MECCA 2000 Introductory Courses for New Users

Advanced Courses Offered - Users with MECCA Experience

Programming Courses Offered - For Programmer/Analysts and Technicians

OneForm Designer Course Offered for New Users

MECCA 2000 Introductory Courses for New Users

Business Forms Composition Introduction - Five Days

Introductory course for new users geared specifically for Business Forms composition. This course covers the basic day-to-day system operations, graphics drawing functions, and their appropriate use. Basic techniques of forms composition on the MECCA System are covered. Forms are created through both tablet digitization and inputting exact-measure specifications. Focus is on those features of MECCA that the serious forms designer will need such as Grid, Drawing Lines and Boxes, Flat Screens, Graduated Screens, and Text Placement. Working with scanned logos is briefly explained. The class will cover scanning, cropping and placement.

Students are invited to bring examples of their forms to use as exercises during the training session.

Color Label Composition Introduction - Five Days

Introductory course for new users geared specifically for Label composition. This course covers the basic day-to-day system operations, graphics drawing functions and their appropriate use. Basic techniques of label composition on the MECCA System are covered. Labels are created through both drawing and scanning. Focus is on those features of MECCA that are necessary to produce quality labels: Splines, Graduated Screens, Circular Text, and Barcodes. Label output is unique with Step and Repeat, Layering, Chokes and Spreads, and Distortion needs. The students will leave with a good understanding of these functions.

Students will create scan files and learn how to modify them. The proper use of all functions found under the Raster menu will be covered.

Students are invited to bring examples of their labels to use as exercises during the training session.

MECCA System Introduction and Overview - Five Days

This class is the best way for a supervisor or manager to get a complete overview of the capabilities of the MECCA System. The student will leave the class with an understanding of what MECCA can accomplish. This course covers the basic day-to-day system operations, graphics drawing functions and their appropriate use. It introduces the student to the text editor, function key assignments and all graphic drawing menus. All* applications are covered lightly. Due to the scope of material being covered, this class does not allow students to bring examples of their work to use as exercises during the training session.

* Applications covered are Business Forms and Label Composition, Automatic Batch Pagination, Technical Illustration, Using Color and the Scanner.

Advanced Courses Offered - Users with MECCA Experience

Business Forms Composition with Logos and Color - Five Days

Advanced techniques of forms composition on the MECCA System are covered. The first day forms are created through both tablet digitization and inputting exact-measure specifications. There is a special focus on the Position and Grid features of MECCA that give the operator control of accuracy and precision.

Also covered are techniques to create unusual designs with Graduated Screens, and using Phantoms. Drawing Boxes and Pasting Text into Boxes is covered for those who need a review of these functions. Creating Custom Logo Pantographs with Step-and-Repeat on output is covered. Also a good understanding of layer control for color separation and multi-part forms is stressed. Use of masters and merge forms are explored.

Students will work with scanned logos, create scanner files, and go over techniques for clean up and color separation. All menus found under Raster Functions will be covered.

Students will cover the difference between four color separation and spot color separation. They will learn to setup the display for layer color and how to output spot color separations.

Students are invited to bring examples of their forms to use as exercises during the training session.

Technical Illustration with Process Color - Three Days

A fundamental course in drawing using the graphic functions of line, rectangle, circle and spline. A practical hands-on experience using the features of Modify Geometry such as rotate, mirror, scale and shading. This course includes the creation and use of master components and symbols using the combine/separate function and drawing techniques using the assistance of the layer and window options.

Students are invited to bring examples of designs or line drawings to use as exercises during the session.

Students will cover the difference between four color separation and spot color separation. They will learn to use the FCP color menus, color tables, control of screen lineage and dot angles. Output of process color will be covered in detail.

Advanced Label Composition Techniques - Five Days

Working with Scanned Artwork

Labels are unique in that there is generally more scanned images than in most composition. Since a good understanding of scanning, raster manipulation, and pixel editing is required to quickly produce good artwork, the Raster Functions and scanning techniques will be covered completely.

Chokes and Spreads

Complex label output can be simplified through an Output Specification file that holds a choke and spread value, and also controls automatic step and repeat. Label output is unique with Step and Repeat, Layering, Chokes and Spreads, and Distortion needs. All of these features and techniques will be reviewed thoroughly.

Focusing on Label Composition

Students are invited to bring files and samples of difficult Labels to discuss during class. The class focuses on Label composition and how to best tackle the complex composition to better meet production deadlines.

Using Process Color

Students will cover the difference between four color separation and spot color separation. They will learn to use the FCP color menus, color tables, control of screen lineage and dot angles. Output of process color will be covered in detail.

Automatic Batch Composition - Three to Five Days

Basic techniques and concepts of format-driven batch page composition are covered. This capability allows the creation of multiple page documents through typesetting control commands that are inserted into ASCII text files.

We will cover all setup commands used for creating a document format by creating our own formats. Files will be prepared using the format along with running page heads and feet. This course also includes viewing of these documents before printing and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of batch composition over graphical page make-up.

Students are invited to bring examples of a standardized multiple page document (such as an employee manual) and a newsletter to use as exercises during the training session.

Advanced Security Document Course - Five Days

This one week course has been developed to instruct students in the techniques for creating unique security documents with all of the security features expected from a state-of-the-art document manufacturer.

Security documents are special because of their function in representing negotiable value, legal ownership, and official status. Because of their value, the printed document is subject to counterfeiting, and tampering. The MECCA System allows very complex composition and has a wide variety of security design features that can be incorporated into your artwork. The use of fine-line relief printing, superimposing hidden messages, original fine-line detailed borders, unique geometrical designs, spot color blending, and also micro-text create an effective counterfeiting deterrent. This one week course will take the student through techniques for creating two security documents that use these techniques: a passenger ticket and vehicle registration.

Graphical effects can be used to add security to almost any document. Unlike special papers, coatings and inks, or attachments like holograms, graphical effects in general do not add to the overall production cost of a document. Given two documents that have the same value, a forger will most likely try to counterfeit the one with the least number of security features. In many cases, just adding a few of the graphic effects listed below will protect a document:

• Prismatic Colored Backgrounds
• Subtle Monochrome and Color Graduations
• Phantom Images and Logos
• Color Radial Graduations
• Void Pantographs
• Micro-Text
• Fine-Line Relief of Logos
• Unique Fine-Line Borders and Pantographs
• Printed Warning Bands
• Moire Patterns

Students are welcome to bring sample security documents to class for advise and discussion.

Programming Course Offered - For Programmer/Analysts and Technicians

MECCA System Automated Merge Form and Applications - Two to Five Days

This class is for programmers who wish to automate merged forms for database applications. Also, general electronic and Internet form applications can be looked into. You will get an in-depth understanding of how merge forms work and how to use a database system for filling in the merge forms. Batch composition as it pertains specifically to merge forms is covered. You will be given examples of invoking batch composition outside of the normal MECCA System interfaces.

Database, Shell Scripts, and C-Program Applications

Students will learn the text format that MECCA expects for the proper merging of their data onto merge forms. They will cover techniques and examples of Unix shell scripts and database programs. Other programming languages can be discussed as it pertains to the individual situation.

Dissecting Sample Merged Form Documents

Four existing sample programs are looked at. They cover a variety of uses: retail pricelists, individual employee handbooks, custom notepads & memo pads, merged images that are color separated and stepped upon output. You will also look over high-speed variable merge that allows you to individualize each page upon output. This is great for cover letters, handbooks, personnel reports, any type of printed material where there is variable information on a static image. Do not forget to bring your own MECCA graphic files and existing databases for use during class. This is almost always a live program-producing experience. You are helped in starting your project and advised on how to proceed.

OneForm Designer Plus E-Form/I-Form Applications - Two to Five Days

This custom class is for programmers who wish to receive guidance in developing systems with workflows that include E-Forms, I-Forms, databases, and e-mail. Techniques for the linking of E-Forms with other software applications can be demonstrated. Data security and digital signatures can also be included. Web site development and Internet ordering of imprinted documents can also be explained.

OneForm Designer Course Offered for New Users

OneForm Designer Introductory Course - Two Days

This two day session introduces the software to new users in a structured (but informal) setting. All basic functions of the software and how to use it to design and deploy electronic forms are covered. The timetable below is for reference, pace of the class is set by the ability of the students. Below is an outline of the OneForm Designer training course.

Introduction to OneForm Designer Menus, Buttons, and Options - 1/2 day
Layout Tools and Form Design - 1/2 day
Working with Field Types and Menus - 1/2 day
Test and Distribute E-Forms - 1/2 day

OneForm Designer Plus Courses Offered for New Users

OneForm Designer Plus Introductory Course for Forms Composers - Three Days

This three day session introduces the software to new users in a structured (but informal) setting. All basic functions of the software and how to use it to design multi-color, multi-part manufactured forms are covered. The timetable below is for reference, pace of the class is set by the ability of the students. Below is an outline of this OneForm Designer Plus training course.

Introduction to OneForm Designer Plus Menus, Buttons, and Options - 1 day
Drawing, Revising, and Importing Forms - 1 day
System Management, Font Issues, File Conversion Issues - 1/2 day
Introduction to E-Forms - 1/2 day

OneForm Designer Plus Introductory Course for Electronic Forms Designers - Two Days

This two day session is intended for the new user who plans to focus on Electronic and Internet forms production. All basic functions of the software and how to use it to create and distribute electronic forms are covered. The timetable below is for reference, pace of the class is set by the ability of the students. Below is an outline of this OneForm Designer Plus training course.

Introduction to OneForm Designer Plus Menus, Buttons, and Options- 1/4 day
Introduction to E-Forms - 1/4 day
Adding Fill-Fields to Electronic Forms - 1/2 day
Connecting E-Forms to Databases - 1/2 day
Distributing E-Forms - 1/2 day

Amgraf Forms Portal Training

Amgraf Forms Portal - Using the Forms Portal - Course - One Day

The Amgraf Forms Portal is a browser based user interface designed to simplify and manage access to electronic forms. This session will cover the standard login procedures and options found on the Forms Portal Home Page and List Saved E-Forms Page.

Basic usage of portal forms, such as opening, filling in data and saving, printing, and copying forms will be covered. Using the forms portal search tools, for locating data and building listings, will be demonstrated. Miscellaneous features such as the Sketch Tool and the OML - Offline Forms Manager will also be part of this session.

At the end of this session the student will be able to login to the forms portal, locate a form, and print the form. They will be able to open, fill-in, and save data in a portal form.

Amgraf Forms Portal - Basic Portal Administration - Course - One Day

The Portal Administrator has the primary responsibility for maintaining the forms portal forms library and user privileges.

This session will cover the standard login procedures for the Portal Administrator and getting to the Administrator Functions. Within this session the student will be shown the portal administrative dialogs for adding and removing forms, managing form classifications, workflow inboxes, and editing the form catalog.

Administration procedures for creating user logins and managing user privileges for individual forms, form classifications, and workflow inboxes will be covered.