Latest Version of KODAK UPFRONT Software Brings its Economic and Environmental Savings to Two More Countries

Rochester, NY, June 23 -- KODAK UPFRONT Production Planning Software Version 4.2 provides the tools for an automated, repeatable digital workflow for production planning in two new native languages, German and Russian.

UPFRONT Software enables planners and customer service representatives to automatically produce accurate job layouts, create imposition-ready digital templates for prepress, and automate the setup of finishing equipment with JDF/CIP3. Through reductions in planning and prepress labor, material and makeready waste, spoiled plates and setup time of bindery equipment, UPFRONT Software can increase a commercial printer’s bottom line by up to 1.5%.

With Version 4.2, commercial printers like Bechtle Druck & Service in German-speaking countries can now utilize UPFRONT Software to unify and standardize planning. The company’s production schedule typically comprises many different kinds of jobs on one of its 16-page heatset web offset presses.

“We needed to implement a software tool for production planning that would enable us to streamline the entire planning process. UPFRONT Software serves as a fully integrated planning tool for us,” said Roland Mannschreck, Technical Director, Bechtle Druck & Service. “Every job gets processed using this software, including all multi-up layouts and complex gang files. Handling such a diverse range of products in prepress would be far more complicated and time-consuming if we didn’t utilize UPFRONT Software.”

“UPFRONT Software outshines similar solutions with its support for web, digital and sheetfed presses,” said Freddy Eckel, Managing Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Kodak’s graphic communications business. “Our customers can streamline their production planning for all of their presses with a single tool.”

“Russia is home to nearly 7,000 print enterprises and everyone is looking to increase their efficiency and reduce their costs,” said Yosef Ben Dor, Kodak’s Sales Director for Eastern Europe. “Our customers have been asking for a localized version of UPFRONT Software and it’s arriving just when it’s really needed.”

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support.KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.