JDF : Process Integration, Technology, Product Description
The arrival of PDF has successfully optimized certain elements of the production workflow – the next challenge facing the print media industry is to resolve the problem of non-networked software packages that exist in isolation. Businesses today need to identify process inefficiencies to ensure the successful process integration of the entire value added chain. The PDF document format and the vendor-independent JDF (Job Definition Format) provide the technical platform for devising new, fully integrated workflow solutions. Networking decisions involve virtually every department of a print service provider and lay down the direction of the company over the long term. These decisions offer opportunities, but they also harbor risks. If businesses are to make the right investment decisions, it is vital they have extensive background information on technical and business management issues. The authors provide focused information for decision makers looking for support in implementing networking projects successfully. This book is couched in straightforward language, explains and highlights relevant terms, and provides readers with numerous practical illustrations, graphics and checklists that they can apply to real-life applications.
Advanced Planning in Fresh Food Industries: Integrating Shelf Life into Production Planning
Production planning in fresh food industries is a challenging task. Although modern Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems could provide significant support, APS implementation numbers in these industries remain low. Therefore, based on an in-depth analysis of three sample fresh food industries (dairy, fresh and processed meat), the author evaluates what APS systems should offer in order to effectively support production planning and how the leading systems currently handle the most distinguishing characteristic of fresh food industries, the short product shelf life. Starting from the identified weaknesses, customized software solutions for each of the sample industries are proposed that allow to optimize the production of fresh foods with respect to shelf life.

