There was a time when new imposition software was greeted with great enthusiasm in the hope that it would overcome the limitations in the existing programmes. Naturally, over time the imposition software improved, and now imposition has become almost a hidden knowledge, something that just happens somewhere in the production process.
Tighter deadlines and shorter lead times call for continuous improvements in all types of software, and this includes digital imposition solutions. Enter Imp, from Insoft Automation, an imposition software which supports automated layout planning and imposition.
Insoft is based in India, with headquarters in Chennai, and was founded back in 1996. The subsidiary Metamation provides CAD/CAM software for the sheet metal industry, which has quite a lot of overlap with complex ganging, for example, stepand-repeat of folding cartons.
Strategic cooperation with MIS vendors
Insoft works in cooperation with other vendors and distributors within the graphics arts, especially those developing MIS systems. This is a key strategic decision, since any modern imposition software needs to work in tandem with the MIS system in order to streamline and automate the task of imposition. Another such strategic and key feature is the support of Job Definition format, or JDF.
Two versions – automated and even more automated
There are two major versions of the Imp software – Imp Standalone, the desktop version for both manual and automated layout planning and imposition, and Imp Flow – a Hot Folder and server-based application which enables fully automated imposition workflows. Imp supports a wide range of layout and imposition workflows – book printing, VSWOP (Variable Sleeve Offset Printing), digital web printers, flexo and digital large format production.
Automation can be achieved in several ways, using either comma separated (tab data) from imported CSV files (Comma Separated Values), or XML (eXtended Metadata Language). JDF is actually an XMLbased format, and can be used both for imposition parameters and the setup of bindery equipment. PDF files can then be dropped onto the preplanned layout schemas and so automatically imposed on the sheet. Imp also supports automated ganging, to mix jobs on a large format device.
All jobs are stored in a Job Database for later retrieval and re-use for further processing by operators in planning and prepress. Thanks to its support of both XML and JDF Imp will connect to all the well-known MIS and RIP systems on the market.
Insoft, a long time denizen of drupa innovation parc, will demonstrate the Imp solutions at the upcoming drupa in Hall 7a Stand E13. The distribution in Europe and the US is handled by Four Pees.Â
