Wide-format printer manufacturer Agfa Graphics, based in Belgium but with U.S. operations in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, announces the release of PrintSphere, a Software as a Service that offers print service providers a standardized way to send and receive files. PrintSphere adds new levels of automation to existing Agfa workflow solutions and also provides customer service representatives with a dashboard to properly manage their customers and offers an overview of active jobs.
PrintSphere is a shared service that allows printers to easily exchange files with, for example, customers, employees and freelancers. Whether data sharing happens internally or externally, this cloud-based solution keeps all print data safely stored and organized. Integrated with Apogee Prepress or Asanti, prepress operators can assign users to specific jobs. An automated messaging system invites these assigned parties to deliver files for a particular job. PrintSphere can also be used to create archives of previous jobs, available to a select number of customers.
There is no need to invest in other hard- or software when opting for PrintSphere, the company says. The service can be accessed through the official website, www.printsphere.com, or via client applications for Windows, Mac and mobile. Uploaded data automatically synchronizes with local folders, making files available on-site as well.
“PrintSphere integrates with Agfa Graphics' existing production workflow software, such as Apogee, Asanti and StoreFront,” says Andy Grant, head of software for Agfa Graphics. “It automates data intake, creates off-site backups of critical production databases and picks up Web-to-print orders to make them available on the local network. That way, it considerably saves time and helps speed up the production cycle. It is not only of great help for the huge files in the sign and display market; also in commercial and newspaper printing markets, PrintSphere offers a valuable addition to the entire workflow.”
As a cloud service, PrintSphere follows in the footsteps of other Agfa Graphics cloud-based tools, such as StoreFront and Arkitex. And the company once again guarantees complete privacy and confidentiality of all data.
