FaceLift provides a powerful toolset for JDF integration between production workflows, which require very specialized parameters, and MIS systems, which typically have very generic prepress instructions. FaceLift can act as an intermediary tool to quickly and seamlessly map data between these systems without the need for custom programming, while providing a customizable interface for production operators.

Hybrid Software’s third new product announcement for Graph Expo is ContentControl, which provides a powerful Content Management System that can run standalone or as an integrated component with FrontDesk and/or FaceLift. Powered by an industry-leading platform from ADAM Software, ContentControl allows printers and prepress providers to track assets, SKUs, or print items for their customers or for internal production, to organize their assets in customizable categories to easily search and retrieve items for reordering or reprints, and to track multiple versions of files and assets across multiple SKUs or print items.

The fourth product in the Hybrid portfolio is FileForce, which connects multiple production or printing sites within an enterprise environment, resulting in the ability to benefit from the enormous efficiencies that can be obtained by load balancing and file sharing between sites. FileForce does not require a centralized file server or DAM system, but instead works in conjunction with local file servers at each location. File versions can be moved, copied, harvested, scrapped, archived and tracked precisely across multiple sites as revisions occur throughout the order lifecycle. Files are managed highly effectively at every stage of their life, but they are not altered in any way.

The fifth and final product in the revised Hybrid portfolio is PipeLine, the critical backbone of Hybrid’s integration strategy. PipeLine connects directly to databases and other data sources, including web-to-print portals, prepress workflows, and MIS/ERP systems, making it easy to share data from all systems and avoiding duplicate data entry. PipeLine provides another critical function: by interfacing directly with all production systems, it ensures that a change in one system – such as a software upgrade or database schema change – is self-contained and does not affect other production systems.

Hybrid was formed in Pennsylvania in 2007 and today has around 150 customers throughout North America. European subsidiaries were opened in Kortrijk, Belgium and Freiburg, Germany in July as part of its plan to expand sales and operations globally.

“Hybrid’s Order Lifecycle Management products are designed for use in all areas of print, from commercial offset and digital to packaging, labels, inkjet and the screen/sign markets,” says Mike Rottenborn. “We will also be at Labelexpo Brussels later this month and drupa 2012, when we will no doubt be announcing further exciting developments.”