InSoft Automation Imp: Cost-Based Layout Planning & Ganging Software

Imp is InSoft Automation’s flagship layout planning and imposition software for the printing industry. Version 14 introduced significant enhancements including REST API integration, command-line interface (CLI), and advanced ganging algorithms .

Product Overview

Imp is a layout planning and optimization software developed since 2007, with over 500 customers worldwide including Printed Easy (UK) and FlyerAlarm (Germany) . It supports all printing processes—offset, digital, large-format, flexo—and applications including books, commercial print, labels, packaging, and signage .

Core Capabilities

Category Capabilities
Ganging & Nesting Dynamic ganging algorithms; no-mix ganging (V13); block ganging by trim size
Imposition Automated imposition for books, book-of-one, POD, short-run jobs
Estimation Cost-based estimation; order-winning quote generation
Automation Hot-folder based (ImpFlow); REST APIs; ImpCmd CLI; Enfocus Switch integration
Finishing Advanced bindery support; Zünd Cut Center (ZCC) integration for digital cutting
Overrun Control Customizable settings to minimize waste

Key New Features in Version 14

  • REST API Integration: Streamlined automation with ImpConfig and ImpCore REST APIs; Open API documentation for cloud-based MIS integration

  • ImpCmd CLI: Comprehensive command-line tool for easy integration and parallel processing; supports nearly all GUI functions

  • Advanced Bindery Support: Enhanced marks and smarter planning algorithms for book-of-one and short-run finishing

  • Priority-Based Planning: Optimized ganging prioritizing delivery schedules with 2× faster performance

  • Block Ganging: Groups jobs with same trim size, simplifying cutting workflows and boosting productivity

Automation Ecosystem

ImpFlow is InSoft’s hot-folder-based automation application built on top of Imp, enabling hands-free layout planning and imposition. It integrates seamlessly with:

  • Enfocus Switch for automated file processing workflows

  • Zünd Cut Center (ZCC) v4 for digital cutting, generating .zcc files with estimated cutting times