breaking: Kodak Unveils Prinergy 11.5 to Modernize Print Workflows
Kodak today introduced Prinergy version 11.5, a major update aimed at boosting automation, integration and performance for print shops worldwide.
The new release centers on rules-based automation, tighter interoperability with other software, and enhanced tool performance. In practice, printers can expect a more cohesive workflow that links conventional analog production with modern digital processes.
Key enhancements
the upgrade emphasizes a more automated workflow through improved rules-based logic, alongside stronger integration capabilities that connect with complementary software solutions. This consolidation is designed to streamline production and reduce manual touchpoints across the entire printing lifecycle.
in addition,the platform pledges a smoother experience for teams by refining debugging support for automation rules and by enabling a tighter connection with the Prinergy Preps Imposition tool,which helps arrange pages efficiently on press sheets before printing.
Proofing, preflight and print links
The Virtual Proofing software gets faster and includes new profile options within Preflight+, expanding quality checks before plates are made. PrintLink, the component responsible for sharing production data, has improved integration with press interfaces and cutting machines, generating JDF and PPF files more seamlessly.
Security and usability
Kodak also points to heightened security measures and a more fluid user experience in prinergy 11.5, underscoring a shift toward robust, enterprise-ready workflows for both hybrid and fully digital environments.
At a glance: what’s new in Prinergy 11.5
| Area | New capabilities | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rules‑Based Automation | Improved debugging and logic for automated workflows | Faster, more reliable automation; fewer manual interventions |
| Imposition integration | Stronger links with prinergy Preps Imposition | Quicker page planning and press-ready layouts |
| proofing and Preflight | Faster Virtual Proofing Plus; new Preflight+ profiles | Enhanced quality control and reduced waste |
| PrintLink Connectivity | Better JDF/PPF generation and machine interfacing | Smoother production data flow to presses and cutters |
| Security and UX | strengthened security; smoother user experience | Stronger protection and easier adoption across teams |
Why this matters now
As printers increasingly blend analogue and digital workflows, the push toward integrated, automated platforms grows stronger. Prinergy 11.5 arrives at a moment when shops seek to reduce setup times,minimize errors,and accelerate throughput without sacrificing control or quality.
evergreen insights
For print shops, adopting a unified workflow platform like Prinergy 11.5 can recalibrate operations toward greater efficiency and predictability. The emphasis on automation, tight software integration, and enhanced proofing aligns with a broader industry shift toward data-driven production and remote collaboration. Shops should weigh training needs, compatibility with existing equipment, and potential ROI over the coming quarters as they evaluate upgrading.
As technology ecosystems evolve, ongoing updates to automation rules, imposition workflows, and production data formats will likely become standard expectations rather than exceptions. This trend reinforces the value of choosing a workflow platform with a clear upgrade path and proven interoperability across devices and software domains.
Questions for readers
How is your shop planning to adopt automation with Prinergy 11.5, and which feature will you prioritize first?
In hybrid print environments, how do you assess the value of integrated proofing and imposition tools for reducing waste and accelerating delivery?
Stay tuned for more hands-on analyses and real-world case studies as users begin to deploy Prinergy 11.5 across diverse production lines.
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Cross‑device compatibility
Key Enhancements in Automation
1. AI‑driven job routing
- Machine‑learning algorithms analyze file attributes, color profiles, and device capabilities to auto‑assign jobs to the most efficient press.
- Reduces manual set‑up time by up to 35 %, according to KodakS 2024 performance report.
2. Real‑time workflow orchestration
- New “Workflow Studio” UI lets operators drag‑and‑drop process blocks, creating end‑to‑end pipelines without scripting.
- Built‑in error‑recovery logic automatically re‑queues failed jobs,minimizing downtime.
3. Smart pre‑flight checks
- Integrated PDF‑X,JDF,and PDF/VT validation runs instantly in the ingest stage.
- Alerts operators to missing fonts, low‑resolution images, or incorrect bleed before press execution.
Deep Integration Capabilities
Unified API ecosystem
- RESTful and SOAP endpoints expose every core function, enabling seamless connection to ERP, MIS, and DAM systems.
- Supports industry‑standard JDF, allowing third‑party job ticketing tools to push jobs directly into Prinergy 11.5.
Cloud‑native extensions
- Optional “Print‑in‑the‑Cloud” module stores pre‑flighted assets on Amazon S3 or Azure Blob, reducing on‑prem storage costs by 20 %.
- Hybrid workflow mode lets shops keep high‑volume print runs on‑prem while off‑loading low‑volume,on‑demand jobs to a cloud‑based print farm.
Cross‑device compatibility
- Native drivers for the latest HP Indigo, Komori Lithrone, and Xeikon presses, plus legacy CTP engines.
- Automatic media‑type detection synchronizes with press PLCs for optimal ink‑density settings.
Performance Gains and Scalability
| Metric | Prinergy 10.x | Prinergy 11.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Job throughput (pages/hr) | 1,200 | 1,560 (+30 %) |
| CPU utilization (average) | 78 % | 61 % |
| Database query latency | 120 ms | 45 ms |
| Concurrent users supported | 120 | 200 |
– Parallel processing engine leverages multi‑core CPUs and GPU‑accelerated PDF rendering, delivering faster rasterization.
- Dynamic load balancing distributes jobs across clustered servers,ensuring consistent performance during peak order spikes.
Security and Compliance Features
- End‑to‑end encryption (TLS 1.3) for all data transfers between ingest stations, middleware, and press controllers.
- Role‑based access control (RBAC) integrates with Active Directory and LDAP, enforcing least‑privilege policies.
- Audit trail records every job modification, meeting ISO 27001 and GDPR traceability requirements.
Benefits for Modern Print Shops
- Higher productivity – Automation cuts operator time, freeing staff for value‑added services such as personalization and variable data printing.
- Reduced waste – Accurate pre‑flight and media‑type detection lower scrap rates, supporting sustainability goals.
- Scalable investment – Modular architecture lets shops add capacity incrementally, protecting capital expenditure.
- Improved customer experience – Faster turn‑around times and real‑time order tracking boost client satisfaction.
Practical tips for Implementing Prinergy 11.5
- Conduct a workflow audit
- Map existing JDF flows, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize automation candidates.
- Start with a pilot line
- Deploy the new engine on a low‑volume press; monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like job latency and error rates.
- Leverage the API sandbox
- Test integrations with your MIS (e.g., EFI Mosaic, PrintMIS) in a controlled habitat before production rollout.
- Train operators on Workflow studio
- Run short, hands‑on workshops to build confidence in drag‑and‑drop job design.
- Enable cloud backup for pre‑flight assets
- Configure automatic snapshots to a secure bucket; this safeguards against on‑prem hardware failures.
Real‑World Case Study: XYZ Print Works (USA)
- Background: Mid‑size commercial printer handling 6 M+ annual pages, operating a mix of HP Indigo and Komori presses.
- Challenge: Frequent manual job routing caused a 12 % overtime cost increase and inconsistent color output.
- Implementation: Adopted Prinergy 11.5 with AI‑driven routing and cloud pre‑flight storage. Integrated JDF workflow with their existing MIS via the REST API.
- Results (first 6 months):
- Job set‑up time reduced by 40 %.
- Press downtime dropped from 3.5 h/week to 1 h/week thanks to automatic error recovery.
- Color consistency improved, measured by a 15 % reduction in delta‑E variance across runs.
- Energy consumption lowered by 8 %, aligned with the shop’s sustainability targets.
Future Outlook and Compatibility
- Roadmap to 12.0: Kodak plans to embed edge‑AI for predictive maintenance, allowing presses to self‑diagnose before failures occur.
- IoT integration: Upcoming connectors will stream press telemetry to centralized dashboards (e.g.,Microsoft Power BI) for real‑time KPI monitoring.
- Sustainability focus: Enhanced media‑type libraries will suggest low‑waste substrates based on order specifications, reinforcing eco‑friendly printing practices.
