Photo Print Production Workflow Tools
BlueFX
The gateway to custom printing workflow automation
BlueFX is part of a digital photo production workflow software suite designed to automate the job acquisition and printing process. It is the software for managing and controlling digital print orders; and is the first element in the process where jobs enter print production.
Importing
The goal here is to provide an easy way to import jobs into existing digital print workflows. In so doing the user has the opportunity to replace or extend their existing photo print production:
BlueFX could therefore add in-house or external automatic fulfilment capability from Web Orders or Kiosks for example; or ease the transition to new printing technologies like Inkjet by replacing a legacy WetLab with one or more newer dry minilabs.
Some popular import formats already supported are: Noritsu Hot Folder, Noritsu DPOF, Konica DPOF, Kodak DP2, Agfa PfDF (.b00), Fujifilm C8/MS13, Theta, GotPhoto, Sytist, Pic-time, Pixieset, ProSelect, ShootProof, LiveLink, Netlife, Dakis, and more…
Integration
An existing workflow can be centred around printers or editing software. Noritsu users could continue to use EZ Controller and through DPOF or NHF redirect the output to say a Frontier-S or SureLab.
Similarly, on the editing side, users of Express Digital Darkroom, Timestone, ImageQuix, Photolynx and others can ‘print’ to BlueFX and thus extend the range of possible output devices. Devices such as Epson SureLab, Fujifilm Frontier, Agfa, Konica and Noritsu Dry and Wet labs.
Flexibility
In order to provide even more flexibility BlueFX can import from custom and bespoke jobs. This is ideal for Photo Labs handling School, Sports and Events Photography. These jobs invariably involve packages which have been assigned to a number of images.
Here the Order can simply originate from a simple spreadsheet (.CSV) with automatic mapping of key entries like image, product and copy count, but can easily extend to include say backprint information.
BlueControl
Powerful engine for Ripping, Packaging and Printing
BlueControl is the second software element in this workflow partnership. Whereas BlueFX imports jobs into the workflow, BlueControl deals with the exporting of those jobs. Not just as a simple file export, but acting as a software RIP to print to supported hardware devices (including duplex printers).
Pro RIP
BlueControl can export these jobs in a number of forms. The program can export images in a variety of picture formats. But acting as a software RIP it can print to supported hardware devices like newer Inkjet printers and also legacy wet minilabs such as Fuji Frontiers and Agfa d-Labs.
This is one way in which we can manage the transition from old to new technologies.
In short, BlueControl can act as a Pro RIP software for both Epson, Fujifilm, and other printers. Printing can take place both directly or indirectly: Either direct to Epson SureLab and Fujifilm Frontier-S; or via the Epson Order Controller or Fujifilm MS01.
Hot Folders
One of the more powerful features of BlueControl is the ability to provide Hot Folder batch printing. Here, countless highly configurable folders can be created to make printing simple and easy.
Image files just need to be dropped into the chosen folder for printing. Therefore, BlueControl can act as a type of network printing software. It could also be regarded as a print server when used for printing over a LAN – effectively turning Epson SureLab, Fujifilm Frontier-S, and others into ‘Network Printers.
Package Printing
A key feature of BlueControl is the ability to do Package printing. This is done ‘on-the-fly’ with the user being able to create their own packages in PackFX. This photo package printing software is able to create different sizes of the same image on one page. Or, using different images, print multiple photos in one page.
Using it as a printer layout software, you can create your own templates. This makes it an essential tool for Schools, Wedding, Events, and Sports high volume photography printing.
One of the major goals of BlueControl is to provide a consistent interface to all supported output devices. And provide all the features that Professional Photo labs have become accustomed to such as:
Batch Printing, ICC Profiles, Templates, Cropping and Backprint control.
Discover BlueControl’s Pro Features:
Batch Printing, ICC Profiles, Templates, Cropping, Hot Folders, Backprint control…
Edit Jobs
Aimed at Pro-Photographers, Lab operators and Print Shops, images can be organised in folders and displayed on screen to a given size and display number. Here, simple cropping, rotation and resizing can be carried out to the aspect ratio of the target service. Image metadata can also be read and displayed while editing an order.
Explore…
Fundamentals
Production Processes
Improvements in Workflow can expand market opportunities and increase revenue. See how BlueFX can tailor a solution.