Fujifilm's next generation hybrid workflow system, Fujifilm Workflow XMF, has been awarded Japan’s popular and highly rated ‘Good Design Award’ 2012.

XMF was originally released to worldwide markets in 2007, and reflecting feedback from users has continuously been expanded and upgraded so that it is now one of the most comprehensive print production systems on the market, with over 3,500 installations worldwide. The workflow solution now consists of “XMF Workflow” (for managing print production) and “XMF Remote” (the web-based system for remote job submission and approval), with the system being configurable to meet a wide range of requirements.

All XMF solutions are intuitive and easy-to-understand thanks to the simple and functional Graphical User Interface (GUI). This design has been based on research and feedback from many printing companies, with the result that the system is easy to use for even inexperienced operators, which contributes to a shorter training period and operational standardisation at user sites.

XMF also helps maximise operational efficiencies through its ability to customise functions to match users’ preferences, so the time taken to perform key operations can be drastically reduced. Understanding that many operators will be continuously monitoring the workflow, XMF’s colour scheme has been designed to be less stressful on the eye.

The web-based supporting system, “XMF Remote”, allows remote proofing over the internet, bringing benefits in terms of eliminating the need to produce physical proofs and streamlining the actual collaborative approvals process. This means XMF contributes not only to streamlining the proofing process, but also to reducing waste and saving resources. This “excellent functionality” and “contribution to society and environment” were highly rated, and were part of the reason for the system winning the “Good Design Award”.

One of the judges commented, “The objective of this workflow system is to streamline the print process. The major reason for winning the award is its system and user interface, designed for efficient operation by various types of users involved, such as clients who order print jobs, designers who create materials, and operators in printing company, etc. Its simple and functional user interface design is a good example of the industrial user interface of the future.”