Metadata is defined as “data about data” and when it pertains to print workflows, it is the information embedded in a file that says something useful about it. An example of metadata is Job Definition Format or JDF, a file format that enables MIS, pre-press, press and post-press kit to talk to each other. Another one is Adobe’s XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform), used by all of the company’s software products, like Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. The goal of these formats is to streamline workflow. XMP deals with production as well as business issues like rights management through the embedding of copyright and licensing details.

The goal is to automate metadata and allow users access to already existing data. Current software puts more information into documents than most people realize with many fields created and filled automatically. The goal is to make the non-expert user have the ability to access, fill, and use them. Technology is already in place that allows for automation of tasks like routing incoming and outgoing emails and sorting and storing files based on predetermined properties.