Driving the Future: The Evolution of Dalim Drive
As the print industry evolves, the software supporting it must keep pace. This is the driving force behind Dalim Drive, a scalable, micro-service-powered solution designed to process files at unprecedented speed and scale. Built to address the challenges of modern print workflows, Drive ensures that files are print-ready before they reach the RIP (Raster Image Processor), eliminating bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
The Challenges of Modern Print Workflows
The print industry, particularly in areas like Web2Print, variable data printing, and on-demand printing, faces several challenges:
- Tight SLAs (Service Level Agreements): Customers demand quick turnarounds, leaving little room for delays.
- Poor File Quality: Submissions often include low-quality files, such as PDFs of websites, which can crash RIPs or slow production.
- Unknown Volume: Print jobs can spike unpredictably, especially during peak periods, making it difficult to manage resources effectively.
These issues are interconnected. Poor file quality leads to production delays, making it harder to meet tight SLAs. The sheer volume of jobs during peak times exacerbates the problem, creating a vicious cycle.
The Solution: Dalim Drive
To address these challenges, Dalim Drive was introduced in 2019. It acts as a pre-processing powerhouse, ensuring that files are print-ready before they reach the RIP. With customers processing 9+ million pages daily, Drive has become an essential tool for maintaining efficiency and reliability in print workflows.
Introducing Drive 2.0
Over the years, Drive has evolved to include features like cloud storage support, Web2Print workflow optimization, and integration with HighRes Viewer. However, the latest iteration, Drive 2.0, represents a complete architectural overhaul.
Key Changes in Drive 2.0
- Fusion Workflow Integration: Drive 2.0 is now a Fusion workflow, offering greater flexibility and scalability.
- Enhanced Speed: Despite the architectural changes, Drive 2.0 remains incredibly fast, processing files without ingesting them into the system.
- Improved Preflighting: Drive 2.0 introduces advanced preflighting logic, significantly reducing processing time for multi-page PDFs.
Testing Drive 2.0
To demonstrate its capabilities, Drive 2.0 was tested with 10,000 complex 2-page files on an AWS instance. The results were impressive:
| Process | Drive 1.0 | Drive 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Normalizing | 45m 27s | 47m 13s |
| Preflighting + Normalizing | 1h 28m 35s | 50m 45s |
Drive 2.0’s preflighting improvements and efficient processing make it a game-changer for print workflows.
The Benefits of Drive 2.0
1. Flexibility
Drive 2.0 is no longer a bespoke solution. It now supports custom scripts, API integrations, and approval steps, making it adaptable to any workflow.
2. Diagnostics and Insights
Drive 2.0 provides detailed diagnostics at every step of the workflow. Users can track the status of each file, identify bottlenecks, and gain valuable insights into their production process.
3. Communication
Drive 2.0 uses GraphQL for communication, simplifying integration with other systems. Processing results are delivered in customizable JSON responses, making it easier for developers to work with.
The Future of Drive
Drive 2.0 represents a significant leap forward in print workflow management. It combines speed, flexibility, and transparency, transforming the way print jobs are processed. With these advancements, Drive is poised to remain a cornerstone of the print industry for years to come.
Conclusion
Dalim Drive has evolved from a specialized solution to a comprehensive workflow engine. By addressing the challenges of modern print workflows and leveraging the latest technology, Drive 2.0 ensures that print production is efficient, reliable, and future-ready. For anyone in the print industry, Drive 2.0 is a must-have tool for driving success in a rapidly changing landscape.
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