The Germany-headquartered software specialist said that the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the value of automated systems.

“In order to emerge stronger from crisis situations, it is essential to be able to rely on automated processes in unforeseeable situations and to intervene flexibly and quickly in print production,” the firm stated.

New features in Asura 20.2 include a function whereby recurring images are only embedded in a file once, leading to big reductions in files sizes and processing times as a result.

OneVision cited as an example a file that would be 445Mb with a repeated image, which reduced to 191Mb when the recurring image is only embedded once.  

The firm expects the new feature to deliver benefits across a wide range for printing applications, from direct mail to books and brochures.

Another new feature is targeted at signage and wide-format printing. The ‘Add Hemstitches’ module automatically creates hemstitches with a variety of options for sizing and for single- or double-sided banners.

“Print data are therefore perfectly optimised for production requirements,” OneVision said.

The third new feature involves enhanced functionality in Asura’s Variable Data Printing module, such that colours and fonts in a print file can be defined as ‘properties’

“This information can be used in many different ways including for the dynamic generation of proof sheets. In addition, the file properties enable routing within the workflow and hence ensure a dynamic, smooth file preparation,” OneVision explained.

A spokesperson said the upgrade will be downloadable "very soon". 

The firm, which has a UK office in Coventry, has more than 3,000 customers worldwide and updates its software at least twice a year. Its solutions span pre-media software, workflow, and image editing with customers including the FT, News UK, Hearst, Haymarket and Canon.

It has held a series of webinars on print and workflow automaton that are available for replay on its website.

A webinar on the new features in software version 20.2 will be held on 13 October.