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K4 organizes designers, artists, writers, editors and production staff into a single workflow using a true relational database. K4 knows where everything is, and guarantees that users do too. More than 250 publishers worldwide — half of them in the United States — with more than 15,000 users have chosen K4 to manage their editorial workflows. Read on to discover why.
Multiple publications, multiple workflows
K4 manages workflow and content for one or many publications. One K4 database can handle multiple titles and workgroups, or several K4 servers can be configured for multiple publications across an entire enterprise. Past, current and future issues or editions are easily managed within a single publication.
When users log in to K4, the system automatically directs them to the publications and workflows they are allowed to access. Privileges and permissions can be customized to reflect each publication's need for security and flexibility.
Editors and designers work right within InCopy and InDesign — there's no need to leave the application. Dropdowns and palettes make it easy to search and interact with the database. Files in other applications can also be acquired via the K4 File Manager client.
It's all about the content
K4 is open and flexible when it comes to getting content into the workflow, whether the files originate inside or outside the application. Asset or image management systems can be integrated with K4, and K4 can be integrated with MEI's ad dummying solutions, like ALS for Magazines, so ads and editorial can be packaged simultaneously.
In most publishing systems, editors must have access to paginated pages, an expensive solution that locks out designers while editors are working on those pages. With K4, InCopy and InDesign exchange updated information, so designers can incorporate text files into their pages in InDesign at the same time editors are working on them in InCopy. This powerful collaborative workflow lets editors work with the real designs while designers have access to the real stories.
Workflow status tracking and routine
K4 allows each site to define its own workflow statuses and sequences. With active workflow routing and assignment, files can be assigned automatically to a specific user or group. User groups are fully customizable, and all user and publication settings can be modified anytime, even while the system is up and running.
The system keeps track of who has a file checked out, when it was opened, what issue and section it belongs to, and its status. Edits and layout changes are stored in the database every time a file is checked back in, while previous versions are maintained. Every user in a K4 workgroup can find out exactly what's going on and what's waiting to be done.
In other words, K4 means users never have to spend time worrying about where their stuff is.
Step up to K4
K4 is a full-featured system that streamlines and enhances the editorial workflow. With its database functionality, it automatically maintains the integrity of copy and layouts. It ensures security while maximizing collaboration between editors and designers. And it's easy to use and easy to customize.
K4 saves time, money and grief. Want to know more? Contact MEI for a demonstration of how K4 can work for you.
| Features | Benefits |
| Integrates Adobe InCopy and InDesign | Familiar applications shorten the learning curve. |
| Single workflow for editors and designers | Editors and designers can be more efficient and collaborative by working on the the same page at the same time. |
| Check-in and check-out of content | Database management of files prevents duplication and version confusion. |
| Real-time WYSIWYG for editors working in InCopy | Copyfitting to layout speeds production and shortens review and revise cycles. |
| Uses File Manager to check in ads, images, multimedia and other file types | Designers have all the elements they need at their fingertips; everyone in the publishing process can participate in the managed workflow. |
| Notes, red-lining, edit-tracking | Recording user text changes augments communication and troubleshooting. |
| Revision control | Keeping selected previous versions on hand gives users a chance to review changes and and maintain an effective audit trail through the editing process. |
| Change notification | Timely notification about changes in content and page geometry lets editors work faster and manage their time more efficiently. |
| Status-based workflow routing | Everyone can see what's going on when files are labeled by status. |
| Database querying | Flexible query palettes let users access data and workflow information quickly. Palette settings and queries can be configured and saved for user convenience. |
| Template management | Preserves and manages style sheets and composition settings in both layouts and articles. |
| XML-based content hierarchy | Keeps files ready for easy extracting and conversion to other formats for repurposing. |
| User privilege controls | Ensures that users access only the materials they are supposed to be working on. |
| Browser-based administration | Easy-to-use admin tool can run during production, enabling supervisors to add, delete and modify users and publication settings on the fly. Also available for configuration in the admin are issues, sections and custom metadata. |
| Built-in InDesign Server | Speeds check-in and display by taking the load of building JPGs off the K4 server. |
For more information about K4 and to arrange to see a demonstration, fill out the form below.