PRO AFP to Metacode
Overview
Features & Benefits
Product Specifications
System Requirements
Overview
PRO AFP to Metacode provides a smooth migration path for AFP printer customers who want to print their documents on Xerox high-speed printers without making costly application changes.
PRO AFP to Metacode dynamically converts Advanced Function Presentation (MODCA-P, AFPDS and AFP Category 5) documents into Metacode files for printing on Xerox high-speed laser printers, allowing organizations to combine the advantages of the widely used AFP format with the low page cost, high quality and multiple features of Xerox high-speed printers.
PRO AFP to Metacode handles all standard AFP capabilities and dynamically converts print resources, as needed.
When PRO AFP to Metacode converts an AFP file, it extracts the text from the document and places it in the Metacode format. Only the graphics elements on the pages are placed in inline images. This approach creates a small and efficient print file and speeds the conversion process.
PRO AFP to Metacode offers support for the extended features of Xerox printers including highlight color, collated copies, overlays merge, various paper sizes, including 11 by 17 inches and a host of others. This allows clients to get the maximum value from their existing printers.
PRO AFP to Metacode allows the same printer(s) to be used for printing both AFP and Metacode output. Because of that, the usefulness of those printers to your organization is extended and their value is increased.
PRO AFP to Metacode runs on a multitude of platforms including z/OS, Linux, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX and Windows.
Multiple Uses
PRO AFP to Metacode can be used for the following:
Printing AFP output on any Xerox LPS printers
High speed printing
Archiving documents
Workload balancing
Disaster recovery
Selective Reprinting
The Best Approach
PRO AFP to Metacode is the best approach, because it provides the following:
Automated resource management
Compact metacode files optimized for high-speed production printing
Streamlined, non-duplicated printing format infrastructure support
Ability to use a single printer for printing LCDS, metacode and AFP
Conversion and indexing of AFP files in a single pass, during the transform run
A wide choice of platforms that includes z/OS, Unix, Linux, HP-UX and Windows
Outstanding performance combined with exceptional quality
Object to object conversion providing optimized print files
An open product that can be utilized in any output management strategy
The most value combined with the best architecture
Multiple Platforms
PRO AFP to Metacode runs on the following platforms:
Windows XP, NT, ME, 2000, 2003, Vista
AIX
Solaris
Linux
HP-UX
z/OS
Superlative Support
Crawford Technologies believes in providing superlative support for all our products. We offer telephone hotline support for
problem reporting and product inquiries, as well as FAX and e-mail support. Our online Knowledgebase gives you access to our incident reports and change logs 24 by 7.
Our extensive front line experience and in-depth product knowledge allow us to respond quickly with solutions.
For organizations that need support around the clock, our Premium Support Plan provides full 24 X 7 coverage.
PRO Options Provide Excellent Value
The following powerful options can be used with PRO AFP to Metacode in the same production pass:
PRO Indexer
PRO Splitter
PRO Document Enhancer
WorkFLow JES Spool Extraction Facility
PRO WorkFlow Server
WorkFlow JES to FTP
WorkFlow JES to TCPIP
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Get Savings by Eliminating Costly Application Changes
PRO AFP to Metacode provides an excellent software tool for AFP printer customers who want to print AFP documents on high quality Xerox high-speed printers without making costly application changes.
Leverage Extended Features of Xerox Printers
PRO AFP to Metacode supports the extended features of Xerox printers including highlight color, collated copies, overlays merge, various paper sizes including 11 by 17 inches, Letter, Legal, A4 and custom paper sizes. This allows clients to get the maximum value from their existing printing technology.
Expand Value of Xerox Printers
Because PRO AFP to Metacode allows your Xerox high-speed printers to be used for printing your AFP files, the usefulness of Xerox printers to your organization is expanded and their value is increased.
Fit AFP to Metacode into Your System Architecture Easily and Reliably
PRO AFP to Metacode runs on many platforms, including Unix, LINUX, Solaris, HP-UX, z/OS and Windows. The ability to create new versions of your documents on your choice of platforms, without expensive and time consuming file transfers and process changes, saves you money and allows you to reap the benefits of PRO AFP to Metacode easily and reliably.
Split Large Transaction Files to Serve Your Individual Customers Better
With the optional PRO Splitter plug-in, large input files can be split during conversion into smaller multi page files, e.g. containing complete individual customer statements. This opens the door to EBP and EBPP. It also eliminates the need to modify the application that creates the print file.
Optimize the Conversion and Management of Metacode Output and Get Savings
Simultaneously with Metacode creation, the optional PRO Indexer plug-in can extract text for separate archival, create index files, XML files or database commands, mark document breakpoints and generate file names using the contents of the original documents, such as account number, customer name or statement date. This can greatly simplify the process of managing the converted files and bring financial savings.
Reengineer Documents without Changing Print Applications
With the optional PRO Document Enhancer plug-in, you can reengineer documents while they are being converted to Metacode, to meet changing needs. Pages, text fields, form fields, hyperlinks, bar codes and OMR marks can be added, modified or suppressed, eliminating the need for costly changes to the native application program. You can also convert 2-up applications to 1-up for printing on cut-sheet printers.
Automate for Efficient Processing
With PRO WorkFlow Server the process of selecting files for conversion, the management of the transform and handling of the output files can be fully automated. This simplifies the implementation and provides users with a consistent interface. It also can speed the course of getting Metacode files to the printers and reduce the potential for errors.
Automate Mainframe Output Management with PRO JES Options
WorkFLow JES Spool Extraction Facility
Selects reports from z/OS JES2 and JES3 spools for automatic transformation and distribution.
WorkFlow JES to FTP
Selects output from z/OS JES2 and JES3 spools for transmission over FTP protocol to target FTP sites.
WorkFlow JES to TCPIP
Selects output from z/OS JES2 and JES3 spools for transmission to printers over LPR or sockets connections.
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Print Stream Support
PRO AFP to Metacode is based on PRO AFP interpreter that supports all of the Advanced Function Presentation centralized printer capabilities including:
MODCA-P
AFPDS
AFP Category 5
Resource Support
PRO AFP to Metacode contains support for an extensive array of AFP print resources including:
AFP bitmaps fonts
AFP outline fonts
IM1 images
IOCA images including FS45
Overlays
Page Segments
Form definitions
GOCA objects
BCOCA standard and 2D barcodes
Font Handling
PRO AFP to Metacode provides superior font management, which is the key to the success of CrawfordTech print transform programs.
PRO AFP to Metacode can automatically convert AFP printer fonts to Xerox fonts embedded in the print file; they are then automatically downloaded to the printer with each job.
PRO AFP to Metacode also has the flexibility to map fonts to any Xerox printer fonts.
Form Handling
AFP overlays are converted to Xerox metacode allowing any number of overlays on each page.
Image Handling
Images are converted to compressed Xerox images and embedded in the output file.
Windows Printing
Once PRO AFP to Metacode has been installed, users can print to Xerox printers in exactly the same way as they print to AFP printers, but instead of directing output to a port connection, users print to a file. Users can optionally tag the output file with the Xerox printer capabilities they want to use.
Printing the Converted Xerox Metacode File
The Xerox Metacode file created by PRO AFP to Metacode can be sent to a Xerox LAFP printer for printing using several methods.
If the Xerox printer has a network interface, then the print file can be sent to the printer by the PRO WorkFlow Server.
Other Output Management Software, such as the IBM Infoprint Manager or Nearstar Dynamic Data Server, can also be used to send the print files to Xerox printers.
If the printer has an online channel interface, it can be attached to the LAN using a PC with a channel interface from one of a number of vendors such as Barr Systems. The printing operation can be done under operator control or can be automated, depending on the capabilities of the interface software.
Transform Control Options
PRO AFP to Metacode has been designed to be a powerful tool. It has an extensive set of control options, which can be used to adapt PRO AFP to Metacode to many different environments and uses. Many options allow control over every facet of the transform process, making PRO AFP to Metacode a fit for many different environments and needs.
PRO Splitting Option
The PRO Splitter option allows users to split a large AFP file into smaller files. This can be used to break the output file into complete individual customer statements or branch reports for electronic distribution.
PRO Indexing Option
The PRO Indexer option allows users to select and extract pertinent data from within the print-stream while a document is being processed. The generated Index files can be in a variety of formats including Comma Separated Variables (CSV), Fixed Length Records and a User Defined File Format. Any number of index keys can be extracted. After selection, fields can be manipulated as required before being written to the index file. The PRO Indexer can also be used to "scrape" all or selected fields of text and place it an index file or text file.
PRO Text option
The PRO Text option allows users to create text files from the Metacode files, which contain all of the text from the original input file. In addition, this output file can identify the actual fonts used for each field. This text file can be used for display on 3270 screens without graphics capability. These files can also be used with software that cannot handle Metacode formatted data.
PRO Document Enhancing option
The PRO Document Enhancer option allows the manipulation of fields to easily create modified, customized and enhanced documents without having to consume IT resources to make complex programming changes to business applications. Modifications that can be made to print applications include among others:
Enabling and/or optimizing print output for automatic mail processing by a broad spectrum of postal automation solutions
Adding or suppressing text fields, OMR marks, barcodes, control numbers or images to document pages
Moving information around on pages
Adding slip sheets or covers between documents for easy statement separation
Repaginating multiple-up print files to 1-up
Sequencing output pages or subdocuments based on the contents of an external file
Sorting output pages or subdocuments based on the contents of fields within the print or control data
Audit Log
The Audit Log option allows users to log the details of the file conversion process. This can be used as a record of the contents of the Metacode. The use controls the contents of this log, which can contain fields from the print data, such as account numbers, policy numbers, invoice numbers, customer names and other useful tracking information.
Statistics Log
The Statistics Log feature allows users to log statistical information on the file conversion process. This includes a log of the parameters used, number of pages processed, conversion time, conversion speed, resources used and other information about the transform.
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PRO AFP to Metacode can be installed and configured by the customer or Crawford Technologies professional services
consultants. For more information, contact us. System
requirements are as follows:
Software Prerequisites
PRO AFP to Metacode runs on the following operating systems:
Windows XP, NT, ME, 2000, 2003, Vista
AIX, versions 4.2 and up
Solaris, version 2.6 and up
Linux Red Hat
Linux SUSE
HP-UX, versions 10i and 11i
z/OS - all versions
Hardware Prerequisites
Computer
PRO AFP to Metacode requires a computer capable of running the software described above.
Network
Printers can be connected to the system using any attachment methodology, which allows data to be sent from the host to the printer without translation.
