Analysis and optimization of PDF-to-EPUB in the digital publishing process

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide an optimization method of workflow for publishing houses and electronic book (e-book) studies in the field of digital publishing. Design/methodology/approach Based on the studies of publishing houses in Beijing, the present conversion workflow is illustrated using a functional modeling methodology. Then, the workflow is analyzed using 5W1H (why, who, what, where, when, how) methodology and optimized using ECRSI (eliminate, combine, rearrange, simplify and increase) principles. To validate the optimization effect, the workflow before and after optimization are generated and implemented by the ExtendSim® simulation software. Findings The simulation results show that under similar circumstances, both quantity and quality of the products are improved after optimization, which indicate that the optimization method is effective. Practical implications Electronic PUBlication (EPUB) has significant requirements to satisfy the needs of the mobile reading market and to earn increased profits, whereas some e-books are still preserved in a portable document format (PDF). This study results in the enhanced EPUB quality and production efficiency of the PDF-to-EPUB format conversion workflow in publishing houses. Publishing houses around the world can refer to this study to make a similar optimization when handling PDF-to-EPUB. Originality/value This research introduces the traditional industrial engineering analytical techniques to the workflow optimization of e-book conversion. Compared with the most of other methods used to optimize workflow, this method is simpler, more efficient and more suitable for e-book format conversion.

Future of Scholarly Publishing: A Perspective

“…Digital publishing allows for a profound change in scientific publishing, both in the form of publication (no space limitations, with the possibility of publishing images, films, ... at low cost), enabling increased visual communication (48)(49)(50)(51). This aspect is of special relevance, considering the centrality of visual communication in contemporary societies.…”

Developing Social Studies Teaching Materials Based on Multimedia EPUB for The Effectiveness on Learning Outcomes

“…Electronic books (e-book) are digital version books that are compatible with various electronic devices by offering practicality and interaction in digital formats that are interesting rather than printed books [1] [2]. The term e-book becomes popular than digital objects that are designed to be accessible online and can be read via a PC, netbook or smartphone [3] [4].…”

“…However, PDF has weaknesses, including difficulties when editing text, displaying video, and the ability to adjust on a small device screen, like a smartphone [2] [8]. Electronic Publication (EPUB) is an ebook format that offers the ability to overcome deficiencies in the PDF format, including the ability to adjust the appearance of electronic devices, displaying image formats such as JPEG, PNG, and SVG [2], [8]. EPUB was developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF), with an extension (.EPUB), with the latest version of EPUB 3 (latest version 3.1) based on HTML5, SVG, CCS3, and Javascript [9] [10] [11].…”