Hybrid’s OLM software is designed for use in all areas of print, from commercial offset and digital to packaging, labels, inkjet and the screen/sign markets.

According to Hybrid Software founder and CEO, Mike Rottenborn, “OLM meets head on the enormous challenge of how to improve order processing efficiency throughout the entire production cycle, which is even more important to achieve during the economic difficulties facing most printers today.”

Whether they operate in the field of labels, packaging, screen and signage, digital or conventional offset printing, printing businesses inevitably end up using a mixture of prepress equipment and workflows as well as planning, accounting, administration software and databases that have been purchased at different times from various sources.

Invariably, these products do not communicate with each other, which often results in significant levels of inefficiency, mistakes and wastage.

“JDF is not compatible with many legacy systems, and traditional integration methods are too expensive and lengthy for many printers to consider,” continues Rottenborn.

“With margins today generally so tight, even the smallest error in job specifications or graphics can easily eliminate the profit on a job, and Hybrid’s products prevent this by providing a high level of process automation using a printer’s existing production systems. One North American carton printer cut file-related reprints to zero immediately after implementing Hybrid’s Job Management System in its production facilities.”

The main product in the portfolio is FaceLift, which provides seamless integration between production workflows, MIS/ERP systems, third-party websites, external databases and other sources of digitally held information. It enables total transparency of what is happening to the job, between the initial order and its delivery.

“All of Hybrid’s products operate via web browser technology and provide vendor independent solutions based on industry standards such as JDF/JMF and SQL,” says Rottenborn.

“We will handle the process of integration for a customer if required, but in most cases they carry out this task themselves via the easy to use tools provided by FaceLift. This is largely why the cost of integration is so low. In addition, integration

can usually be achieved quickly, without the cost and risk of a custom software development project.”

One of the options with FaceLift is FrontDesk, an interface between the customer and the printer. This provides a web-to-print portal that offers customers powerful file upload and download facilities plus comprehensive job interaction, from on-line ordering through all stages of tracking, proofing and approvals to delivery of the completed work.

Optional components of FrontDesk include integrated soft proofing and annotation systems from industry-leading vendors, on-line editing and variable data, and powerful campaign management and store profiling tools for high-volume retail applications.

Also included in the product portfolio is FileForce, which connects multiple production or printing sites within an enterprise environment, resulting in the ability to benefit from

the enormous efficiencies that can be obtained by load balancing and file sharing between sites. FileForce does not require a centralised file server or DAM system, but instead works in conjunction with local file servers at each location. File versions can be moved, copied, harvested, scrapped, archived and tracked precisely across multiple sites as revisions occur throughout the order lifecycle. Files are managed highly effectively at every stage of their life, but they are not altered in any way.

Hybrid customers range from medium sized companies to large print groups spread over many sites. The company can integrate any standard database platforms and already has close working relationships with MIS vendors such as EFI, Solarsoft, CRC, EPMS and others, as well as content management companies such as ADAM.

Hybrid Software is represented in Australia by GMS Pacific, www.gmspacific.com

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