In the printing profession there is a technology called CTP, which stands for computer to plate. It is one aspect of the prepress process and makes use of the prepress equipment called an imagesetter. The older technology was known as CTF, or computer to film. In the computer to film process, the print job goes from the file in the computer onto photographic film. The image then is transferred from the film to the photographic plate so that the results can be printed. The computer to plate process eliminates the central step and transfers the image created in the desktop publishing program directly to the printing plate. obviously, when an entire operation is eliminated, efficiency goes up and costs go down.

But what does it take to convert from CTF to CTP? It requires an upgraded infrastructure and an upgraded workflow. In designing this new workflow, the central focus needs to be on preventing bottlenecks in the process and keep the process moving smoothly. But the computer network is just as important. Remembering back to when you first bought your computer system, you may expect that purchasing a new system will break your bank. However, this may may be false. Nowadays, the costs of new desktop computers have decreased significantly, making this purchase more in line with what you can afford. In addition, the increased speed of new computers will raise the efficiency of your shop measurably. As time passes, the new computers will appear to pay for themselves as you are able to increase throughput. In retrospect, you will see your old system for what it was: an albatross around your company’s neck, weighing it down.

But let’s return to the workflow issue. How can CTP technology improve your workflow? Here are some areas:

First comes job acceptance and preflighting. This step involves checking the customer’s files to make sure that the fonts and graphics are structured according to the customer’s requirements.

Next consider image acquisition. Is any scanning or digital photography work required? This step might include color correction, file format conversion, and other image manipulation.

Next comes the step of prepress operations. This step involves preparing the job so that it is compatible with your specific press type.

Electronic imposition is a vital part of the prepress operation. It involves collecting the actual page files and imposing them onto the printing flats and sending them to the raster image processor.

As you near the end of the process, you need to be able to create proofs. The proofing step is essential because it guarantees the accuracy of the final product.

The final step is a sort of a clean-up process that takes care of the files and the databases to ensure that everything is archived correctly.

This may seem like a complicated process, but don’t forget that that big middle step has been eliminated. If you streamline your process and convert to CTP, you won’t see just a return on your investment (ROI). You will ensure your ability to remain in business (RIB).