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  • 1.  Top rated solutions for Complex Variable Data Print

    Posted 11-01-2017 08:22 AM
    Hello All,

    We are looking for the top rated solutions to handle multi source file complex variable data. Print campaigns which use more than one .CSV, .XLXS or other source data for variable input. The scripting of IF/THEN/OTHER input to pull the appropriate information form the various data files and images.
    1) Are there other solutions for this type of work along with Meadowsps, GMG, XMPie or Fusion Pro?
    2) How complex is scripting for example FusionPro to link properly to various inputs with IF/THEN scenerios.
    3) Are there problems with InDesign scripts behaving when used as a Merge layout.
    4) Are software solutions modular to only start with what is needed and add features when desired.

    Any real world input would be greatly appreciated,

    Thank you!​

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    James Gross
    Prepress Manager
    Colonial Press International
    Miami FL
    (800) 767-1581
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  • 2.  RE: Top rated solutions for Complex Variable Data Print

    Posted 11-02-2017 01:32 PM
    We have been using FusionPro for a few years now and very pleased. I know that when we do have questions or unique situations that require difficult processing that we have contacted them and they have provided the solutions needed. I would feel comfortable recommending it.

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    Douglas Spink
    President
    All Right Mailing, Inc
    Framingham MA
    (508) 665-4145
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  • 3.  RE: Top rated solutions for Complex Variable Data Print

    Posted 11-03-2017 08:55 AM
    A great deal of the complexity in programming comes from the need for complexity in the output. If all you need is a merged document with minor graphics, use the Data Merge feature built into InDesign (free). As you add features, the need for understanding programming variables and functions increases. Most of these tools have been around for years, now. One of the oldest (so, perhaps the most time-tested is InData by emsoftware (started out as XData for Quark). It can be used on a simple project or very complex. They also have a catalog production tool.

    InData * Xdata

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    Barbara Bear
    Instructor
    University of Wisconsin-Stout
    Menomonie, WI 54023
    bearb@...
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  • 4.  RE: Top rated solutions for Complex Variable Data Print

    Posted 12-16-2017 01:26 PM
    Just a few notes from someone who was a VDP developer long before the myriad solutions of today.

    If you have multiple data sources in multiple formats you should consider merging these first--this will make the front end of the process much simpler and the middle and back-end much less prone to errors. "Back in the day" we occasionally used relational data bases for VDP when there was multiple file types, but only when there was simply no other way. One way we made the merging easier was to build small re-usable programs. Back then we used Visual FoxPro for this type of work as the indexing and merge rules, etc were often complicated.

    If you don't have the staff for this, you might need to hire a contractor to do it. Having reusable programs works well if you have recurring work and are getting new data files from the customers regularly--obviously if the structure of the data files changes you cannot simply reuse any processes. It's imperative customers understand this and adhere to agreed upon file design.

    I've used many of the "canned" solutions for VDP and any of the most popular ones should work fine--DesignMerge (EngageIT VDP), FusionPro, PlanetPress or Printshop Mail, etc. CAUTION: I would not use anything that cannot grow with your needs, so don't get stuck using InDesign's DataMerge for example or anything else "built-in." You WILL be very sorry when you have many, many jobs done that way and suddenly find you need something more robust. GMC is really expensive, but is an industry standard and can do just about anything you throw at it if you have the right staff.

    Good luck!
    Dwight
    603-339-3189

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    Dwight Polglaze
    Digital Production Print Engineer
    Polglaze Consulting
    Walkersville MD
    (603) 339-3189
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