Variable Data Programs

Started by Trish, December 09, 2021, 02:05:41 PM

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Trish

Whats everyone using to do their Variable? For letters and minor or small jobs I just use InDesign...when it comes to a lot of postcards, I use Fusion pro, that way I can automatically break it into reasonable stacks to help with the cutting so it stays in order.
I ask, because I just looked at Fusion Pro and it is now $1,500.00 annually.

My computer is from 2015 and is currently only running OS10.14.6. I am being forced to upgrade due to Adobe feeling the need to constantly update their programs.
Always hate to open a new can of worms...then my XMF won't work...we have enough to deal with working with people with no clue. So is there a better program out there?


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We use Accurio Pro by Konica Minolta, also named Designmerge made by Meadows publishing. It works straight out of InDesign, similar to the very expensive Xmpie. It's not cheap... about 900 US yearly and a purchase price around 4 grand. You can do alot with it including exporting PDF/VT files that really speed up the rip times if your digital understands it. It has taken me awhile to get the hang of it but i really am liking it. I like the feature that you can setup master pages as a variable and nest variables within them. It also has a great imposition feature with cut and stack and such. The support is great, if you are stuck they will get back to you quickly. I did not like fusion pro much as you are working within pdfs and not Indesign. My 2 cents worth.

Slappy

XMPie, only because we took on a job (bi-weekly invoices) for a customer a few years ago & that was the only InDesign plugin that could handle the complexity of the data. 2 Separate data sets that have to work together & combine into the InDesign template for billing.

Since we've started doing more direct mail, I've some to appreciate some of the features in XMPie so I'm glad we have a standing license. Downside is, it's SO expensive it's only on my workstation so I'm stuck doing all of those jobs.
A little diddie 'bout black 'n cyan...two reflective colors doin' the best they can.

DCurry

I guess FusionPro must have changed their pricing model to a subscription? They used to be the best bang for your buck and if you know JavaScript you could make it do almost anything.

We use HP SmartStream. It's a lot like XMPie (I think) and works directly in InDesign. It's not cheap and the desktop version can be a little slow once you get into the more complex jobs, but we also have a server version ($$$) that really flies.

FusionPro is more flexible than SmartStream, though, just tougher to use. SmartStream has some features that just plain don't work right.
Prinect • Signa Station • XMPie

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Slappy

Quote from: DCurry on December 10, 2021, 10:27:44 AMSmartStream has some features that just plain don't work right.
Like? We're moving towards HP with a new install in January. I haven't used SmartStream in almost 10 years and I know we'll keep XMPie for that special project, but love to hear anything about SS that could hang things up.
A little diddie 'bout black 'n cyan...two reflective colors doin' the best they can.

DCurry

The biggest issue off the top of my head is it says it can handle variable jobs that consist of varying page counts - for example maybe the letter you receive is 6 pages but the one I get is 10 and the next guy gets 2 and so on. The manual tells you how to do it and it looks fine, right up until you go to actually create the job and find out it doesn't work at all. If I recall correctly, it might work as non-imposed but as soon as you try to impose it, it can't handle it. It's been so long since I gave up on that feature that the specifics are a little fuzzy.

The desktop version can be very slow if you have any variable images or if you are using layer swaps (using the data to turn different layers on or off). The layer swap technique is VERY useful, though, so we use it a lot.

I only used XMPie once at a VDP workshop hosted by PGAMA about 10 years ago. I know it's pretty popular so you might end up sticking with it rather than paying additional money for SmartStream. I'd be real surprised if SS can do anything that XMPie can't do.
Prinect • Signa Station • XMPie

Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a night. But set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life!

Slappy

Good info, I'll be sure to take some sample files that would set up like that & ask during training.
That's end of January, so I have time to gather some files.
A little diddie 'bout black 'n cyan...two reflective colors doin' the best they can.

seratne

Let me know how your experience goes with SmartStream. I demoed it a while back and ran into constant lockups trying to do custom javascript.

Still on FusionPro since it does literally everything, even if I have to reformat stuff since not all styling comes across from InDesign. We're still on an old version too, and might have to switch to their subscription service soon.

DigiCorn

Back in the day, we used fusion pro because it was a purchase and done. I didn't know they went to subscription.
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wonderings

Quote from: Trish on December 09, 2021, 02:05:41 PMWhats everyone using to do their Variable? For letters and minor or small jobs I just use InDesign...when it comes to a lot of postcards, I use Fusion pro, that way I can automatically break it into reasonable stacks to help with the cutting so it stays in order.
I ask, because I just looked at Fusion Pro and it is now $1,500.00 annually.

My computer is from 2015 and is currently only running OS10.14.6. I am being forced to upgrade due to Adobe feeling the need to constantly update their programs.
Always hate to open a new can of worms...then my XMF won't work...we have enough to deal with working with people with no clue. So is there a better program out there?



I just use InDesigns data merge and then use Imposition Studio Pro to impose the merged files. Works simple and easy as you can set the imposition however you want for cut and stack then just bring in your imposed PDF and it does the rest. 

jwheeler

If your printers have Fiery controllers, then Fiery now offers a free stand-along VDP software called FreeForm. The Fiery controllers already have built-in VDP, where you match a PDF file of just the VDP data already typed out to a background image - makes for very fast processing. However, that is quite confusing to setup for many people, so this FreeForm software simplifies it.

Otherwise, I also like Data Merge as other's have mentioned since it integrates within InDesign and it's also sold by Konica Minolta. I think the current name is Accurio VDP: https://kmbs.konicaminolta.us/kmbs/business-solutions/graphic-communications/variable-data-printing-solutions