Crawford Technologies designs and develops powerful print-stream and document transformation and data enhancement solutions.
Crawford Technologies designs and develops powerful print-stream and document transformation and data enhancement solutions.
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PRO Meta to AFP
The PRO Meta to AFP Converts Xerox LCDS and metacode documents to Advanced Function Printing AFPDS format for use with InfoPrint Manager and other AFP products.

PRO Products provide conversion of print-steams including Xerox Metacode/LCDS, AFPDS, PCL, PostScript, PDF, Flat File, Line Print, ASCII, EBCDIC, XML and HTML into formats such as Postscript, AFP, Metacode, XML, HTML, PDF and RTF

Product Specifications
  • Overview

  • Features and Benefits

  • Specifications

  • System Requirements



  • Related links:

  • PRO Meta to AFP (PDF)

  • PRO Document Enhancer

  • PRO WorkFLow Connector

  • PRO WorkFLow JES

  • PRO WorkFlow Server

  • SunLife Case Study

  • Press Releases
  • Metacode and LCDS to AFP conversion
    PRO Meta to AFP
    Overview
    Features & Benefits
    Product Specifications
    System Requirements

    Overview

    PRO Meta to AFP provides a smooth migration path for Xerox printer customers who want to move their applications to the newer AFP architecture without making costly application changes.

    PRO Meta to AFP dynamically converts Xerox LCDS and Metacode documents to Advanced Function Printing AFPDS format for use with IBM Infoprint Manager and other AFP products.

    With PRO Meta to AFP, superior image fidelity is achieved. Fonts, images, logos and forms appear exactly the same on AFP printers as they do on Xerox printers, and the transformation is done at production-speed execution standards.

    PRO Meta to AFP runs on a multitude of platforms including MVS, Unix, AIX and Windows.

    Multiple Uses

    PRO Meta to AFP can be used for the following:

  • Printing on any AFP-compatible printer

  • AFP standardization

  • Workload balancing

  • Archival/Retrieval

  • Viewing

  • Disaster recovery

  • Selective Reprinting

  • Customer service applications

  • The Best Approach

    PRO Meta to AFP is the best approach because it provides the following:

    • AFP files that are optimized for fast printing

    • Outstanding performance combined with exceptional quality

    • A feature-rich product with extensible capabilities

    • Conversion and indexing of AFP files in a single pass, during the transform process

    • A choice of platforms that includes MVS, Unix, AIX or Windows

    • An open product that can be utilized in any output management strategy

    • The least cost combined with the best architecture

    With the PRO Splitter option a large LCDS metacode file can be split into many output files based on a variety of criteria, providing excellent performance, great flexibility and a lot of power for the user.

    With the PRO Indexer option index files or database commands can be created while the conversion is being done.

    With the PRO Document Enhancer option, documents can be modified to meet changing needs while they are being converted to AFP. Pages, text field, form fields, hyperlinks, bar codes and OMR marks, can be added, modified and suppressed, saving costly application program changes.

    Flexible Resource Management

    The key to the power and flexibility of PRO Meta to AFP is the way it manages print resources. PRO Meta to AFP automatically converts Xerox resources into AFP resources, thus optimizing and simplifying the implementation process.

    Xerox fonts can either be automatically converted to AFP bitmap fonts or mapped to any AFP font so that documents can be archived, viewed or printed with IBM Content Manager OnDemand.

    Xerox forms are automatically converted to overlays and IMG images are automatically converted to page segments or images.

    Integration with IBM Infoprint Manager

    PRO Meta to AFP integrates seamlessly with IBM’s Infoprint Manager on AIX and Windows platforms allowing you to automate the conversion of Xerox print applications into AFP.

    Multiple Platforms

    PRO Meta to AFP runs on the following platforms:
    Windows XP, NT, ME, 2000, 2003, Vista
    AIX
    Solaris
    Linux
    HP-UX
    z/OS - all versions

    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 provides 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 who need support around the clock, our Premium Support Plan provides full 24 X 7 support.
    Options Provide Excellent Value

    The following options can be used with PRO Meta to AFP:

  • PRO Indexer

  • PRO Splitter

  • PRO Document Enhancer


  • PRO WorkFLow Family

  • PRO WorkFLow Connector

  • PRO WorkFlow Server

  • PRO WorkFLow JES

  • WorkFLow JES Spool Extraction

  • PRO WorkFlow JES to FTP

  • PRO WorkFlow JES to TCPIP

  • PRO WorkFlow JES ACIF/automate
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    Features &Benefits

    Superior Image Fidelity

    With PRO Meta to AFP, fonts are dynamically transformed to AFP, providing superior image fidelity. Fonts appear exactly the same on AFP printers as they do on Xerox printers.

    No Need for Costly Application Changes

    PRO Meta to AFP provides a smooth migration path for Xerox printer customers who want to move their applications to the newer AFP architecture without making costly application changes. This can save you significant time and resources.

    Simplified Implementation Process

    The key to the power and flexibility of PRO Meta to AFP is the way it manages print resources. PRO Meta to AFP automatically converts Xerox resources into AFP resources. This simplifies the implementation process.

    Flexible Resource Management

    With PRO Meta to AFP the Xerox fonts can be automatically converted to AFP bitmap fonts or mapped to any AFP fonts so that documents can be archived, viewed or printed with IBM Content Manager OnDemand, providing the utmost flexibility and quality.

    Seamless Integration with IBM Infoprint Manager

    PRO Meta to AFP integrates seamlessly with IBM’s Infoprint Manager AIX and on Windows platforms. This allows you to automate the conversion of Xerox print applications into AFP.

    Platform Independence

    PRO Meta to AFP runs on a multitude of platforms including MVS, AIX and Windows. This ensures that you have a choice of platforms.

    Easy File Navigation

    With PRO Meta to AFP, index entries (TLEs) can be automatically inserted into AFP files when they are converted. This makes it easy for users to navigate files.

    Output to IBM Content Manager OnDemand

    With PRO Meta to AFP, index entries can be automatically inserted into AFP files when they are converted thus making it easy to use the output files with archival systems such as IBM Content Manager OnDemand.

    Workload Balancing

    By converting Xerox LDCS and Metacode documents to AFPDS format on the fly, PRO Meta to AFP allows you to easily reroute jobs originally destined for one type of printer to another type of printer for workload balancing. This can result in huge saving in hardware, maintenance and floor space cost.

    Highlight Color Support

    PRO Meta to AFP supports Xerox highlight color capabilities. Xerox colors can be easily mapped to AFP colors. Thus giving you outstanding fidelity.

    Input Tray Mapping

    PRO Meta to AFP lets you map Xerox tray calls and stock references to medium maps. This gives you the utmost in flexibility.

    User-Specified Formdef

    Since formdefs are not embedded with PRO Meta to AFP, you can easily specify your own formdef. This gives you the ability to customize your output and use it on different types of AFP printers.

    Mixplex Support
    Since PRO Meta to AFP provides mixplex support you can save money on click charges when printing to printers that support both simplex and duplex such as IBM’s Infoprint 2000.

    Splitting
    With the optional PRO Splitter plug-in, large LCDS metacode files can be split into multiple AFP files during the conversion. This allows individual customer, broker, branch or region report to be created. This eliminates the need to modify the application that creates the print file and simplifies file management.
    Indexing
    With the optional PRO Indexer plug-in, external index files can be created simultaneously with the AFP creation. These index files can be in any format, contain any information and can greatly simplify the process of managing the AFP files.
    Enhancement
    With the optional PRO Document Enhancer plug-in, documents can be modified to meet changing needs while they are being converted to AFP. Pages, text fields, form fields, hyperlinks, bar codes and OMR marks, can be added, modified and suppressed, saving costly application program changes.
    Automation
    With PRO WorkFlow Server or PRO WorkFlow Spool Extraction, the process of selecting files for conversion and the management of the process and handling of the output files can be fully automated. This can speed the process of getting PDF files to the users and reduce the potential for errors.
  • PRO WorkFlow Spool Extraction

  • PRO WorkFlow JES to FTP

  • PRO Document Enhancer

  • PRO WorkFlow Server
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    Product Specifications

    Print Stream Support

    PRO Meta to AFP is based on the PRO Meta interpreter that supports all of the Xerox centralized printer capabilities including:

  • Xerox metacode output from applications such as DocuMerge, Compuset, CSF and XICS

  • LCDS print streams

  • Dynamic Job Descriptor Entries (DJDE)

  • Job Source Language (JSL)

  • Resource Support

    PRO Meta to AFP contains support for an extensive array of Xerox print resources including:

  • Xerox fonts (FNT)

  • Xerox logos (LGO)

  • Images (IMG)

  • Forms (FRM)

  • Job Source Language (JSL)

  • Page Descriptor Entries (PDE)

  • Copy Modification Entries (CME)

  • Job Descriptor Entries (JDE)

  • Ink palettes.

  • Font Handling

  • Font Handling

    Superior font management is the key to providing a successful print transform program and PRO Meta to AFP provides the utmost flexibility for font utilization.

    PRO Meta to AFP provides several methods for handling fonts, which can be mixed and matched as appropriate. The user can:

    Automatically convert Xerox fonts into AFP fonts and download them to the printer with each job.
    The PRO Meta to AFP font conversion utility supports the conversion of fonts from the Xerox centralized print format into standard AFP fonts. When they are needed, the fonts are converted and, depending on optimization options set by the user, PRO Meta to AFP will either download the font, or select only the characters from the font that are actually used. Thus allowing the user to minimize the size of the AFP files created.

    Provide a table to map between Xerox fonts and AFP fonts
    PRO Meta to AFP offers an option of mapping Xerox fonts to AFP fonts. This eliminates the need for downloading the soft fonts in the document when they are needed. This option can be used for Xerox fonts which have equivalents in AFP fonts.

    Logo Handling

    As with fonts, PRO Meta to AFP automatically converts Xerox logos (.LGO) into AFP fonts and downloads them to the printer with each job.

    Image Handling

    PRO Meta to AFP automatically converts Xerox images and .IMG files into AFP images and automatically embeds the images in the output AFP file. The user can optionally have PRO Meta to AFP store the converted AFP image in a library for future print jobs, thus increasing performance.

    Form Management

    PRO Meta to AFP provides a very efficient and simple method of managing Xerox forms (.FRM). Xerox forms are stored in a library on the host. During the transform process, these forms are loaded, as they are needed. PRO Meta to AFP then accesses any resources that are needed for these forms and processes them automatically. Finally, the form is converted into an AFP overlay which is stored in an AFP resource group and accessed when it is needed in the document.

    Output Format

    PRO Meta to AFP contains a device driver that creates Advanced Function Presentation output files. These files are in MO:DCA-P format and can be printed viewed or archived with AFP compatible programs.

    The output AFP can be optimized through a number of run-time options which control the way that fonts are managed and the way that the AFP is constructed. For example, shading patterns can be made darker or lighter as needed.

    Indexing

    Index control records (TLE records) can be automatically inserted into the AFP files when they are converted. Any data in the print files can be used in the index entries, and multiple index rules can be set up. This allows indexing on multiple criteria, such as Customer Name and Account Number. The Index entries can be page or group level.

    The index entries that are added during the transform process can be used in archival and COLD systems, such as IBM’s Print-On-Demand solution, thus streamlining production processing cycles.

    Transform Control Options

    Because PRO Meta to AFP was designed with an extensive set of control options, every facet of the transform process is controlled. Therefore, PRO Meta to AFP is a fit for many different environments.

    Page Selection
    The conversion process can select any range of pages from the LCDS metacode file to convert. This can be used to split a large file into smaller segments. It can also be used for reprint purposes.
    PRO Indexer 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 Document Enhancer 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:
    • Adding fields to pages including OMR marks with integrity counts, barcodes, and control numbers.
    • Adding slip-sheets between documents for easy statement separation.
    • Suppressing OMR marks, barcodes and text fields.
    • Suppressing images.
    PRO Text option
    The PRO Text option allows users to create text files from LCDS 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 LCDS metacode formatted 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 LCDS metacode file. 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 usefull tracking information.
    Statistics Log
    The Statistic Log option allows users to log statistical information on the file conversion process. This includes a log of the parameters used, resources used, number of records processed, conversion time, and a wealth of other information.

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    System Requirements

    PRO Meta to AFP can be installed and configured by Crawford Technologies professional services consultants. For more information, contact us. System requirements are as follows:

    Software Prerequisites

    PRO Meta to AFP runs on the following operating systems:

    Windows
    Windows XP, NT, ME, 2000, 2003, Vista
    AIX
    AIX, version 4.2, 4.3 & 5.0
    Unix
    Solaris, version 2.6 and up
    HP-UX, version 10 and 11,
    Red Hat Linux
    SUSE Linux
    MVS
    OS/390, z/OS
    MVS Run Time

    PRO Meta to AFP for MVS has been developed using the IBM C/C++ compiler. For C run-time library support, one of the following is required on OS 390 and MVS.

    • Language Environment for MVS & VM Version 1.4 or higher

    • MVS C/C++ Language Support Feature of MVS/ESA Version 5.2

    • Language Environment element of OS/390

    Print Management System

    PRO Meta to AFP requires software to manage the AFP files created. This includes software such as: IBM Inforprint Manager for AIX and IBM Infoprint Manager 2000, which can output AFP files to IPDS printers, IBM Print Services Facility (PSF) and IBM OnDemand for archival and retrieval.

    Hardware Prerequisites
    Computer

    PRO Meta to AFP requires a computer capable of running the software described above.

    Network

    Windows

    PRO Meta to AFP must have a host connected to the Windows system using any attachment methodology that allows data to be sent from the host to the printer without translation. This includes TCP/IP, and other LAN/WAN links.

    Unix

    PRO Meta to AFP must have a host connected to the Unix system using any attachment methodology that allows data to be sent from the host to the printer without translation. This includes TCP/IP, and other LAN/WAN links.

    MVS

    PRO Meta to AFP must have printers connected to the MVS system using any attachment methodology, which allows data to be sent from the host to the printer without translation. This includes bus and tag channel, TCP/IP and SNA links.

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    Metacode and LCDS conversion: PRO Meta to AFP

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