSwitch to automate repetitive tasks and reduce errors, resulting in improved efficiency.  It has enabled them to develop sophisticated workflows in-house without the need to rely on third party developers.

Visit the Enfocus Crossroads site to read more about how the Economist are using Enfocus PowerSwitch and for a video testimonial from their Production Project Development Specialist, Robert Banbury.

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As the PDF file format has become the preferred choice for senders and receivers in the print industry, the number of errors that a PDF can contain has increased. This is often due to a misunderstanding of what a PDF file is and how the various PDF/X Standards work. In complex creative environments PDFs are often created by different users, each with their own settings for exporting out of various applications e.g. Indesign, Illustrator and Quark. Within those pages, images and graphics can be RGB or CMYK and will have come from many sources, having been prepared for many different and often unknown print conditions. Read the rest of this entry »

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At Adaptive we do a lot of work with Enfocus Switch workflows, specialising in Enfocus PowerSwitch which allow us to not just automate the functions of specific applications but also to drive workflows based upon XML Job Tickets.  We find with the people that we speak to that in many cases that they simply aren”t aware of what can be automated within a Graphic Arts or Pre-Media business so over time our blog will bring you real life examples of what has been or can be achieved with Enfocus Switch workflows.

Workflow Challenge

The example workflow below was created for a print company which receives a reasonable number of PDF files and wanted to increase their automation. The challenge was to enable the print company to increase the number of files received but reduce the time sent preflight checking files whilst providing simple reporting, archive the files in a set way and notify the internal customer service representatives (CSR) where required.

PowerSwitch workflow providing file delivery, XML Job Tickets, preflight archiving and email notification

Products Used

We selected a combination of products which included a Hermstedt StingRay file transfer server which allowed the printer to be able to receive the files simply and securely. At the same time as uploading the files, customers are asked to complete a web form which captures name, email address and a few other bits of information. StingRay would then forward the files and an XML Job Ticket to the workflow server, running Enfocus PowerSwitch.

Upon receipt of files the workflow reads the XML which is then thrown away; non PDF files are moved to a separate folder. PDF files were renamed, a copy was archived and the original file was preflight checked to a pre-defined preflight profile using Enfocus PitStop Server. Depending upon the result of the preflight check an email was sent to either the customer or the internal CSR.

Results

The workflow designed, built, tested and installed ensured that the printer was able to receive a greater number of files without increasing the number of personnel. Existing staff involved in checking received files were able to be reassigned to jobs that added greater value to the business and the net result to the business; files were checked within 2 minutes with the CSR able to make contact with the customer almost immediately after they had received the file with preflight reports to hand. Error rates were decreased, throughput was increased and investment was kept to a minimum.

And finally..

This is just one example of the work we’ve undertaken to automate processes across a range of creative businesses. We will bring you more simple examples of how a workflow might streamline your business. In the mean time if you would like to discuss any aspect of this or an alternative workflow then please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free impartial discussion about your workflow requirements.

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