UPM to launch ColorCTRL workflow at Drupa

Paper manufacturer UPM will launch its first print workflow, a cloud-based system developed in conjunction with Dalim and GMG, at Drupa following its decision to expand its range of products and services.

UPM ColorCTRL, which is based on Dalim's ES workflow and GMG's ColorServer and ColorProof software, will feature optimised UPM paper profiles that will be constantly updated by the manufacturer and GMG.

Visitors to Drupa will be able to preview the cloud-based PDF workflow and colour-management service, which includes collaborative soft-proofing and approval, version control, pre-flighting and colour optimisation, at the manufacturer’s stand in Hall 6.

UPM said that ColorCTRL, which integrates with any MIS that is able to send xml, csv or jdf files, would simplify the handling of colour profiles, allowing users to concentrate on value generation.

Project manager for UPM ColorCTRL Gerd Carl said: "ColorCTRL allows easy collaboration with all partners in the value chain - from brand owner to advertising agency, publisher and printing house.

"It cuts down the time to market for quality print products and gives users savings in time, materials and investment costs."

The cloud-based workflow will be available with two payment options, including one aimed at small companies and a subscription service aimed at bigger printers and agencies.

Final pricing for UPM ColorCTRL, which is the product of three years development and is currently being piloted at five beta sites, will be announced at Drupa.

Carl, who announced the new workflow at the PrintCity pre-Drupa press event in Munich last week, said: "We want to help customers cut costs and turnaround times and to control their PDF workflow in a more efficient way.

"Our technical sales and service team spends a lot of time with printers and they say that the big challenges for our customers are controlling workflow and colour management with paper-related profiles.

"Many printers have built up a patchwork of systems and often if one system needs updating, the whole thing collapses. This software is all integrated and we aim to make it work seamlessly."