The rapid increase in demand for photos from digital image files has caused its own unique set of problems as, unlike a roll of film, files can be supplied in a myriad of different formats and sizes that are difficult to fit into existing laboratory workflows. This is especially the case for main-lab businesses where fast turn-around and high volumes are essential for effective business development.

Axiom Connection's Foto Workflow system is the first fully integrated and automated management system that can handle the high volumes of digital files main-labs are now experiencing. The development of this system has taken place over the last three years and it is now in use in many of the major photofinishing labs in Europe.

Whether it is managing the raw data as it arrives in the lab or producing comprehensive reports and managing work-flow at the print stage, Axiom Connection believes it is the first company in the world to produce a system that can handle all the stages of digital image production from beginning to end. Services include:
High speed scanning to CD
Printing of internet orders
Scanning to upload

To ensure ease of integration with existing systems, Foto Workflow is designed in a modular format - because there is no pre-set package of options, labs can choose from a range of programmes so they have maximum flexibility and a uniquely customised set-up working to its fullest capacity.

"Foto Workflow is a breakthrough for handling large volumes of digital work," says Charles James, managing director of Axiom Connection. "Before this system, labs were in the difficult position of trying to work out how best to exploit existing technology that was often designed for a different purpose. By working with our customers, we have been able to use our photofinishing experience to come up with a system that is completely integrated and, uniquely, is ultimately customisable to the individual lab's requirements."

Foto Workflow is already being used by major European and UK labs in conjunction with a range of digital minilabs and other output devices.

"Foto Workflow is aimed principally at main-labs looking for a high-volume solution that will introduce the degree of automation they're already used to with rolls of film," says Mr James. "Consumers will not make the move to digital technology unless they're convinced that the service is at least as good as the service they were used to with film. Foto Workflow is an important step towards achieving this, by making the whole process faster and more cost-effective for labs."

The modules

Foto Workflow's strength is that its modular design allows Axiom to tailor workflow solutions specific to the needs of the individual lab. It can also be linked to the labs existing BMC system so that digital orders can be integrated into management practices already in place.

Input
FotoMail - Handles orders arriving in a variety of different formats including email, ftp and proprietary protocols.
FotoScan - Inputs files from a range of high quality, high throughput scanners.
LACE Manager - The digital equivalent of the job-bag. Carries customer information such as job number, customer name and address, products ordered and any other information needed for order fulfilment.

Output
Foto Upload - Uploads image files to on-line albums along with creation of a unique password for consumer access.
FotoBurn - Enables high volume writing of images to CD at up to 12,000 images per hour.
FotoPrint - For high speed printing on a wide range of digital printers.
Report module - Automatic production of print reports, delivery notes, packing lists, job bags, address labels etc on a standard Windows printer. Can also send emails showing job progression as well as store management information.

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