For implementation of publishing automation projects Screens & Pages preferably uses its in-house developed XMAPS software modules. They are the base for integration with existing applications to deliver a perfect final solution. For example information from a content management systeem can automatically be converted to a professionally printed end product. It also makes it possible to convert database- or XML structured data to digital media (HTML) and folio products (PDF, Adobe InDesign).

For workflow automation we use the Switch application by Enfocus, that we can augment with dedicated routines developed in Microsoft .NET; we can also integrate this with XMAPS modules.

XML to Adobe InDesign engine

This is a Windows application developed in .NET that converts XML containing text, tables and links to images into perfectly laid-out pages in Adobe InDesign(Server) for Windows. It supports very complex layouts, for instance reports or articles with separate frames, tables, images etc. Also frame-based lay-outs for retail and posters with productblocks in different sizes are supported. Almost all features of Adobe InDesign can be used (kerning, anchored or freestanding images, mergin of table cells, column balancing, PDF export etc.). The size of images, tables, frames and headlines can be adjusted dynamically based on preconfigured rules. It offers much more flexibility than the XML import offered by Adobe InDesign itself

The application can be started both by hand and in hot folder mode; versions are available for Adobe InDesign CC and for Adobe InDesignServer CC.

The resulting documents can be fine tuned in Adobe InDesign (in Windows and Mac OS).

XML to PDF engine

This .NET application uses the PDFlib module from PDFlib GmbH and is meant for situations where high performance is needed and design is less complex. NOtwithstanding a wide variety of documents can be produced as printready PDF, for instance simple catalogs, price lists, brochures, letters, invoices etc. The solution is also useful for 'variabele data' print applications.

XML to HTML solution

By converting database-, MS Word or Excel data to XML it is also possible to - apart from the use of the previously mentioned modules - automatically generate HTML pages that can be published directly on a website or through an existing content management system, including the createion of lowres images in the correct formats for browsers.

In all situations a custom made template will be created that defines the style of the publication or website. This is then used by the layout application (Adobe InDesign or PDFlib) and can be maintained by the user.

For more info on these modules see www.xmaps.nl