Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451361
G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 2 0 2 2 A P R I L G R A P H I C S P R O 2 1 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M ting, sewing, or adding grommets. It will then create a dynamic schedule, sequenc- ing the jobs for them so they can deliver each project on time. If a schedule is already determined and a handful of additional rush jobs come in, the software will determine when those projects can be inserted into the schedule and help a company decide if a second shift is needed to meet the deadline. Agfa's e-commerce storefront allows even smaller graphics shops to be open for busi- ness 24/7, allowing them to extend their capability without throwing multiple re- sources at it. Its Asanti storefront simplies the ordering process by automatically mov- ing each job into the production process after customers enter their template into the system. e system automates delivery of their print les. Instead of having to send them via email or Dropbox, Asanti Print Sphere receives the le that a cus- tomer puts in their folder and moves it to the press. e dashboard allows direct feedback from the press. "When you talk about people dealing with very short time- lines or trying to improve margins, our production dashboard tool provides an overview of ink and media con- sumption and printing time for each job," Hutcheson says. If a couple of boards are kicked out for whatever reason, the dashboard tracks that as well. Durst's D'Amico says software options include customer interfaces, ones that do all the invoicing and billing, job denition, a whole ERP system and actual workow does RIP and pagination before a job is output. Color management is another piece of the puzzle. "If you are used to operating in an analog environment, digital workows, adjusting les, pre-ighting les, many companies have never done that before and that is an incredibly important element," he says. "If you don't have enough foresight to hire the right people to handle that element, you are missing out." GP PAULA AVEN GLADYCH is a freelance writer based in Denver, Colorado. She can be reached at pgladych@gmail.com.