Overview

A true browser based multi-media production management system which tracks the documents, graphics, multi-media files and text associated with the production of advertisements in a multi-user, publishing environment.

As well as creating and managing advertisements for print, structured content required for Internet publishing can be easily captured and structured as part of the advert building process. The system can automatically manage, track and deliver advert components for make up at a remote outsourced production centre.

Features

From the point an advertisement is booked on the front-end system through to output on a completed page or website, the system manages the advert and its related components, recording all activity, including the modification history. The system is designed to work with mainstream DTP packages including Adobe InDesign and Quark XPress and offers a true PDF workflow with dynamic proofing.

Advertisements that are required solely for the internet are managed and tracked in exactly the same way using the latest tools for the make up of Flash adverts.

Advert components are stored in the central database and managed through a web browser, making the system one of the most accessible advert production tools available on the market today. A streamlined workflow improves communication and saves time. Using a web browser, users can easily lift advertisements from previous inserts as well as upload artwork, graphics and copy instructions instantly to the production centre, removing the need and expense of couriers.

The system supports a multi-user advert production environment and includes a graphics library, advertisement archive, insertion management and reporting. Data is provided via a dynamic link to the database and housekeeping of network resources is automated.

Once adverts are passed to the system from the front-end system, any activity regarding that advert is monitored and the database can be queried at any time for a status update. Advert records are stored for every insertion meaning that each publication insert date is unique and if required separate advert content can be stored for each unique insertion.

Adverts are called from the database by means of a query mechanism. The criteria include publication, date, status, classification, style, client, colour, etc, and if a user wishes they can set-up their own preferences as the default for when they log-in.

Advert make-up takes place in Adobe InDesign or Quark XPress.

The system seamlessly interfaces with third party pre-flighting software for image optimisation and for error reporting.

All information related to an advert is shown on the advert header and includes all booking information and copy instructions. Graphic elements are stored within a graphics library and this library can be structured to a specific publisher's requirement, i.e. by category classification, customer etc. to any level.

Scanned artwork specific to a booked advert, can be automatically attached to the advert by its URN, meaning it will be permanently attached to the live advert and carried forward into the archive.

Advert templates can also be stored on the database and attached to the advert during the make-up process. Completed adverts are saved in InDesign/Quark XPress PDF/EPS format and then stored within the database, allowing them to be recalled and attached to a new URN as required. An advert can be viewed in picture form via a copy advert window. From this window the user can lift artwork from an existing advert, to a new URN.

Every action within the system is date and time 'stamped' and recorded in an audit history which may be interrogated from query builder within the data base by users with appropriate permissions.

Outsourcing Advertisement Production

The system can automatically manage, track and deliver advert components for make up at a remote outsourced production centre.

At all stages users can track the status of the advert, and all of its components, amending where necessary. These components are then zipped up and delivered to the outsourced production centre for make up.

Once the advert is completed all of the components - including the InDesign/Quark document and PDF - are zipped again, returned via FTP and imported into the system output or proofing.

Should an advert need amending, the facility to "unlink" components and then "link new" is available.  A change in status will trigger the workflow to start the process over again to create a new advert.