EFI announced that its Hagen and Prograph management systems have each received JDF certification from PIA/GATF. EFI Prograph and EFI Hagen OA are among the first management systems to pass the stringent Job Definition Format testing process by PIA/GATF, the official certification body for CIP4 (the International Cooperation for the Integration of the Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress).

The certification process involves a series of tests - ranging from attribute value tests to full blown JDF job ticket conformance - over several days conducted in the PIA/GATF's state-of-the-art facility. Hagen and Prograph passed all the rigorous standards of JDF product certification and are now certified to create and accept updated job details as the job is running via JMF (Job Messaging Format). These systems have efficient two way communication between capable devices, and the ability to communicate correctly to both prepress and conventional printing workflows.

"PIA/GATF continues to expand our JDF Certification portfolio with the conclusion of this beta and the support of EFI," said Dr. Mark Bohan, vice president, research and technology, PIA/GATF. "By using certified solutions, print providers can be confident in the adoption and usage of JDF throughout their operations. EFI continues to be a strong proponent of JDF and we are pleased to have them participate fully in this process."

"EFI is proud to receive JDF certifications for Hagen and Prograph," said Marc Olin, senior vice president/general manager, EFI Advanced Professional Print Software (APPS). "This accomplishment is welcome news for our worldwide customers who can now seamlessly share information between production and management processes to realize productivity improvements and cost savings. EFI has been committed to JDF and CIP4 for many years and we're very pleased that our efforts have resulted in these certifications. We are anticipating successful certification on our other MIS systems as well."

EFI Prograph delivers a comprehensive workflow planning and management solution for magazine, catalog, book, retail insert and large commercial print operations. The solution offers comprehensive planning capabilities, including versioning, complex imposition, bindery planning and distribution tools, enabling users to make more informed business decisions and streamline their production process.