Ok, we are virgins in Variable Data Printing and I would like to see if there is a better way to get it done. Currently we are doing 5.5x8.5 mailers and this is our procedure.

The lists come in as Excell, I proccess them through Bulk Mailer to CASS certify the list and get it into presort order, I export the list to a csv file. The artwork is supplied in PDF which I place into InDesign and create the variable data fields, I do a data merge (without the master pdf) which makes a 4000 page data file. I export that as a pdf and impose it 4 up, impose the master 4 up and send it to the fiery using free form.

As you can see it is a several step process, and I would like to reduce some of the steps if I can. I am most concerned that the list remains CASS certified with all the automation information in place. Like I said we are new to this and any input would be great.

Thanks
Craig

Ok, first of all, are you using InDesign's data merge feature or some 3rd party utility?

Second, what kind of output device are you printing to? I believe you had Canon devices? Do they have EFI front ends?

What are you using for imposition? Are you imposing before or after variable data composition?

How many records on average?

How often does the same job repeat with a different data file?

There are some things that can be done to optimize your workflow but without answering those questions it is hard to recommend anything.

Also, when you CASS certify your lists with a Bulk Mailer, will they always return the same field names or will they maintain the customer's original names.

Sorry didn't see you were using Free Form...

Yes there are better ways to do it. Free form is not the most effective way. It is a free option included in the EFI platform.

Couple options exist for you. Look at printable's solution, fusionpro desktop. It used to be $4200 and they now reduced it to $400 without support.

It can output optimized pdf or postscript and possibly even PPML (I think EFI can do PPML?) from pdf's using a datafile, csv which should rip pretty fast on the EFI rip. Also it can automate the imposition for you as well.

For $400 bucks its well worth looking at for optimizing what you are doing.

Keep in mind, new versions will cost you the full $400 but compared to other products out there, its the cheapest and easiest way to go.

XMPie has a nice package, along with Designmerge and Kodak/Creo's Darwin. But none of these output optimized EFI output that I am aware of.

Good luck...

Hi Patrick, I appreciate your advice, let me see if I can fill in all the blanks. I average 2000 to 6000 records per mailer. The campaign is three different mailers to the same address every ten days. I am using InDesign to make the master for Free Form, then I create the data fields in InDesign's and use its data merge to merge the data file, which is a csv from Bulk Mailer 5. This will give me a 4000 page InDesign, I will export to pdf and impose with Cute PDF and send to Free Form in Acrobat.

I will check out fusionpro, it just seem like I am going through alot of steps to get to the final product, maybe I am wrong.

Oh, I am using a Canon CLC4000 with an EFI Z6000 front end and sometimes a IRC3200 with a Fiery C1 Front end. I have resolved my issues from my post on the Xerox forum, it seems the paper deck was creating my problems.

THANKS AGAIN!!
Craig