Frequently Asked Questions About WorkStream
1. What is ZBE WorkStream IA & DS software?
WorkStream is software that automates and
controls digital print production in a photo lab. ZBE
WorkStream software is comprised of two separate and
independent products, one for the lab called WorkStream
IA (Imaging Automation), and one for the photographer
(the lab's customers) called WorkStream DS (Digital
Studio). WorkStream IA (Imaging Automation) controls
and manages the entire print production process in the
lab. The lab's customers can prepare their orders at
their own premises using WorkStream DS (Digital Studio).
WorkStream handles all aspects of order creation, management
and production from order entry and scanning, through
color correction, cropping and retouching, to scheduling
and printing.
2. Who uses WorkStream?
Photo labs that provide printing of digital
image files use WorkStream IA (Imaging Automation) to
control and manage the entire print production process.
WorkStream IA is built to meet the high volume workflow
needs of professional labs; however, WorkStream IA can
also handle all the needs of lower volume custom and
commercial labs. Customers of photo labs use WorkStream
DS (Digital Studio) to prepare their orders. By using
WorkStream DS, photographers can do all aspects of order
creation, including: Scanning, Retouching, Color Correction,
cropping and composition, creating packages, specifying
print sizes, applying logos and watermarks, creating
composite products including greeting cards and composites.
Even without creating orders, WorkStream DS (Digital
Studio) includes powerful image viewing, editing, archiving,
and management tools.
3. What printers does WorkStream IA work with?
WorkStream IA works with ZBE Chromira printers.
It is our intent to have WorkStream IA supported on
other printers in the future.
4. Do I need WorkStream IA to print with the Chromira?
No, you don't. Chromira will easily function
without WorkStream IA but we have added many time-saving
features and functions that can improve your workflow
to help your lab image much more productively.
5. Does WorkStream IA replace the original ZBE Chromira
WorkStation software that runs the Chromira?
Yes it can. WorkStream provides all the functions
of the Chromira Workstation software, and many, many
more. Those customers not choosing to purchase WorkStream
IA will still be able to print and utilize that Chromira
as they do today. Two "seat" licenses of WorkStream
IA are included with your Chromira Premium Maintenance
contract and will be renewed with your maintenance renewal.
6. Does WorkStream IA install and run on my Chromira?
No. WorkStream IA is designed to operate
on a networked computer.
7. Does it work with the Fuji Frontier minilab?
Yes. Files prepared by WorkStream are sent
to the Frontier Image Controller for printing on the
Frontier.
8. Are there any restrictions on print size?
There will be drivers available for all sizes.
9. Can I do re-touching utilizing WorkStream IA?
Yes. WorkStream connects automatically to
your PhotoShop software, or other imaging software.
Click the "retouch" button in WorkStream and the image
is automatically opened in Photoshop. You'll have all
the tools of Photoshop at your disposal. When you're
finished, the image will be automatically reloaded in
WorkStream.
10. Does WorkStream IA come with Photoshop?
No.
11. Does WorkStream IA do "order entry"?
WorkStream is not your lab's accounting and
"order entry" system. WorkStream controls the actual
creation, production and printing of the orders in your
lab. Consequently the "production" details of the order
are entered through WorkStream IA, where as the financial
details do not change from your current system.
12. How does WorkStream IA integrate with my current
order entry software?
WorkStream runs independently from your current
order entry software.
13. Does WorkStream IA maintain order histories?
Yes.
14. Will WorkStream IA print my customers, jobs,
and orders collated and easy to package?
Yes.
15. What kind of computer do I need for WorkStream
IA?
Windows 2000, or XP. We recommend a minimum of a
500 Mhz Pentium 3, with 256 MB ram and 100 MB disk
space for software installation. For higher performance
and volume lab retouching, and color correction we
recommend a 1000 Mhz Pentium 4 with 512 MB of ram.
Minimum screen resolution is 1024x768. 1280 x 1024
(or higher) resolution is recommended for computers
using WorkStream intensively.
WorkStream is Windows based and is not available for
MACs.
16. Does WorkStream IA allow me to make design custom
packages?
Yes.
17. Can I add text to my images?
Yes.
18. Can I create sports packages or other templates
with WorkStream IA?
Yes.
19. I am thinking about buying a Chromira printer.
Does WorkStream IA come with it?
Two "seat" licenses of WorkStream IA are
included with your Chromira Premium Maintenance contract
and will be renewed with your maintenance. If you elect
to discontinue your Chromira Priority maintenance contract,
your WorkStream seats expire but may be renewed, or
you can add additional seats separately from the service
contract for $995 per seat, per year.
20. Will WorkStream IA support my scanner?
WorkStream will support scanners, which conform
to the "Twain" standard interface ("Twain is the standardized
interface used on scanners.) Most scanners use "Twain".
Note that some scanners are equipped with long roll
film drives and in some cases the long film drives themselves
do not conform to the "Twain" standard even though the
scanner does. It is possible that the scanner itself
does conform to the Twain standard when used to scan
single frames, but not when used to scan multiple frames.
21. Will WorkStream IA work with Kodak HR500, or
Kodak 3570 scanners?
WorkStream will support these scanners, via
their built in "Twain" interface (That's the standardized
interface used on scanners.) However, we understand
that Kodak requires purchasing a license of DP2 in order
to operate the long roll drive on the scanner. In other
words, we believe that if you operate the scanner via
WorkStream (or Photoshop for that matter) that you will
only be able to scan one frame at a time. We have not
verified conclusively if this is true but we believe
it is.
22. Will the prints match my monitor?
Yes. WorkStream provides on-screen "soft
proofing" utilizing calibrated monitor and ICC profiles
for your printer. Read on for more details.
23. How do I color manage with WorkStream?
WorkStream provides "VCNA" style controls
for adjusting the colors of your image. As you adjust
the color controls in WorkStream, the image colors will
change on the monitor. Since WorkStream employs color
management and "Soft Proofing", you can be confident
that the images on your monitor will match the images
when they are printed.
For professional applications, ZBE provides the new
"ColorPro" professional color input pad. The ergonomic
ColorPro is designed for a modern computer workstation,
but it functions similar to a traditional VCNA color
input station with color and density input wheels for
quick color correction of large quantities of images.
24. Will WorkStream take numbers from my video analyzer
for color corrections?
With WorkStream, you will no longer use your
video analyzer. The traditional Video analysis functions
are now performed with WorkStream, using a calibrated
monitor.
25. Does WorkStream IA allow me to color correct
my images just before I send then to print, or do I
need to correct them beforehand?
Either… the choice is yours. WorkStream allows
the ultimate flexibility for your workflow. You may
enter, crop and color correct the order in sitting.
Alternately, WorkStream supports an assembly line style
workflow in which one person enters order, another person
crops, and yet another performs color corrections.
26. What file types will WorkStream IA handle?
WorkStream can handle TIF, JPG and BMP files.
27. Which RIP is needed for WorkStream IA?
WorkStream does not require any specific
RIP. Any RIP, which generates a TIF, JPG or BMP file,
can be used.
28. How does "Soft Proofing" work using WorkStream
IA?
For Soft Proofing, WorkStream IA displays
your images on the monitor so that they visually match
the colors of the image, as it will print on paper.
This allows you to perform color corrections on the
monitor and be confident that the colors on the final
print will match.
29. What Color management software can I use with
WorkStream?
WorkStream is compatible with any color management
software that generates "ICC Profiles". (This is pretty
much ALL color management software.) ICC Profiles are
the industry standard method of describing the colors
of printers, monitors and image files so that they will
print correctly.
30. Can WorkStream keep track of my customer base
and their orders?
Yes.
31. Will the photographer have to pay for their
version of the software?
No. WorkStream DS will be available free
of charge, for an introductory period.
32. Can I just have a single license of WorkStream
IA software to utilize all of the features?
Yes. If you have a single computer that handles
all job creation, color correction and retouching and
printing, that's all you'll need. If you wish to have
others in your lab perform specific parts for each job,
each computer will require a license of WorkStream IA.
33. What type of User training does ZBE offer with
WorkStream IA for my lab?
WorkStream comes with animated tutorials,
which demonstrate WorkStream's intuitive features and
easy operation. There is also a manual in PDF format
packaged with the installer.
34. Will WorkStream IA support my existing Cutter
(i.e. ChromiraTrim, Durst X-Y cutter, Lucht Package
Cutter, Brooke Cutter, etc.)?
Support for various cutting options is done
by a particular printer, (like the Chromira). This is
not a function of WorkStream IA. The Chromira 30 and
50, currently supports only the ChromiraTrim 32 & 62,
(but we're working on adding others).
35. Will WorkStream IA support my existing digital
printer (Pegasus, Kodak MultiPrinter, Mileca) in addition
to a Chromira?
WorkStream IA supports the following printers through
the WorkStream RE digital printer interface.
- Agfa d-lab
- Fuji Pic Pro
- Noritsu MP-1600
- Noritsu QSS-2771
- Noritsu Hot Folder
- Any printer that will accept prints through Hot Folders.
36. I don't have a calibrated monitor. Can I still
do video analysis with WorkStream IA?
No. You need to calibrate your monitor (and
your digital printer) in order for your monitor to accurately
reproduce the colors, as they will appear on the prints.
Modern monitor calibration devices (such as the (ColorVision
Monitor "Spyder"), and software can calibrate your monitor
for about $200.
37. How do I get support for my copy of WorkStream
IA?
Labs can call ZBE for support on WorkStream
IA. (Photographers can call their lab for support on
WorkStream DS.)
38. Is WorkStream IA customizable to meet my special
needs?
Yes. WorkStream screen layouts can be customized.
Custom products (or print packages) can also be created.
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