CIP4's new PrintTalk 1.5 specification provides for web automation of the print industry.

The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) says the schema and reference implementation caters for the exchange of useful print e-commerce information between customer systems, web-to-print e-commerce, print estimating, scheduling and MIS.

The 1.5 version is also tightly integrated with the 1.5 version of JDF released several months ago.

First demonstrated in 2000, PrintTalk is an 'envelope' for JDF, specifying an automation framework for print buying transactions such as requests for estimates, estimates and approvals.

It is being used in web storefronts and has been adopted by manufacturers including Heidelberg. Says Prinect vice president Christopher Berti, "Whereas JDF helps to automate the production workflow, PrintTalk accelerates the business processes and cash flow."

PrintTalk 1.5 adds requested capabilities to subscribe to order-status updates, request stock levels, support for multiple JDF items on the same order, and manage percentage calculations on invoices.

For more information visit: www.PrintTalk.org