HighWater has released a low-cost, open and automated workflow management software package.


Q2 Workflow Manager has the benefits of the automation and job tracking of a high-end system, but allows firms to use their existing OPI, pre-flight, PDF creation, imposition, proofing and RIP software.


"Were providing the glue to link together applications to enable printers to get their job done," said HighWater UK sales manager Paul Whelehan. "Its not an expensive all-encompassing system, its a cost-effective core."


Based on Q2 Output Manager, which the firm developed to drive multiple output devices from one RIP, Q2 workflow manager brings that automation to hotfolder aware applications throughout the pre-press workflow. The system, which is priced between 7,500 and 10,000, uses a drag and drop visual interface to assemble and link together the steps in a workflow.


"Ive been doing demos against Apogee and Prinergy, and after five minutes people stop me and say It cant be that simple I understand it!" said HighWater support manager Kevin Rawson.


Behind the system is a database that records all functions carried out by the system and the third-party applications. It also allows the system to generate e-mail messages to report errors or send completed files to a client for sign-off.


The error reporting is one of the big benefits, according to beta site Lynx Offset of Chalgrove, Oxfordshire. Production director Nigel Clark said the centralised reporting of errors on the system enabled swifter problem detection. He expects to use the database to analyse customer job times to calculate costings with greater accuracy.


Story by Barney Cox