In the printing world there is a technology called CTP, which stands for computer to plate. It is one aspect of the prepress process and involves the prepress equipment called an imagesetter. The older technology was called CTF, or computer to film. In the computer to film process, the print job goes from the bits and bytes in the computer onto photographic film. The image then is transferred from the film to the photographic plate so that the images can be printed. The computer to plate process eliminates the middle step and transfers the image created in the desktop publishing program directly onto the printing plate. obviously, when an entire operation is eliminated, efficiency goes up and costs go down.
But what is required to convert from CTF to CTP? It requires an upgraded infrastructure and an upgraded workflow. In designing this new workflow, the main concentration needs to be on preventing bottlenecks in the process and keep the process moving smoothly. But the infrastructure is just as important. Thinking back to when you first bought your computer system, you may expect that purchasing a new system will break your bank. However, this may not be true. These days, the prices of new desktop computers have dropped significantly, making this purchase more in line with what you can afford. In addition, the increased speed of new computers will raise the efficiency of your shop measurably. In time, the new computers will seem to pay for themselves as you are able to increase throughput. In retrospect, you will see your old system for what it was: an albatross around your company’s neck, weighing it down.
But let’s return to the workflow issue. How can CTP technology streamline your workflow? Here are some ways:
The first area is job acceptance and preflighting. This step involves checking the files that the customer has sent you to make sure that the fonts and graphics are structured according to the customer’s requirements.
The next area is image acquisition. Are any scanning or digital photography operations required? This step might include color correction, file format conversion, and other image manipulation.
Next comes the step of prepress operations. This step involves preparing the work so that it is compatible with your specific press type.
Electronic imposition is a vital part of the prepress operation. It involves collecting the actual page files and imposing them onto the printing flats and transferring them to the raster image processor.
As the process concludes, you need to be able to create proofs. The proofing step is essential because it guarantees the accuracy of the final product.
The final step is a sort of a clean-up process that manages the files and the databases to ensure that everything is archived correctly.
This may seem like a complex process, but don’t forget that that big middle step has been eliminated. If you streamline your process and convert to CTP, you won’t see merely a return on your investment (ROI). You will ensure your ability to remain in business (RIB).
