Caldera is extending its support for users in the technical and CAD print space with the launch of its browser-based file management and submission tool, GrandPLAN. Available today, this specialised module offers a browser-based interface for technical print environments of all sizes to streamline costs and improve error reduction by automating standard operations and multi-user system management.

GrandPLAN takes advantage of web-based features for the accurate control of job submission and printed output. Handling all standard industry file formats, from PDF and JPG through to the more specialised DWF/DWFx and TIF, documents can be submitted either directly to a print engine or using hotfolders, allowing for intelligent management of shared print assets. The online portal provided by GrandPLAN enables secure remote management thanks to the HTTPS protocol and lets owners define the roles of multiple users with three tiers – guest, normal and administrator – in total confidence.

Most importantly, operators are able to automate various elements of their job thanks to the standardisation of various controls within the intuitive GrandPLAN interface. Intelligent automation means that GrandPLAN can select the best available media size and orientation for each job, crop extraneous white spaces to conserve the substrate, pre-flight for common issues such as missing fonts and identify other mismatches in images and other file data. Layouts, fold information and job configurations can also be saved and automated using a native template feature.

Available as a standalone package, GrandPLAN includes the colour management and file processing functionality for which the Caldera RIP suite is renowned. Built on HTML5, Caldera has developed GrandPLAN with broad compatibility in mind, being as it is supported across every OS, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and IOS. In line with Caldera’s partner strategy, Xerox customers using the IJP2000 range to create CAD applications will benefit from early access to this specially devised product.

“GrandPLAN is designed to suit the production needs of a variety of technical print operations, including print-for-pay, transport and architecture firms, design agencies and industrial or manufacturing companies,” explains Valéry de March, OEM Director, Caldera. “We see GrandPLAN bridging the gap between technical document and graphics printing, whether for GIS, AEC or POS retail and hospitality output.”