Which jobs proved profitable last year and which did not? Price pressure is enormous in the highly competitive graphic arts sector. That makes it even more important for you to know exactly where your value added is. With Connex, you get the data security and key figures needed to manage your company.

With the increasing importance of digital printing, intelligent processes and data management have become indispensable. That is because you can only make products directly and cost-effectively in a single operation if the entire process is completely automated and integrated.

It is exactly here that Muller Martini serves as your reliable partner to ensure the security of your investments: whether offset or digital, you determine the necessary degree of automation and networking. Our systems grow along with your markets.

Transparent Data Management with Connex
With Connex, it is possible to optimally automate all Muller Martini systems, from a standalone machine to complex production lines. Thanks to this standardization, all machines can communicate with each other, and, using Connex, also with a management information system (MIS). A prerequisite for this is JDF and JMF data compatible with the CIP4 standard.

• Manufacturer independence thanks to JDF/JMF open data formats conforming to the CIP4 standard
• Operation with and without MIS interconnections
• Data security through consistency in the entire production process
• Job transparency in production and in the office
• Simplified production planning and tracking
• Production overview in real time
• Time and resource optimized, job changes “on the fly”
• Core data for secondary calculations
• The basis for production statistics and analysis of weak points

Intelligent Process Management with Connex
Connex, however, takes you a further step into the future. Muller Martini machines and
systems are optimized for digital workflow. Based on JDF/JMF, Connex ensures the seamless interplay of all processes. Today’s fully integrated digital production systems would be inconceivable without the Connex digital workflow system.

• Integrated process management: from prepress to finishing operations
• Automatic checking of producibility
• Copy-specific product tracking
• Time and resource optimized, job changes “on the fly”
• Permanent quality control and dynamic production adjustments
• Modular design for integrated inline and nearline solutions

Connex can be installed either as an integrated total solution (in connection with MIS and prepress) or as a fully functional standalone solution (without MIS). This is particularly significant for purely post-press operations or companies that are looking for a gradual entry into digital workflows.

CONNEX in the SigmaLine digital print finishing system
PDF In – Book Out: The SigmaLine manufactures inline books or magazines. Starting with the printing data in PDF form, Connex is used to define the imposition process for all types of finishing, generate the necessary bookmarks and barcodes, set the machines completely automatically and control the digital printing. Jobs are produced in a copy-specific way and can be changed “on the fly” to optimize time and resources.

The new data and process management system consists of the following modules:

• Connex.Info makes production transparent and allows an uninterrupted overview of the production lines and the status of the relevant jobs.
• Connex.Edit allows customers who do not have an MIS or the relevant prepress software to set up and edit jobs in JDF format.
• Connex.Plan allows jobs to be sorted, grouped and scheduled.
• Connex.Prod executes the JDF and communicates with all the machines involved. The production settings are taken from JDF; there is no need to re-enter them.

With the installation of the

• Connex.Link module, Muller Martini also offers customers the option of including older machines that are not JDF-enabled, or machines from other manufacturers in the workflow.