The National Examination Centre (RIC) is Slovenia’s central institution responsible for the administration and security of national exams – from nationwide knowledge assessments to the Graduation exam (Matura). Each year, RIC prints hundreds of thousands of exam papers that must be not only precisely prepared but also completely secure and traceable.

Given the highly confidential nature of these documents, one of the key priorities was to upgrade the printing and automation system to ensure full traceability, protection against unauthorized access, and reliable repeatability of the printing process.

Challenges when creating a secure and fully traceable printing system
The existing printing system was based on older black-and-white toner technology and software that only partially met the growing requirements for security, traceability, and efficiency.

RIC faced several challenges:

• Limited automation options for color printing
• Manual handling of black-and-white and color documents
• Lack of unique identification for exam papers
• Complex monitoring and auditing of the printing process
• Need for faster execution of large print runs within tight timeframes

The goal was clear: to create a secure, automated, and fully traceable printing system that would enable RIC to achieve higher efficiency, transparency, and security — from the first digital document to the final printed exam paper.

Key elements of the solution:

• User-friendly interface for print system operators to select and configure JDF input parameters: document selection, print quantity, print mode, finishing options, etc.
• Solimar Chemistry™ platform – an advanced workflow automation and secure document management system that automatically adds security QR codes to every exam paper and every page, ensuring full uniqueness and traceability.
• EFI Fiery server – connects the printing process with automated JDF (Job Description File) workflows.
• Kyocera TASKalfa Pro 15000c – a high-performance inkjet printer designed for large print volumes and sensitive documents.
• SDD Online Booklet Maker – a robust and reliable finishing system that trims, folds, and staples printed exam papers into complete booklets.

How the traceability of the printed booklets work?

Exam papers are prepared as PDF documents. Using the operator interface, the user selects the document, number of copies, and finishing options, then sends the job to the Solimar system, which adds security QR codes to each copy.

Each cover page automatically receives an MD5 hash of the original PDF file. MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a cryptographic hash function that generates a unique 32-character code from any data source (e.g., document, image, or PDF file)

Every page receives a unique identifier in QR code format, ensuring full traceability.

Based on JDF workflow parameters, Solimar automates the process — transferring documents with added codes directly to print without manual intervention, and securely deleting them after printing.

Kyocera’s inkjet technology, combined with direct SDD booklet finishing, ensures fast and high-quality production of exam papers — from blank sheets to the final finished product.

The result is a fully integrated process where, based on input parameters, “blank paper enters the printer, and securely marked, traceable exam papers come out.”

SDD delivered the high end booklet maker BLM1600

With the SDD BLM1600 Booklet Maker, the customer gained a finishing solution that combines high productivity, operational reliability and advanced automation. The system enables operators to process jobs faster than ever, thanks to its smart automated adjustments. As a result, daily workflows run smoothly, job changes take just seconds and output remains consistent throughout long production cycles. The BLM1600 proves to be a high-efficiency, user-friendly solution that elevates overall performance and ensures dependable results, even under heavy workloads.

SDD BLM1600 Booklet maker System USP’s:

• High Productivity: Designed for continuous, fast-paced booklet production without interruption.
• Outstanding Reliability: Built with proven SDD engineering for consistent performance in demanding environments.
• Automation: Automated setup and adjustments minimize manual intervention and reduce operator errors.
• Operator-Friendly: Intuitive interface enables fast job handling and effortless switching between tasks.
• Maximum Efficiency: Streamlined workflow and smart automation deliver high output with minimal downtime.

Results of the close collaboration

The solution was designed, implemented, tested, and validated in less than six weeks from project initiation.

After implementation, RIC gained:

• Full traceability and security for every exam paper
• Complete automation of the printing process
• The ability to combine inkjet and toner technologies
• Significantly reduced preparation and printing time
• Greater flexibility for updates and system upgrades

In addition, the solution is fully repeatable and scalable, making it applicable to other national or international examination systems.

This success was the result of close collaboration between Kyocera Europe, Solimar Systems, SDD and Xenon forte. Xenon forte played a crucial role in local implementation, system integration, and user training, ensuring the solution complied with RIC’s requirements and Slovenian security standards.

A perfect demonstration of creating secure and traceable booklets

The project for the National Examination Centre demonstrates how combining advanced software (Solimar Chemistry), high-performance hardware (Kyocera TASKalfa Pro and SDD Booklet Maker), and local technical expertise (Xenon forte) can create a solution that exceeds the standards of security and efficiency.