Variable Data Publishing

With this type of automation, software does publishing tasks that people would usually get paid to do, while being more accurate and efficient. Some buzzwords associated with this technology are “database publishing”, “dynamic pdf,” as well as "variable data publishing." Here are some benefits:
automates customer communications across all media reduces proofing since proofed content is stored in database supports search capability with content stored in a central repository enables access to content: people without desktop-publishing software can view, edit, and copy content via browser-based web forms provides more formatting options than database report writers consistently applies corporate brand identity properly enables single source - multi use across different customer communication channels Variable data publishing software builds documents dynamically—both content and format/layout—based on the data received from a database. The composition of each version is driven by the data values [data-driven composition]; the composition is dynamic, it varies with the data.      This type of processing produces computer files of various types that can then be sent to a professional printing press, or a digital printer on a network, or burned to CD. Some examples follow.

The database publishing automation that Active Lightning delivers makes it possible to update these files regularly, say one or more times a day, with no human labor.

Automating QuarkXPress, InDesign, and FrameMaker

PatternStream [a product of Finite Matters Limited] provides an integrated development environment for creating the software that drives the process. The graphical user interface and object-oriented approach provide efficiencies for doing variable-data desktop-publishing. It provides the means to accomplish data-driven production of designer-formatted marketing communication from original raw-data sources. Solutions from Active Lightning achieve 100% automated production.
     Active Lightning is a value-added reseller for PatternStream^® and an expert PatternStream developer. The technology of automated desktop- publishing with PatternStream is state-of-the-art. It takes full advantage of modern databases, digital desktop-publishing capabilities, and portable document format [pdf] technology.

Automating Illustrator

Desktop-publishing controls the way that text and graphics are presented for printed documents (and pdf documents). When a desktop-publishing file includes graphics such as charts that change over time, these vector-based images also need to be automated. Active Lightning provides the automation of Illustrator files. This type of automation is also driven off of data from one or more data sources.

Other Automation Related to Desktop-Publishing

Active Lightning specialists are also capable of setting up batch image processing for Thumbs Plus and Photoshop.
     We have also used 3rd-party tools to automate the imposition of pdf pages in the arrangement-per-sheet that the printer needs. This automatically prepares a document for going to press so that the printer can do less work and your organization can save money.

We tame technology to work for you.

Note: Active Lightning performs database work in the service of variable data publishing; Active Lightning also performs database work apart from variable data services. We provide practical database capability for our client's needs.