The client's electronic files are either picked up by messenger or sent by modem and then output to either paper or film.

The service bureau typically operates on a two or three shift basis. Since much of the work is produced overnight, order forms, supplied by the service bureau need to be completed as accurately as possible, including a contact person with evening phone number.

When electronic files are submitted to today's up-to-date imaging center, they are first reviewed on a graphics workstation as part of a "pre-flight" inspection. All files are opened and checked against a laser proof and examined for completeness and general reproduction quality. It is not unusual for jobs to arrive which involve RGB, continuous-tone and CMYK screen-dot reproduction applications. These types of jobs must be reviewed to see if any of the techniques utilized in the creation of the document could result in problems with imaging, e.g. color banding, inappropriate reproduction densities, or a failure to RIP (raster image processing) properly.

A typical 4-color job would first involve the high resolution scanning of images from supplied art to disk which typically takes one to two days. At that point random scans can be proofed for color correctness. Another two or three days should be allowed for placement into the document and corrections to the scans. The final stage, which could also take another three days, would be the output of four-color film and color proofs.

Fortunately, the procedures that most studios currently use are now tried and proven, and customers quickly learn where the potential pitfalls are. Once in production, raster-based artwork may be adjusted as needed to fit the requested film format, or it may be output to film as provided. Output options may depend on the imaging center's capabilities.

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