Database publishing
A database publishing system is a software system which allows you to create publications (catalogue, price list, brochure, etc.) on your own. Data is taken from a database and transformed into a file that is ready to print (for hardcopy publications) or ready to be distributed in an electronic format.
LanMan Associates has designed and developed an innovative system so you can create publications on your own (page layouts for catalogues, price lists, brochures, technical data sheets, handbooks, etc.) by exporting data from a database and then automatically generates a predefined page layout.
The “classic” method of page layout weighs heavily on company resources, demeaning the role of graphic designers who are relegated to “copy” and “paste” text manually, prices, tables, and images with the risk of errors and wasting precious time.
Our software makes the entire process easy to manage and is immediate. Once the graphic design has been decided you can put all your focus on the contents so your product will always up to date and complete.
The advantages of our system:
- Easy to use;
- Reduces production times;
- Reduces costs;
- Data is entered in a database that can be ad-hoc designed to meet customer requirements or imported from an existing data base.
- Content can be changed and updated shortly before printing, ensuring “zero mistakes”.
Project development stages
The graphic design plan
The first stage is to define the layout design of the publication.
Software, working in a classic manner, is used to build the page layout (or layouts) of the publication.
Acquisition and selection of contents from the database
The data required for the publication is defined in this stage.
This data may be taken from a database (e.g. AS/400, SQLServer, Mysql, etc.) or from the usual computer programs (Access, Excel, Word, etc.). Once all data has been acquired we can proceed to select the specific content that will be included in the pages of the publication.
Database publishing of data
Once all the contents for the publication have been identified the completely automatic system will layout all the data that needs to be included according to the previously preset layout, distinguishing the files by language, category, etc.
File Generation
The last stage before completing the process is to save the publication. In fact you can use the system to preview the publication in html pdf, tiff, and jpg formats. Files can be generated using the driver of the virtual printer which can then be used for:
- High resolution prints printed by a printing company
- Printing with various levels of resolution using your own printer
- Sending, in a digital format, by email or on data storage device
- Publishing, in digital format, on company websites