One of the most important elements of the online print buying process is the ability of the print buyer to visualise the job that is being ordered. Words in a paragraph just don't suffice when customers are buying mission-critical printed materials. Digital StoreFront has addressed this need with a powerful new user interface and online preview capability in version 5.2.
The new interface leverages the popular Flex toolkit for the most advanced, user-friendly interface available today. This new interface is designed to assist the print buyer in the development of a specification utilising a single focused page, in contrast to other Web-to-Print tools that navigate the buyer through a series of screens for specifying, pricing and previewing the job. The focused page concept delivers a more visual, complete and accurate result.
Besides the interface innovations, a new Digital StoreFront preview feature ensures the accuracy and completeness of the final job. The buyer describes what is required and the system confirms their description with a production-accurate preview. The buyer can review, make notes, and accept the proof online, 24/7. The overall process speeds production, reduces change costs, eliminates errors, and builds a lasting relationship between the printer and the print buyer.
Health Care Service Corporation is a Digital StoreFront user. Robert Baldwin, supervisor of print production, comments: "Document building is not an easy process, with the buyer given multiple files with even more multiple file types. The new Digital StoreFront user interface gives buyers a chance to view online a document that looks just like the printed product. The bind type and colour are there, the tabs are there, and importantly, the price is there. EFI is making my customer's Digital StoreFront experience easier with every version."
"The ongoing innovations to the Digital StoreFront Web-to-Print tool make it a powerful ally in the printer's quest to differentiate their capabilities and services from the competition," said Dave Minnick, product manager at EFI. "The new user interface and preview capabilities of DSF make it unique in the industry. Both the buyer and the printer benefit from the visual, smart capabilities of the new software. Jobs can be specified, reviewed and printed with fewer delays, fewer errors, and fewer change cycles."
Digital StoreFront version 5.2 will be available in Q4 2011. Customers currently on maintenance will receive an upgrade at no additional charge. For new customers, Digital StoreFront can be purchased directly from EFI or from our partners, including Xerox, Canon, Ricoh and others. For more information, visit EFI at GRAPH EXPO, go to www.efi.com