:ApogeeX 4.0 Workflow from Agfa Graphics Launched at GRAPH EXPO 2007.

Agfa Graphics announced today that the newest version of its popular :ApogeeX workflow solution, :ApogeeX 4.0, will be demonstrated at the company’s GRAPH EXPO exhibit at booth #3839 in McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. The software is now commercially available.

:ApogeeX has been updated with several key advancements that will keep the software positioned as the industry’s leading workflow solution. Among these advances are the inclusion of Adobe’s PDF Print Engine, enhanced automation through plate versioning support, a new Digital QuickStrip (DQS) that allows the rendering of pages separately, InkSaving to reduce the production costs on press and a new Software Update Manager (SUM) for quick and easy automatic upgrades and troubleshooting.
“Since we first introduced :Apogee ten years ago, we have worked together with our customers to bring to market the most technologically advanced workflow in the industry today,” said Agfa’s Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager, Digital Solutions, North America. “With advancements in four separate areas-PDF technology, prepress automation, useability and efficiency-customers can increase workplace efficiencies and streamline operations like never before.”

An important new feature in :ApogeeX 4.0 is the inclusion of Adobe’s PDF Print Engine, which allows users to do scalable native PDF rendering, thereby reducing the need for reworks and enhancing the performance. Also, through a new automation advance, :ApogeeX 4.0 has the ability to handle different versions or editions of the same job. This plate versioning support significantly reduces the complexity of versioned jobs by offering a user-friendly interface and seamlessly integrating the whole workflow. The enhanced job management reduces plate usage, potential errors and setup time of versioned jobs.

:ApogeeX 4.0’s new DQS gives users the flexibility to render pages separately, providing increased flexibility for all operators and an extended page delivery deadline. In addition, the optional InkSaving module automatically reduces the required amount of ink while maintaining the printed output quality, and the new SUM provides easier automated installation of quick fixes and upgrades throughout the workflow system.