'Oklahoman' to Install ppi Workflow

By: E&P Staff The Oklahoma Publishing Co. signed with ppi Media of Hamburg, Germany, to use ppi's printnet Publishing Workflow to produce The Oklahoman and related products. The ppi project will run parallel to the introduction of new computer-to-plate systems.

The end-to-end workflow, comprising PlanPag (ad layout and edition planning), AdDispo (long-term ad space reservation), AdMan (ad production and tracking), ProPag (page assembly), and ProofStation, with the high-availability and business-continuity options, will replace existing workflow systems and create an integrated and automated basis for production.

Tracking and reporting modules will provide control of all processes and maximize production transparency.

The system's open architecture "will enable us to integrate our current editorial and advertising systems, and gradually update them with less disruption over a planned time period," said OPUBCO Chief Information Officer Dan Barth. Ads can be stored in printnet, simplifying ad management by monitoring and using ads via customizable user interface.

Upon completion of the project, all editions will be planned with PlanPag, creating an end-to-end prepress production workflow. By connecting directly to the press-control system, printnet simplifies page and edition planning and can handle last-minute changes, reflecting updates throughout the planning, pagination and plate-production processes and eliminating manual and redundant steps.

Interfaces to the Harris editorial system, AdMarc ad-booking systems, and EAE press-control system will enable PlanPag to supply the editorial and ad departments with optimized production orders. Printnet "will automate the communication of processes between departments from beginning to end. This in itself will not only save time but we believe will uncover further benefits and opportunities," said OPUBCO Production Director Bart Williams.