New to Nexus

[T]

We just had Nexus installed in our department. We were trained on the basics, but no one seems to be managing or setting up any workflows. I've been trying to do some R&D on what everyone else is doing, so I have a few questions: Oh FYI: We were Brisque users. Here's my questions:

1. What is the most common imposition software you guys use and what version?
2. Do you use a PDF workflow?

Those questions are just a start. I'm sure I'll have many more.

[Joe]

We are using Preps 5, latest revision which I think is 5.1.5. 5.2 is going to be released March 22nd. Nexus will tell you they are more suited to Dynastrip than Preps. Dynastrip developers work with them, Creo developers work against them say. Still, I don't have any problems with Preps except for Web Growth Compensation and supposedly they are working on it.

We are probably going to be integrating Nexus PDF workflow within the next couple of months called Odystar which runs on a dual core quad G5. It will perform the upfront grunt work while our existing Nexus box will be relegated to doing all of our screening. Odystar has Pitstop server integrated into it along with NEO, a stand alone PDF editor. Also I think we are going with the Preps impo module since we already have so many existing Preps templates. They also have a Dyanstrip module. With these Odystar does the actual impositioning using existing Preps or Dynastrip templates. The only thing you use the actual application (Preps or Dynastrip) for is to make templates.

Also, did anyone attend the basic training for Nexus that they offer? If not, you should and then try to take the intermediate classes also. That is where you learn to make the workflows. Both are free except for travel and hotel expenses.

[T]

They actually came to our shop and ran the training from here. Just the basics though, no workflow creation. We are running Preps 4.2 and it's like pulling teeth to get an update. Can you give me a good reason (to tell the powers that be) that we HAVE to upgrade?

[Joe]

Yeah, Nexus says they give you 2 days training during install but it almost always amounts to no training at all. The other training given in PA., Chicago, or LA is a little more in-depth with a real instructor. You have to do the basic before you can do the intermediate I think. Intermediate is where they teach you to make workflows.

Good reason to upgrade? Kodak needs the money.

Seriously now, I guess if 4.2 is working okay for you then I can't. Are you running it on Windows or Mac? If it is on a Mac the days are numbered for legacy Classic apps. (Of course the days are numbered also for PowerPC apps. A definite catch 22 for upgraders at this time.

[T]

Ahh - a Mac...