A Framework for Digital Data Workflow in a Graphic Arts System

A basic desktop publishing system connects the application or creative operation to an output device via a driver and RIP. As the desktop has become a more credible source of input for graphic arts and production systems, the demands on productivity, quality, expertise and integration with existing processes has grown. One result has been a more elaborate framework for digital processing operations from creation to output, as described in this paper. Along with the proliferation of processing stages has come a growth in commercial opportunities, standardization activities and workflow scenarios. The use and application of this framework are illustrated by examples drawn from existing commercial systems.