Axiom Connection is exhibiting a full range of its digital work-flow solutions at stand Q30, Hall 9.2 at Photokina 2002. Aimed at all photo-producers, both retail and professional, Axiom Connection is the UK's leading digital workflow expert and has developed systems that make handling and printing from digital files as simple and fast as possible.

Axiom Connection produces a full range of systems suitable for every business, whether this is a low cost 'out-of-the-box' system that can supply the basic range of digital imaging services or a fully customised and integrated system capable of handling large volumes of data in a production environment.

Axiom Connection prides itself on having an understanding of the digital image production market which is second to none, thanks to its close partnership with major manufacturer, Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd and more than twenty years research and development into data handling systems.

At Photokina, Axiom Connection is showing a range of solutions aimed at the following markets:
- Solutions for mainlabs and pro-labs (FotoWorkFlow, Pi)
- Retail solutions for use in-store (Foto Kiosk, Micro Kiosk)
- Retail solutions for print ordering at home (Interprint, Print@)

PRO-LAB AND MAINLAB SOLUTIONS

Foto WorkFlow

Foto WorkFlow is a module-based system designed for dealing with high volumes of digital files in a production environment. It handles all aspects of the image file's life-cycle: its initial arrival, whether as an e-mail attachment, via the internet, on digital media or from a scan device; its progress through the processing system, ensuring that the correct products and services are delivered and that essential job information such as name, address and payment details are tracked along with each order ; the end result, prints, CDs index print, with the supporting job bag information for successful fulfilment.

To ensure maximum flexibility and utility, this system can be configured around the lab's existing print devices and Batch Management Control system. It is aimed at high volume main-labs who are finding that digital image files come with a unique set of handling problems that were simply never an issue with rolls of film. The priority is to ensure a speedy and efficient handling process, with the minimum of employee intervention, and this is now possible thanks to Foto WorkFlow. FotoWorkflow is compatible with most industry standard scanning and print devices.

Pro Imager (Pi)

Designed for the professional market, Pro Imager (Pi) is a complete image management and workflow solution which makes the handling and organisation of digital image files both quick and easy. Pi allows the professional photographer or pro lab to offer a wide range of digital products and services, including burning images onto CD, uploading to the Web, printing of contact sheets and sending proofs via e-mail as well as production of high quality prints and enlargements.

The system includes a full range of image editing, order compilation and archive management tools as well as the ability to store information with jobs or with individual images. Options for event and school photographers are now in development and will be available for preview soon.

Pi can be configured to output to a range of high quality printers and minilabs.
Available in the UK as Pictro Image Manager and Frontier Image Manager
via Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd.

IN-STORE RETAIL SOLUTIONS

FotoKiosk

Pioneered in the UK through a highly successful partnership with Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd, kiosk technology is now the accepted norm for consumers wishing to buy digital image prints in-store.

Designed to be easy and intuitive to use, consumers have complete control over their order and are led through a series of ordering stages by using the system's touch-screen. They can choose from a wide range of digital print services including editing, custom prints, prints to CD, enlargements and web services. FotoKiosk is a system that makes digital print ordering easier and more fun and increases sales of additional services thanks to automatic on-screen prompts communicating extra services and special offers.

FotoKiosk can be configured to support most printing devices from digital minilabs to dye-sub printers and can be customised so that both the services on offer and the branding are exactly what the retailer requires.

Available in the UK via Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd as SmartPix.

Micro-Kiosk

Micro-Kiosk is a fast, cut-down version of Foto Kiosk that solely offers digital printing and CD writing with no editing services available. It is intended for use behind the counter by store personnel. To use the service, the consumer would give his/her PC card to the store assistant who would then download all image files from the card and send them to print or CD, immediately returning the card to the consumer.

Micro-Kiosk offers a deliberately restricted range of services but enables far quicker handling of image files for consumers as digital orders can be handled in a similar way to film.

Available in the UK via Fuji Photo Film (UK) Ltd.

AT-HOME RETAIL SOLUTIONS

Interprint

Interprint is the Axiom Connection image viewer which is typically sold with a 'film to CD' service or down-loaded from a retailer's website. It offers a wide range of home-editing functions (including red-eye reduction, zoom and crop, captioning and e-mail facilities) together with printing via a domestic colour printer or via the Internet to the retailer. As with all Axiom Connection products, it can be customised so retailers can ensure the overall look and branding is appropriate.

Print@

Print@ is an Internet based system that enables retailers to offer an on-line printing service via their website. No viewer software is required, customers simply go on-line to the website and upload their image files direct to the site. The strength of this product lies in its simplicity and the fact that non-store customers can also access Internet printing. In addition, it is also ideal for retailers who are solely Internet based.

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