DALIM SOFTWARE, makers of highly efficient, scalable software solutions for the creation, production and management of cross-media content, has released its latest version of ES 2, their streamlined customer-facing environment and TWIST 6.3, the award-winning workflow engine.
Previewed at Graph Expo 2010 in Chicago, ES 2 now utilizes the nearly unlimited production workflow features of TWIST Engine to extend its color-accurate virtual soft proofing, the business logic of collaborative project management, and sophisticated approval cycles with fully automated prepress processes. ES 2 lets users maximize the benefits derived from the combination of technical multi-channel content production with the collaborative business workflow of marketing and media service companies.
Every project typically consists of many milestones and their associated deadlines. Documents need to be created or edited and passed along to the right people, at the right time—and that business workflow must be prepared accordingly. Steps can include the first artwork draft that needs to be converted into a specific format, a PDF file that requires preflighting, color management and trapping that is developed after client approval, or the creation of final output with project information metadata. TWIST Engine enables the creation of all these dynamic, event-driven tasks at every stage of the process, increasing productivity by eliminating manual labor.
The list of new ES 2 features includes a built-in FTP server for file delivery and a reverse flat plan view for projects created for Asian markets. Many user management and system control features and enhancements have been added for use by corporate and brand management groups.
As part of the release, the interactive ‘compare’ feature of DIALOGUE Engine, the optional ES2 soft proofing component, has been updated. Some users might choose the new, but more traditional method of checking differences in a document by a side-by-side comparison. Others can review changes between revisions by using the dynamic comparison controller that automatically shows changes between documents.
TWIST 6.3, the most recent stand-alone version of the automated workflow engine, was built with a focus on color management improvements and PDF quality assurance. Always seeking to exceed industry standards for quality and efficiency, DALIM SOFTWARE’s solutions benefit from strategic partnerships with leading software manufacturers. For example, the TWIST 6.3 workflow engine provides a unique, fully automated PDF ‘comparison’ workflow, based on the Adobe PDF Print Engine. Before a job goes on press, it ensures that the final PDF output is consistent with the intent of the original, delivered file. This assures consistent ‘quality control’ and prevents costly and time-consuming reruns.
The newly integrated Adobe Color Management Module helps users achieve a more consistent color workflow. Meanwhile, the new GMG Link tool delivers a fully automated, bi-directional connection to GMG’s FlowConnect, for more transparent integration to GMG color management.
“More efficient business processes and a higher degree of technical automation are the keys to cost and time savings, regardless of the market segment you are in,” says Christopher Graf, CCO at DALIM SOFTWARE. “Since it was first introduced, ES has been the ‘glue’ between those two worlds. And our new ES 2 represents a milestone in this direction, building on DALIM SOFTWARE’s vast experience in pre-media automation.”