LAGO’s Version Optimization makes it possible to automatically create the minimal number of versions (or variants) of a circular or catalog needed to run through the production process. Furthermore, the entire range of detail for versioning is covered from national to regional/market-specific to customer-specific variants.

Thanks to the built-in optimization algorithm, graphic designers and production artists avoid manually building versions based on variable data like pricing or product availability. As a result, not only will valuable production and proofing time be saved, but also the high costs associated with data interpretation errors. Best of all, managers better control production workflows, the collaboration between proofing and approval is seamless, and final files are output easily for print and digital channels.

The LAGO Version Optimization module can calculate the number of production versions necessary based on the regional/market-specific master and header data inputted into the layout process. A graphic designer in production only receives the orders that require interaction and header variants for processing. Therefore, designers do not have to determine the number of InDesign documents that need to be created – a vital benefit of the module.

At its core, the algorithm determines the total number of versions based on the sum of all products and their variant characteristics. Therefore, variants are always based on the current, bi-directional data collection and factors from publication to publication and page to page.

While designers and production artists can view product names, prices, images, and more anytime, content variants are populated automatically during production via an InDesign Server. This automation means that manual intervention is no longer required at the end of the production process! So, for example, you can automatically generate several name variants for regional versions: sandwiches in the North could be “Subs,” and in the South, they could be “Hoagies.”