About JDF

JDF is about streamlining and automating the transfer and management of information for all aspects of print processing. It's the first industry standard for communicating the job process from one production stage to another. And it provides a standard way to validate all transfers - for both the content and the accurate delivery.

JDF-enabled systems will make on-demand even more feasible while continuing to streamline conventional print processes. The results will be continually improving efficiencies as well as the opening of new markets.

What is JDF?

JDF (Job Definition Format) is a standard that addresses the need for end-to-end electronic communication in the print media supply chain by providing job ticket specifications and a messaging protocol. It is written in XML (Extensible Markup Language). It is an exchange format for instructions and job parameters.

JDF is made up of three basic components:

• Job ticket specifications: which describe all the material types and types of processes such as prepress, press, postpress and so on, which could be part of a workflow
• Specifications for functions of a JDF MIS system
• Job message and interchange protocol specifications

The job ticket specifications can contain information such as a quote or purchase order or proof approval request or preflight report, for instance. Or, instructions such as the type of finishing required or the number of pages, color space, ink settings and so on.
Another component is the JDF MIS. It is the heart of plant automation because it manages all of the critical business data, such as job lists, press counts, materials consumption and labor costs. It delivers specifications to production equipment and monitors job status throughout the process.

The third component is JMF (Job Messaging Format), an extensible interchange protocol that specifies a language for electronic device controllers. JMF is integral to the value of a JDF MIS, because it makes automatic, bi-directional interaction with all device controllers and other components in the workflow system possible, as long as they are JMF aware.

Benefits of implementing JDF

In the current world, systems are disparate and each conforms to different proprietary job ticket formats and communication protocols. For instance, print production providers have no means for consistent and effective bi-directional communication between management information systems (MIS) and production processes, such as job status and tracking, scheduling information, and production planning data.

Standards such as JDF can contribute to integrating systems and actually automating processes such as these, which traditionally have been error prone, expensive, and highly labor-intensive. When software components can carry out many of the repetitive tasks such as re-keying data, tracking information, and compiling management reports, humans can turn their intelligence to creating new and more flexible products and services.

Benefits of a fully implemented JDF-based, automated production workflow could include: integration of inter-enterprise workflows, reduction in point-to-point solutions -- no need to write yet another controller interface, integration of existing "isolated" systems, reduction in errors and production time, information validation, and much more. The cost and productivity benefits associated with this type of integrated process automation would be substantial.

The JDF Workflow Integration Tour demonstrates automating workflow through the use of JDF within a small segment of the whole production workflow. The workflow functions are fully integrated: the hand-offs between the creative agencies and the digital print workflow, the publisher and the print production service provider. Management reports which result directly from the bi-directional interaction between the JDF MIS and the prepress and press systems are also produced.

JDF-based automation will produce enormous benefits in terms of improvements and reduction in costs throughout the whole production chain.