Which print workflow software do you need?
Four products, four different jobs. Answer one question and go straight to it. Each one attaches to equipment in the wider bindery and finishing lane and does not run on its own.
Do you need to prove a job ran correctly?
Barcode verification reads a mark on every piece and stops the machine when a piece is missing, duplicated, or out of sequence. Baum Barcode Verification and Validation does this on the folder. Standard VIVA inspection does it as a camera system on saddle stitching and perfect binding lines. Choose by where you want to catch the error: on the fold, or on the finished book.
Do you need every piece to print differently?
Quadient FlexMail builds variable data and barcodes for addressing and mailing work. Names, addresses, and IMb codes change piece to piece on an inkjet base.
Do you need to see the status of every machine in the bindery?
Horizon iCE LiNK connects Horizon equipment and reports job status, run counts, and machine state, so scheduling comes from the floor instead of a clipboard.
All four are quoted rather than priced online, because each one is scoped to the equipment it attaches to. Software is normally written into the same equipment financing and leasing as the machine it runs on. What feeds this work is the press: see our digital presses and inkjet printers.
Horizon iCE LiNK
iCE LiNK is Horizon's connection layer for a Horizon bindery. It reports the job on each machine, how far along the job is, and where the line is stopped. Shops that already run Horizon folding, collating, stitching, or perfect binding equipment get the most from it, because the data comes from the machines themselves. Quoted by configuration.
Quadient FlexMail variable data and barcode software
FlexMail composes addresses, barcodes, and variable text for mailing work, then drives a Quadient inkjet base. It is the piece that turns a mailing list into printed, sortable mail. It is bought alongside mailing equipment, and the machine it composes for is usually one of our color inkjet envelope printers. Quoted with the printer it feeds.
Baum barcode verification and validation
This is a closed loop on a Baum folder. A barcode on the sheet is read as it runs, and the machine stops on a mismatch. Shops that run numbered, sequenced, or matched work use it so an error costs one sheet instead of one job. It runs on the folder, so it is specified with the paper folder itself. Quoted per folder.
Standard VIVA inspection systems
VIVA is camera inspection on a finishing line. It watches for missing signatures, wrong covers, and out of sequence work on saddle stitchers and perfect binders. Quoted per line.
What workflow software does across a print operation
Workflow software covers prepress automation, job tracking, and resource allocation. The goal is faster turnarounds, fewer errors, and consistent, high-quality results.
Features and benefits
- Centralized job management: organize and track every job in one system for communication and project oversight.
- Prepress automation: automate file preparation, preflight checks, and imposition for faster and more accurate job setup.
- Error reduction: find and correct issues early in the workflow to avoid costly mistakes and reprints.
- Scalable: tailor workflows to the needs of a small shop or a large-scale production facility.
- Integration: connect with your existing equipment and software for one unified production environment.
Where it applies in the workflow
- Job submission: online portals and automated job entry for customer orders.
- Prepress and proofing: automated preflight checks and digital proofing tools make sure that files are print-ready.
- Production automation: automated imposition, scheduling, and device connectivity reduce manual touchpoints.
- Job tracking and analytics: real-time data on job progress, machine utilization, and production efficiency.
Why shops buy workflow software
- Faster turnarounds: automate repetitive tasks and reduce bottlenecks.
- Better quality control: standardized workflows and error detection keep all jobs consistent.
- Cost savings: better use of labor, materials, and equipment reduces operating costs.
- Room to grow: workflows adapt to new equipment, services, and business demands.
Tell us about your print and finishing operation, and our team will help you choose the right software.
Print workflow software FAQ
What does print workflow software actually do?
It removes a manual step. The step depends on the product. It can be variable data composition, barcode verification on press or on the folder, inspection of finished books, or machine status reports back to scheduling.
Do I need the matching hardware to use these?
Mostly yes. Horizon iCE LiNK reports on Horizon equipment. Baum barcode verification runs on a Baum folder. Quadient FlexMail drives a Quadient inkjet base. Standard VIVA mounts on a finishing line. Tell us the equipment you own and we will scope what fits.
Why are these quoted instead of priced online?
Each one is configured to the machine it attaches to, the number of stations, and the integration work. A list price will be wrong for most shops.
What is the difference between barcode verification and camera inspection?
Barcode verification reads a printed code and confirms the piece is the right piece in the right order. Camera inspection looks at the physical product and catches missing, doubled, or misassembled work. Many shops run both at different points in the line.
Does Mid-State Litho install and support the software?
Yes. MSL has sold and serviced bindery and mailing equipment in Michigan since 1984. We install and support the software alongside the machine it runs on.
Tell us what equipment you run and we will scope the software that fits. Call 1-800-343-4231 or use our contact page to request a quote.