Switch unleashes the power of your existing systems, software, and people; maximizing capabilities that often have not even been utilized before.
You’ve already invested in excellent solutions, and Switch maximizes these at minimum cost by reaching into conventional and new cross-media files and systems to optimize their capabilities and connect them in intelligent ways, thereby creating the smartest, automated production workflow in existence.
Safeguard your previous investments in systems, training, and people; and use existing tools in a smart way.
Open Architecture: Democratic, Future proof Systems
The reason why Enfocus products work with all other products so well; and can pull data and functions from those other products, is its open architecture philosophy. This allows companies the most freedom for the least investment in money and time.
Switch was engineered to provide numerous advantages — especially automation — for the money. All you have to do is tell Switch what functions or applications you want to tie together and automate – and it does it.
A lot of manufacturers – especially those representing the most popular applications used in Graphical arts – have built configurators that eliminate the need to script the “bridge” between their software and Switch. Those who have built configurators have stepped forward to become members of Enfocus Crossroads, the value-add Enfocus-hosted community around Switch (see separate document). Other integrations are also possible through scripting.
Despite Enfocus’ unparalleled experience, knowledge, and handling of the PDF format, Switch is file format neutral. In a multi channel world, with ‘multi-channel’ workflows; Switch goes beyond ‘print’ automation to manage jobs from inception to all types of electronic and hard copy output.
Switch just as easily and seamlessly integrates with software on the edge and outside of graphic arts, such as MIS, DAM, Web-to-Print, and databases.
What’s New in Switch 11?
One of the major developments in Switch 11 is the reconfigured product line offering, which will make it easier for organizations to match their needs with Switch solutions now and into the future.
Instead of choosing between 3 versions of Switch (Light, Full & Power), customers will be able to completely customize Switch according to their specific needs, via specific modules.
Enfocus is arming customers by giving them a solution that can easily evolve with their needs. Modules enable customization and flexibility that businesses need to stay ahead of competition. Once new needs emerge and new requirements come up, the solution can be expanded with additional modules.
What does Switch do?
Switch is a modular software solution that integrates with existing systems and drives third party applications to speed up job processing, reduce errors, and automate repetitive tasks. Automating tasks with Switch frees up your staff’s time so they can focus on new revenue-generating activities.
Switch eliminates the need for people to perform repetitive tasks associated with receiving and sorting files. It automatically downloads files from one or more FTP servers, receives them as email attachments, or handles hot folders. It then sorts files into different folders or transmits them to the appropriate destination in a flexible manner, so that each is ready for processing or archiving.
All of this functionality is driven by an easy interface that depicts the components and steps of your workflow using simple icons. You create flows by answering a few questions or import sample flows that are ready to use from the Crossroads community website.
What you decide to have Switch do, beyond these simple functions, is up to you. For example, you can have Switch send notification emails to your customer service representatives or even directly back to clients, whenever needed. Switch enables automation and integration of 3rd party applications used in the graphic arts industry as well as MIS, DAM, Web-to-Print and databases. It also enables seamless integration for the Enfocus PitStop Server and PitStop Connect.
Switch is a reliable solution, even in demanding environments. Scalability and intelligence can be improved with optional scripting, database & metadata modules.
Bottom line The new modular approach expands the reach of Switch automation through the entire publishing and digital content creation process, from creation through production, independent of file format, by allowing you to choose the right functionality to meet businesses’ needs, today and in the future.
Why choose Switch? Benefits
Is this you?
Small through large companies, already operating with fewer people than ever, must remain competitive. At the same time, you are trying to determine your organizations’ place in the future and differentiate yourself from your competitors.
Customised automation: Many workflow applications on the market come with a predefined idea of how your company should go about its business processes. This is NOT the case with Switch! Switch offers a flexible, configurable and at the time affordable solution that will evolve with your needs.
Switch 11 is modular in design, allowing customers to purchase just the modules they need for their workflow; keeping the initial investment low and making Switch one of the most cost effective workflow automation solutions on the market today.
Easy integration with existing systems: Switch allows your company to continue using those applications on which it already relies. Simply integrate Adobe Acrobat Distiller, Enfocus PitStop Server, Quark XPress, Microsoft Word and many other key publishing applications with existing workflows. These flows can instantly create PDF files, preflight documents, correct or proof colors as needed, and much more.
More information is available on the Enfocus Crossroads community website (www.crossroads-world.com)
Scalable system: Switch is suitable for any kind of company, large or small. Whether your company uses a simple flow for file handling or an advanced flow that relies on multiple configurators and links to other business software, Switch always pays for itself — and quickly. It evolves with your business, which makes it future proof.
Reliable, even in demanding environments: Switch is developed and supported by Enfocus, a leading company in bringing affordable and reliable solutions to the graphic arts industry with over 100,000 customers worldwide.
Switch is designed to guarantee robust and reliable operation in any type of environment. It adapts to your needs through the new modular approach.
Supported by a complete community: Enfocus has a worldwide network of local experts ready to help you with implementing Switch.
Enfocus Crossroads is a complete community with users, integrators and application partners, and as a Switch user you will here find a wealth of instant resources at your fingertips. The Enfocus Crossroads website offers comprehensive information to get started with Switch like example Switch automation flows, a forum, a blog with guest expert writers, and much more.
Overview of Switch Offerings
Switch Core Engine
Switch Core Engine enables powerful file management such as sorting, routing and tracking of files. Every company is confronted with these kinds of tasks on a daily basis. Automation gives them the ability to reduce errors and standardize procedures, which will reduce costs. The Switch Core Engine also enables PDF-specific handling like split and merge PDF files. To lift your workflow to an intelligent level, Switch enables you to use the information already available in jobs to make routing decisions for example based on file naming conventions, the number of pages or colors, etc..
Research shows that over 50% of Enfocus product users would purchase Switch for these primary operations, only!
When a business is ready and able to start automating more complex operations, Enfocus offers a whole range of modules:
For Integration Requirements:
Configurator Module:
Enables integration, control and automation of the most popular 3rd party (Enfocus Crossroads* partner) applications in the graphical industry. Building solutions for preflight, imposition, color management and many more is a breeze with those ready to use configurators. You are able to use the tools you are already using today or you feel free to choose the tools that suits your needs best.
For those with specific needs, Switch offers the necessary tools to integrate in a very effective way, through hot folders, CLI or scripting.
Database Module:
The Database module for Switch automates the communication between a database application and Switch. Scripting is no longer required, making it easier and faster for customers and integrators to build communication paths between Switch and an MIS or any database. This module makes database integration accessible to more integrators and customers by allowing them to:
· Use values from a database wherever Switch can use variables.
· Read, write, update and delete info in databases whenever a job passes the new “Database connector” flow element.
· Visualize content straight from a database in SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.
Metadata Module: Much like the database module, this module enhances workflow intelligence by using existing information stored in XML or JDF tickets or as XMP data.
- Use metadata wherever Switch uses variables, for example to route files or process jobs dynamically.
- Update or add information in XMP packages.
- Visualize variable content in SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.
By reusing this information Switch enables you to get the most out of previous investments and personalize your service to customers
Scripting Module:
Enables Switch to take advantage of custom-developed Visual Basic Scripts, Java Scripts or AppleScripts. A separate SwitchScripter application is provided to assist the user in the development and debugging of scripts. This module literally makes the sky the limit as it gives you to freedom to completely customize your workflow to your needs.
Performance module:
To boost performance of Switch Core Engine and get the ultimate processing power out of advanced hardware configurations, with multiple processors and high amounts of RAM memory, you can extend the number of processes that Switch is executing simultaneously.
Stand-Alone Functionality and Communication Modules:
SwitchClient Module:
SwitchClient Module is a separate desktop application that is used to submit jobs into Switch flows, and is used to interact with jobs where required.
The SwitchClient Module comes with 5 SwitchClient licenses, enabling 5 separate SwitchClients to run and access Switch simultaneously. Additional clients can be purchased.
Switch Web Services Module:
This module enables 3rd party applications such as web portals to integrate and drive Switch. Improve customer service by allowing your customers to submit files straight from a familiar environment like your company website. It enables them to track and approve jobs directly in Switch without having to leave the comfort zone of your company website.
SwitchProxy module:
Users and their IT departments can count on extra peace of mind through SwitchProxy. This proxy server ensures network security and business continuity: clients can always deliver data to your company’s server even while it is being maintained or updated.
System Requirements
Windows®
Microsoft® Windows® XP SP2Professional or Home Edition
Microsoft® Windows® 2003 Server Standard or Enterprise Edition (32-bit and 64-bit, running in 32-bit mode)
Microsoft® Windows® 7, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate Edition (32-bit and 64-bit)
Microsoft® Windows® 2008 Server Standard or Enterprise Edition (32-bit and 64-bit, running in 32-bit mode)
Microsoft® Windows® 2008 Server R2 Standard or Enterprise Edition (64-bit, running in 32-bit-mode)
Macintosh®
Mac OS® X or Mac OS® X Server v.10.5, 10.6 and 10.7
StuffIt Expander 10 or higher (for expansion of the installer package)
Hardware
Dual Core processor (Quad core recommended)
Minimum 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
1024×768 screen resolution
MAC Intel Only