Title: So I Bought a Print Stream Compare Utility – Now What?
Track: Systems Controls Date/Time: Wednesday April 6th – 8:30am to 9:20am Room: Bonaire 2 Presenter: Ernie Crawford, M-EDP
Achieving automated quality assurance testing is a challenge for many organizations. It’s not as simple as purchasing a print stream compare utility. You then need to create scripts, build test environments and test suites, and then of course run the tests and assess the results. And that’s just the start, since you need to address any discrepancies, figure out a fix, and test again.
Attendee Takeaways:
Understanding the numerous challenges of automated document quality assurance testing.
Best practices guidelines from a company that’s been doing it for over twenty years.
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/X16_Systems-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-21 16:28:502022-07-09 00:14:13So I Bought a Print Stream Compare Utility – Now What?
Title: Highlights from Annual State of the Transactional Communications Market Research
Track: Evolving Trends Date/Time: Wednesday April 6th – 8:30am to 9:20am Room: Bonaire 1 Presenter: Matt Swain, InfoTrends
Businesses view “improving customer experience” as their top transactional communications delivery priority for this year. For some, this goes hand-in-hand with driving increased paperless adoption rates. For others, it means optimizing each channel through which they communicate with their customers. Feeding off of its ongoing tracking of the transactional communications market, InfoTrends will share insights into the state of the market and expectations for the future. Attend this session to learn about the latest transactional communications delivery market trends!
Attendee Takeaways:
Customers are accessing communications through more channels today than ever before, and expect their providers to enable and optimize each one.
Review your transactional communications delivery strategy and adjust to support customer needs.
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/X16_EvolvingTrends-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-21 16:28:222022-07-09 00:14:13Highlights from Annual State of the Transactional Communications Market Research
Title: PANEL – Are Great Marketing and Innovation Enough?
Track: The Customer Experience Date/Time: Wednesday April 6th – 8:30am to 9:20am Room: Bonaire 7 Moderator: Pat McGrew, M-EDP Panelists: Scott Baker, Deborah Corn, Kevin McPherson
Peter Drucker once said, “Because the purpose of business is to create a customer, the business enterprise has two–and only two–basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs. Marketing is the distinguishing, unique function of the business.” The question for our panelists: “As companies look at enhancing the customer experience in today’s multi- and omni-channel world, are great marketing and innovation enough?”
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/X16_CustExp_Track1-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-21 16:27:352022-07-09 00:14:13PANEL – Are Great Marketing and Innovation Enough?
Two-Day Course Presented by Acadami Included as Part of Conference Registration
Lutz, FL — March 15, 2016—Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced, that acadami will present their two-day Electronic Document (BOK): Production Workflow Basics course as an included part of the Xploration® 16 conference, being held April 5-7 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida. Attendees can register at: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z.
Tweet this: acadami to present two-day Electronic Document (BOK): Production Workflow Basics course as part of #Xplor16 http://bit.ly/1UdOGhq
The ten module course makes up the “fundamentals” educational track of the conference. Acadami classes are recognized internationally for their electronic and transactional document courses.
The course, based on A Guide to the Electronic Document Body of Knowledge (EDBOK), provides industry professionals a standard that establishes a base level of knowledge about document application development and production for the industry as well as providing a road map for the next generation of industry professionals.
This EDBOK-based program focuses on the EDBOK Document Production Workflow.
“At the end of this two-day course, graduates will understand the technologies and processes from data to doorstep.”, comments Bill Broddy, M-EDP, President of Acadami, “This is an ideal program for document professionals new to the industry or for more seasoned professionals that want to better understand the transactional document industry.”
Attendees participating in all 10 modules are eligible to participate in an optional final exam to earn 20 Education Credits towards an EDA designation or EDP certification. Current EDPs will earn 20 re-certification Credits. The class is limited to 30 attendees.
Graduates will also receive a complimentary copy of A Guide to the Electronic Document Body of Knowledge – 1st Edition, a $150 value.
“This is a great opportunity for people new to the industry as well as veterans”, says Skip Henk, President and CEO of Xplor, “The content provides a roadmap to understanding the transactional document industry.”
Attendance is included with the Xploration 16 Platinum Passport registration.
About Xploration® 16 The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z #xplor16
About Xplor International Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.
Xplor International Media Contact: Chad Henk
Marketing Manager
+1-813-949-6171 Chad@xplor.org
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Logo_Acadami.jpg250650Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-15 13:09:072022-07-09 00:14:13Production Workflow Basics Course Part of Xploration® 16 Program
Xplor President/CEO Skip Henk Interviews Harry Lewis, President of the AFP Consortium
Most everyone in the Xplor Community is familiar with AFP (advanced function presentation) and the impact it has had on our industry over the years. But AFP has come a long way since 1984 when it was first introduced. Most recently, it reached a very important milestone announced in January by the AFP Consortium.
Just a bit of background as to how the consortium came to be:
In October 2004 IBM initiated the formation of the AFP Color Consortium (AFPCC). The purpose was to collaboratively develop color management support in the AFP architecture. This resulted in the creation of the new AFP CMOCA (Color Management Object Content Architecture) specification which was first published in 2006.
In May 2006 IBM announced plans to open up the complete scope of the AFP architecture to the consortium. The new initiative was finalized in February 2009 with incorporation of the AFP Consortium (AFPC).
Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Harry Lewis, president of the Advanced Function Presentation Consortium (AFPC), to get an idea of what the AFPC has been up to for the last several years.
Skip: Harry, thank you for taking the time to talk about the work of the AFPC.
Harry: Skip, certainly, it’s my pleasure.
Skip: Since IBM’s announcement in February 2009, could you share with our readers how the AFPC has evolved and what initiatives they have undertaken?
Harry: As you well know, the print industry, and especially the digital printing industry, is constantly changing. The consortium has been hard at work helping AFP’s end users stay ahead of the game, making big strides on key issues, such as reaching agreement on a standard interchange set (IS/3), continuing to enhance color support, and defining a metadata framework to support tagging at the print file and object level. We defined a subset of AFP for archiving, of which metadata is a key component. Recently, this AFP archive (AFP/A) subset achieved ISO certification, which is essential for end users who want a high degree of confidence when creating searchable, reliable archives, whether to meet their internal needs or to satisfy externally mandated compliance.
Skip: What does ISO certification mean for AFP and its users?
Harry: ISO certification provides a level of assurance to AFP’s end users that the Archive standard brings the levels of data fidelity and efficiency they’ve come to expect from AFP, and, in cases of maintaining regulatory compliance, it gives them something to point to that indicates their archive format is recognized and accepted around the globe.
Skip: So what is next for the AFPC?
Harry: Commercial variable data has been a growing segment of AFP’s user base for a while, and, with the commercial space evolving as rapidly as it is, we intend to track and adapt to those changes to help ensure AFP users are able to meet their – and their customers’ – needs effectively, efficiently and reliably.
Skip: How can companies get involved in the AFPC?
Harry: If a company develops or sells an AFP hardware or software product, tool set or service, they may be eligible for membership. They can request further information through the Membership Information widget on our website, afpcinc.org.
Skip: Harry, I would like to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. For our readers, you can find out more about the great work of the AFPC and its numerous standards, by visiting http://afpcinc.org/afp-publications/.
About the AFPC The AFP Consortium is an international open standards body consisting of 33 companies committed to the continued development of the AFP architecture. Since 2004, the AFPC has developed open standards for accurate and consistent ICC-based color management, high-speed complex text, page group recovery within high-volume production, the IS/3 interchange set for compliance, and metadata support for AFP Archive and future applications, such as accessibility features. The AFPC will continue in its role to grow and maintain the complete set of AFP architecture.
To see a full list of the Consortium’s members and learn more about the AFP Consortium and the new IS/3 AFP interchange set, visit the AFPC website http://www.afpcinc.org.
Until Next interview! Take care.
Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO Xplor International
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/AFPConsortium-1.jpg274625Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-09 14:18:342023-12-13 15:47:03An interview with Harry Lewis, President of the Advanced Function Presentation Consortium
Lutz, FL – March 7, 2016 – Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, today announced the line-up of conference sponsors for Xploration® 16, being held April 5-7 at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, Florida
Tweet this: Vendors Line Up to Sponsor Xploration 16 Events and Goodies: bit.ly/1pbqm3n #xplor16
“No event would be possible without the support of sponsors and the vendor community,” said Skip Henk, EDP, President and CEO of Xplor International. “Many of our sponsors have been with us since we started this format eight years ago, but I am also happy to say there are a few new players this year.”
Xploration® 16 Conference Sponsors include:
Registration:
Conference Bag– Canon Solutions America
Lanyard/Badge Holder– HP
Writing Pad – Appvion
Food and Beverage
Tuesday Lunch – Solimar Systems
Wednesday Lunch – IBM Corporation
Beverage Service – Solimar Systems
Networking Events
Opening Reception – NEPS, Inc.
Wednesday Happy Hour Reception – Crawford Technologies and RenderX, Inc.
Transportation to Universal CityWalk – Crawford Technologies and RenderX, Inc.
Technology Keynote Speaker / Rick Parrish – GMC Software
There are a couple more sponsorships still available. For a complete list of exhibitors and available sponsorships, please see this event PDF. Vendors interested in either a sponsorship or becoming an exhibitor should contact Xplor’s Director of Sales, Deborah Green at 770-444-3845 or via email at deborahgreen@xplor.org.
About Xploration® 16 The two-and-a-half day event is the perfect blend of educational sessions, panel discussions, general sessions, and networking events in a relaxed Florida environment. The event features 55+ Educational Sessions/Panels, THREE Keynote Sessions, 35+ Industry Partners in the Vendor Forum, Two Evening Networking Events and Two Networking Luncheons. For more information, visit the conference website: www.cvent.com/d/drqy2z #xplor16
About Xplor International Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify, and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies. The association provides educational products and programs for its members and the industry at large through conferences, meetings and annual events. Xplor International has its worldwide headquarters in Lutz, Florida with affiliated offices around the world. Further information is available at www.xplor.org.
Xplor International Media Contact: Chad Henk
Marketing Manager
+1-813-949-6171 Chad@xplor.org
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Conference-Sponsors-030716.jpg4701050Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-07 14:58:262022-07-09 00:14:13Leading Vendors Line Up to Sponsor Xploration® 16
Title: Electronic Document (BOK): Print Streams, Manipulation & Transforms
Track: Fundamentals Date/Time: Tuesday April 5th – 4:00pm to 4:50pm Room: Bonaire 5 Presenter: Bill Broddy, M-EDP
We need to produce transaction documents using many different types of print / presentation streams: AFP, PostScript, PDF, Metacode, line-print, HP/PCL, etc. Because we have been producing transaction documents for over 50 years, we have programmed them in the most suitable print stream at that time. We also deal with print streams that work properly with small documents on desktop printers but are ill-suited to production printing (and impossible to electronically view on the web or mobile devices).
We seldom have the luxury of quickly updating legacy composition programs to emit a state-of-the-art presentation stream, add a barcode, sort the documents in a different order, or emit a subset of documents in a web or mobile-friendly format. As a result we must use manipulation tools to ‘clean up’ already formatted print streams.
This session will explain the different print streams that we deal with and the history behind them. It will also explain the function provided available tools to massage or transform print and presentation streams.
Attendee Takeaways: Understand the different presentation stream formats, the weaknesses and strengths of each, and how print stream utilities can be deployed for tactical fixes.
Title: Mergers and Acquisitions: From Both Sides Now
Track: For Executive Eyes Only Date/Time: Tuesday April 5th – 4:00pm to 4:50pm Room: Bonaire 4 Presenter: Mark Hannig
The acquisition of Chubb by ACE has had me in a tizzy providing the new kids on the block (who, by the way, own the block) with the information they demand. During this session, learn from my experiences of both acquiring a smaller company and being acquired be a larger company. Discussion will include material regarding Chubb’s acquisition of what was Executive Risk, as well as some experiences so far of “Integration Talks” with ACE.
Attendee Takeaways:
Learn what happens to your software inventory (specifically print/document manipulation software, but not limited to it) when:
You get acquired.
You merge with or acquire another company.
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/X16_ExecEyes_Track-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-03 15:35:482022-07-09 00:14:13Mergers and Acquisitions: From Both Sides Now
Title: The Future of Customer Engagement is Video. And the Future is Now.
Track: Distribution Date/Time: Tuesday April 5th – 4:00pm to 4:50pm Room: Bonaire 3 Presenter: Kevin Ricks and Elizabeth Roche
In the last few years video has become the key resource for entertainment and education. YouTube is the number two search engine in the world and a third of all online activity is spent watching video. Not only that, videos can improve the understanding of a product or service by up to 74 percent. But not all customers want to see the same video in the same way. The future of customer engagement is interactive and personalized video. Join us for a lively discussion where we’ll discuss how interactive personalized video can help you reduce costs while improving customer satisfaction and increasing customer engagement.
Attendee Takeaways:
New strategies and technologies are shaping the future of customer engagement.
Real multi-channel experience can increase sales and ROI.
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/X16_Distribution_Track-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-03 15:35:122022-07-09 00:14:13The Future of Customer Engagement is Video. And the Future is Now.
Title: XML: Future-Proof Your Document Format!
Track: All Things Data Date/Time: Tuesday April 5th – 4:00pm to 4:50pm Room: Bonaire 2 Presenter: Robert (Bud) Paton
Stop trying to decide what the best format is for your documents. Should it be PDF? AFP? HTML? No! It can actually be all three and more! Start storing just the customer data in XML and transform it to anything you want. Who knows what tomorrow’s devices will look like, but with XML you don’t need to worry about it.
Attendee Takeaways:
Want to reduce your document storage requirements? Want to give your customers the best viewing experience no matter what device they happen to be on? Want to guarantee your documents can be viewed on future devices? In this session we will show you what it means to separate your customer data from any presentation logic. This simple step can provide significant storage gains, endless viewing choices for your customers today, and best of all, future proof your documents.
https://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/X16_Data_Track1-01.jpg150300Skip Henkhttp://xplor.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo-300x215.jpgSkip Henk2016-03-03 15:34:332022-07-09 00:14:13XML: Future-Proof Your Document Format!
Harry: As you well know, the print industry, and especially the digital printing industry, is constantly changing. The consortium has been hard at work helping AFP’s end users stay ahead of the game, making big strides on key issues, such as reaching agreement on a standard interchange set (IS/3), continuing to enhance color support, and defining a metadata framework to support tagging at the print file and object level. We defined a subset of AFP for archiving, of which metadata is a key component. Recently, this AFP archive (AFP/A) subset achieved ISO certification, which is essential for end users who want a high degree of confidence when creating searchable, reliable archives, whether to meet their internal needs or to satisfy externally mandated compliance.
