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A first in France: LNG implements JDF-based process integration with Prinect and Graphisoft

Family-run printing plant LNG elected to modernise its production flow in 2008. Based in Nantes, France, the business has a total workforce of 31. The company made significant investments in Heidelberg printing presses and a Prinect Integration workflow. It also acquired the Graphisoft Management Information System (MIS) enabling process automation in Job Definition Format (JDF).

LNG CEO Michel L’Hopitalier recalls, “I sought to optimise productivity at our firm as much as possible – from cost estimates to delivery, and from prepress to finishing. Heidelberg and Rhapso Graphisoft were able to collaborate effectively to meet my needs and start up this initial JDF link.”

LNG is indeed the first printing plant in France to be equipped with the Heidelberg Prinect Integration System presented at the 2008 Drupa exhibition. The Prinect Integration System automates and simplifies prepress and press message interchange. Implementation of JDF integration rationalises production and enables substantial gains in productivity by saving time during prepress processing and press set-up.

The company also recently acquired the Graphisoft solution – an Enterprise Resource Planning system for graphic arts professionals, from estimate to invoice – in addition to production management and modules enabling JDF links with Prinect. Each job ticket is now exported in JDF from MIS to prepress and production. In addition to simplifying prepress workflow, LNG can now follow up job progress in real time, as well as analyse exact production costs. Furthermore, implementation of JDF integration improves productivity company-wide by streamlining production processes – a crucial advantage in the current economic climate.

About Heidelberg (www.fr.heidelberg.com)

With a global market share for sheetfed offset printing machines of more than 40 percent, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is the world’s leading solution provider for commercial and industrial customers in the print media industry. Headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, the company focuses on the entire process and value chain for popular format classes in the sheetfed offset and flexographic printing sectors. Apart from printing presses, the product portfolio includes plate imaging devices and finishing equipment, as well as software components designed to integrate all print manufacturing processes. In addition, Heidelberg offers a wide range of spare parts, consumables, used equipment and services, along with extensive training programs provided by the Print Media Academy. Furthermore, the company assists its customers’ investment plans by offering financing concepts.

Heidelberg is most active within the major OECD industrial regions and is expanding its involvement within growing markets such as Asia and Eastern Europe. With development and production sites in six countries and some 250 sales offices worldwide, the company offers services to more than 200,000 customers around the globe. Heidelberg generates 85 percent of global sales through company-owned sales offices and well above 80 percent outside of Germany. In fiscal year 2005/2006, Heidelberg achieved sales of 3.586 billion Euro referring to the divisions Press, Postpress and Financial Services as well as a net profit of 135 million Euro.

As of March 31, 2006, the Group employed 18,716 staff worldwide. 

About Rhapso (www.rhapso.com et www.graphisoft.fr )

Rhapso offers complete and integrated resource management solutions for packaging and print production professionals, enabling process optimisation and enhanced productivity. The firm’s MIS systems handle cost estimates, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), production, scheduling, and logistics.

Established in 2000 by Gaël Thomaré, Rhapso finalised the acquisition of Graphisoft in March 2008, thereby creating a leading European firm. Based in Palaiseau and Orleans, France, the company also established a presence in Turkey in March 2008.

Rhapso boasts more than 4,000 users at 1,000 sites on five continents, in more than 30 countries. Rhapso is an active member of FEFCO (the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) and CIP4. Rhapso offers JDF links to the market’s leading suppliers.

Press contact: Hélène Gomes - Phone: +33 1 60 13 79 54  - Email address: hgomes@rhapso.fr

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