Workflow processing device and program

Abstract

To reduce the burden on a user in comparison with a configuration for recreating the workflow from scratch when the new request is generated during execution of the workflow for the processing managed in the workflow.SOLUTION: A workflow processing device includes a processor. The processor includes the steps of: generating a second partial workflow in which the processing executed in a first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow based on the first partial workflow as a part of the workflow of a range specified by a user out of the workflow being executed; and managing the processing subsequent to the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow by one partial workflow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a workflow processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a printing system that produces a final product using multiple process devices that perform each process from printing to binding, in which each process device receives a combined job that combines multiple jobs from a process device upstream of itself, processes the combined job based on job management information that indicates the processing content of the received combined job, and sends a notification of completion of processing by the processing means for each of the multiple jobs that make up the combined job to a specified notification destination.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a workflow creation support device that acquires job information including information on multiple parameters that specify the content of a job, narrows down candidate templates from multiple pre-registered templates using information on at least some of the parameters, displays information on the narrowed-down templates, and creates selection screen data used to display a selection screen that accepts an operation for allowing a user to select one template from the candidate templates, and creates a job definition file based on information on the selected template and information on the multiple parameters.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a print order-taking device in which a customer requests an estimate from an order-receiving site, the order-receiving site creates a prototype based on the estimate conditions and registered process definitions, searches for actual processes for building a workflow according to the prototype, sets similar conditions by gradually changing the estimate conditions, searches for processes that meet the similar conditions, creates discount information from the searched processes, builds a workflow from the searched processes and the created discount information, automatically calculates an estimate from the information on the workflow processes, presents the estimate and discount information to the customer, and the customer examines the estimate and, if satisfied, places an order for printed materials with the order-receiving site. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4810302 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6368690 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 4940787 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] A new request may arise for a process managed by a workflow while the workflow is running. In such a case, if the workflow is re-created from scratch, the burden on the user increases.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user when a new request occurs during the execution of a workflow for processing managed by the workflow, compared to a configuration in which a workflow is re-created from scratch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 includes a processor, and the processor executes the following in an executing workflow: determining a first partial workflow in response to a user's operation specifying a range from a first step to a second step included in a plurality of steps subsequent to the first step; A workflow processing device that generates a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow, in which processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and manages subsequent processing of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in a single partial workflow. The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the processor: A value set as the amount of the target to be processed in the first partial workflow before the second partial workflow is generated is divided and allocated to the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow. 2. The workflow processing device according to claim 1, wherein: Claim 3 The invention described in is the workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor generates the second partial workflow in response to a user's operation to specify the range. Claim 4 The invention described in is the workflow processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the processor generates the second partial workflow depending on the processing result of the previous step of the first partial workflow. Claim 5 The invention described in is the workflow processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the processor generates, based on the first partial workflow, the second partial workflow and a third partial workflow in which the processing to be executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and then deletes the third partial workflow at the instruction of a user. Claim 6 The invention described in is characterized in that, when the third partial workflow is deleted, if the execution of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow has been completed, the processor changes the state of the subsequent steps of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow to a state where they can be started. Claim 5 The workflow processing device according to the present invention is Claim 7The invention described in is the workflow processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that, when there is no process for combining multiple partial workflows after the first partial workflow, the processor generates a combining process for combining the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow. Claim 8 The invention described in the item (1) is characterized in that, when a processing step exists in a subsequent stage of the first partial workflow, the processor generates the summarizing step that also serves as the processing step. Claim 7 The workflow processing device according to the present invention is Claim 9 The invention described in is the workflow processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that, if an existing consolidation step for consolidating multiple partial workflows exists after the first partial workflow, the processor associates the second partial workflow with the existing consolidation step. Claim 10 The invention described in the item (2) is characterized in that, when a processing step exists subsequent to the first partial workflow, the processor generates a new summarizing step that also serves as the processing step for summarizing the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow, and associates the second partial workflow with the existing summarizing step via the new summarizing step. Claim 9 The workflow processing device according to the present invention is The invention described in claim 11 is a workflow processing device comprising a processor, wherein the processor generates a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow, which is part of a workflow in a range including a first step specified by a user from among multiple steps subsequent to the first step, from among a workflow being executed, in which processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and manages the processing subsequent to the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in a single partial workflow. The invention of claim 12 is a workflow processing device comprising a processor, wherein the processor generates a second partial workflow in which processing executed in a first partial workflow, which is part of a workflow range specified by a user among workflows currently being executed, is executed separately from the first partial workflow in accordance with a processing result of an earlier step of the first partial workflow, the first partial workflow and subsequent processing of the second partial workflow are managed in a single partial workflow, the first partial workflow includes a printing plate process, the processing result is a number of printing plates determined based on the number of print images and the number of impositions, and the processor generates the second partial workflow so that the number of printing plates is the same as the sum of the numbers of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow. Claim 13 The invention described in the item (1) is a method for executing a workflow in a computer. a function of determining a first partial workflow in response to a user's operation specifying a range from a first step to a second step included in a plurality of steps subsequent to the first step; This is a program for realizing the function of generating a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow, in which the processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and the function of managing the subsequent processing of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in a single partial workflow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the invention of claim 1, when a new request occurs for processing managed by a workflow while the workflow is being executed, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the workflow is re-created from scratch. According to the invention of claim 2, the first partial workflow designated by the user Amount of subject to be processed A second partial workflow generated based on the first partial workflow Amount of subject to be processed can be managed. Claim 3 According to the invention, the process of generating a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow specified by the user can be performed by a user operation. Claim 4 According to the invention, the process of generating a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow specified by a user can be performed without relying on an operation by the user. Claim 5 According to the invention, it is possible to generate two partial workflows based on a partial workflow specified by a user, and to delete one of the two generated partial workflows. Claim 6 According to the invention, if the execution of the remaining partial workflow has been completed when the partial workflow is deleted, the workflow can proceed. Claim 7 According to the invention, when a second workflow is generated based on a first partial workflow specified by a user, the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow can be managed as a single partial workflow even if there is no summary process subsequent to the first partial workflow. Claim 8 According to the invention, when a processing step exists at the subsequent stage of the first partial workflow, a summarizing step can be generated using the processing step. Claim 9According to the invention, when a second workflow is generated based on a first partial workflow specified by a user, if a compilation step exists after the first partial workflow, the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow can be managed as a single partial workflow without generating an unnecessary compilation step. Claim 10 According to the invention, when a processing step exists at the subsequent stage of the first partial workflow, a summarizing step can be generated using the processing step. According to the invention of claim 11, when a new request occurs for processing managed by a workflow while the workflow is being executed, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the workflow is re-created from scratch. According to the invention of claim 12, the sum of the number of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow can be made the same as the number of printing plates determined based on the number of print images and the number of impositions. Claim 13 According to the invention, when a new request occurs for processing managed by a workflow while the workflow is being executed, the burden on the user can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the workflow is re-created from scratch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a workflow processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow template held by the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of actual data of a workflow generated by the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of attribute information of a digital printing process of a cover in actual data held by the workflow processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a process division screen displayed in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a process division screen displayed in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of actual data of a workflow generated by the workflow processing device in a state where a digital printing process is selected in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8]10 is a diagram showing an example of actual data of a workflow generated by the workflow processing device in a state in which a digital printing process and a surface treatment process are selected in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing an example of actual data of a workflow generated by the workflow processing device in a state in which a digital printing process, a surface processing process, and a cutting process are selected in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of attribute information of the digital printing process of cover division 1 and cover division 2 in the actual data held by the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining division of processes in actual data that has a receiving process, a digital printing process, and a shipping process, but does not have a consolidation process. [Figure 12] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams for explaining division of processes in actual data that has a receiving process, a digital printing process, a surface treatment process, and a shipping process, but does not have a consolidation process. [Figure 13] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams for explaining the division of processes in actual data that has a receiving process, a digital printing process, a surface processing process, a cutting process, and a shipping process, but does not have a consolidation process. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the operation of dividing the process of actual data based on the division state of the printing plate output. [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a workflow processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16-1] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a workflow management unit in the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-2] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a workflow management unit in the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16-3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a workflow management unit in the workflow processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Outline of this embodiment] This embodiment provides a workflow processing device that generates a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow, which is part of a workflow within a range specified by a user among workflows currently being executed, in which the processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and manages the subsequent processing of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow using a single partial workflow.

[0013] Here, a workflow is a defined flow of work that includes multiple steps. There are various types of workflows related to work, but the following describes a workflow related to work to manufacture products, particularly a workflow related to bookbinding work, as an example of a workflow.

[0014] [Workflow processing device hardware configuration] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a workflow processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the workflow processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 14, a display device 15, and an input device 16.

[0015] The processor 11 executes various software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications, and realizes the functions described below.

[0016] The RAM 12 is a memory used as a working memory for the processor 11. The HDD 13 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores input data for various software programs and output data from various software programs.

[0017] The communication I / F 14 transmits and receives various information to and from other systems or other devices via a communication line.

[0018] The display device 15 is, for example, a display that displays various information, and the input device 16 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse that the user uses to input information.

[0019] [Specific example of this embodiment] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow template 200 held by the workflow processing device 10. The workflow processing device 10 creates a workflow template 200 for a product, generates actual data of the workflow defined by this workflow template 200, and manages the process.

[0020] As shown in the figure, the Workflow Template 200 defines the product name, cover, body, and binding materials as parts. The product name is the name of the manufactured product. Although the product name is not strictly a part, it is included in the category of parts here for convenience. In the Workflow Template 200, a specific product name has not yet been assigned, so the product name is not set to a specific product name. The cover is the cover as a part that makes up the product, and the body is the body as a part that makes up the product. The binding materials are the parts used to bind the cover and body together.

[0021] The Workflow Template 200 also defines the following processes: a Reception Process, a Digital Printing Process, a Surface Treatment Process, a Cutting Process, a Binding Process, and a Shipping Process. The Reception Process is a process for receiving digital data. The Digital Printing Process is a process for printing based on the digital data, the Surface Treatment Process is a process for treating the surface of the printed material, and the Cutting Process is a process for cutting the printed material. The Binding Process is a process for binding the cover and the body together, and the Shipping Process is a process for shipping the bound product.

[0022] 2 shows that the cover and the body are subjected to a receiving process, a digital printing process, a surface finishing process, and a cutting process, respectively. It also shows that the cover and the body are combined in a binding process, and the combined product is shipped in a shipping process.

[0023] 3 is a diagram showing an example of actual workflow data 300 generated by the workflow processing device 10. The workflow processing device 10 generates the actual workflow data 300 to be managed from the workflow template 200 and performs manufacturing management.

[0024] As shown in the figure, the actual data 300 has the specific product name "Vehicles of the World" set as the product name. The actual data 300 has the same form as the Workflow Template 200, but unlike the Workflow Template 200, it has attribute information that indicates the attributes of each process of each part.

[0025] 4 is a diagram showing an example of attribute information of the digital printing process of the cover in the actual data 300 held by the workflow processing device 10. For example, by operating the icon 301 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the digital printing process of the cover, attribute information 400 is displayed.

[0026] As shown in the figure, attribute information 400 includes, as items, the name of the planned printing equipment group, the planned printing equipment ID, the logical printer name, the print process ID, the print process name, the number of impositions, the number of allocations, the number of pages printed, the paper amount, and the print speed specification. Attribute information 400 also includes, as items, the number of copies to be printed, the device link profile name, the print file save path, the number of print file divisions, the scheduled start date and time, the scheduled completion date and time, the scheduled required time, the start date and time, the completion date and time, and the required time. Attribute information 400 indicates that the number of copies to be printed in the digital printing process is 200, the time required for the digital printing process is 20 minutes, and the start date and time of the digital printing process is July 2, 2021, 1:54:04 PM.

[0027] Meanwhile, when the workflow processing device 10 performs manufacturing management using such a workflow, for example, the following situation may occur. (1) A situation in which production of a product is not completed within the scheduled date, and the remaining product must be manufactured the next day. (2) A situation in which the number of products is increased during production, and all of these products must be manufactured within the delivery deadline. (3) A situation in which equipment malfunctions during the production of a product, and the remaining product must be produced using different equipment. (4) A situation in which the delivery date for a product is brought forward while it is being manufactured, making it necessary to manufacture the product in parallel.

[0028] When such a situation occurs, it is necessary to keep the track record of the products that have already been manufactured and increase the number of new products to be manufactured.In addition, in such cases, it is also necessary to be able to set how to organize the processes subsequent to the process in which the number of products has been increased.In other words, it is necessary to be able to select whether the processes subsequent to the products that have already been manufactured and the processes subsequent to the products to be newly manufactured should be carried out separately or together.

[0029] Therefore, in this embodiment, the workflow processing device 10 divides the steps of a workflow even if the workflow has already started, and the user can further specify the subsequent steps to be divided and remake the workflow.

[0030] Specifically, first, when the user selects "Split" from the menu screen displayed by right-clicking on the icon 301 in Fig. 3, the workflow processing device 10 displays a process split screen for splitting the process indicated by the icon 301. In other words, it is possible to specify and split an ongoing process.

[0031] 5 and 6 are diagrams showing an example of such a process division screen 500. Since the icon 301 represents the digital printing process of the cover, the process division screen 500 is a screen for dividing the digital printing process of the cover.

[0032] As shown in the figure, the process division screen 500 includes a product information display area 510 and a part information display area 520. In the product information display area 510, a product name display field 511 displays that the product name is "Vehicles of the World," and in the part information display area 520, a division source part type name display field 521 displays that the part to be divided is a "Cover."

[0033] The process division screen 500 also includes an add button 530 and a delete button 540. The add button 530 is a button for adding a part by division, and the delete button 540 is a button for deleting an added part.

[0034] Furthermore, the process division screen 500 includes a part display area 550. Various information included in the attribute information 400 is displayed in the part display area 550. In FIG. 5, the process status display field 551 displays "In Processing" as the process status, and the transmission status display field 552 displays "Not Sent" as the transmission status. In FIG. 4, these status information are omitted. Furthermore, the detailed schedule display field 553 displays "None" as the detailed schedule. The detailed schedule is date and time information indicating when the work will start and end. Furthermore, the number of copies to be printed display field 554 displays "200" as the number of copies to be printed.

[0035] On the other hand, if you click the Add button 530 in Fig. 5 and set one as the number of parts to be added, the part display area 550 will appear as shown in Fig. 6. In Fig. 5, the number of copies to be printed was "200," but in Fig. 6, the number of copies to be printed for cover division 1, which corresponds to the original part, is now "100," and the number of copies to be printed for cover division 2, which corresponds to the added part, is now "100."

[0036] The process division screen 500 also includes a division target process selection area 560. The division target process selection area 560 displays a check box 561 for selecting a digital printing process, a check box 562 for selecting a surface finishing process, and a check box 563 for selecting a cutting process. Since Fig. 5 is the screen displayed by operating the icon 301 representing the digital printing process in Fig. 3, the check box 561 is already checked. In addition, by checking the check boxes 562 and 563 in the division target process selection area 560, it is possible to select the surface finishing process and the cutting process, which are processing processes up to the binding process that assembles multiple parts at the subsequent stage of the digital printing process.

[0037] Furthermore, the process division screen 500 includes a grouping component designation area 570. The grouping component designation area 570 is an area for designating a component for which a grouping process, which will be described later, is to be performed.

[0038] In this way, it is assumed that the user clicks the apply button 580 with the check box 561 checked.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of actual workflow data 310 generated by the workflow processing device 10 in this case. The actual data 310 is actual data obtained by dividing the digital printing process for the cover of the actual data 300 shown in Fig. 3. That is, icon 311 represents the digital printing process for cover division 1, and icon 312 represents the digital printing process for cover division 2. On the other hand, the surface finishing process and cutting process are not divided, so icon 313 represents the surface finishing process for the cover, and icon 315 represents the cutting process for the cover.

[0040] In this case, the digital printing process of cover division 1 represented by icon 311 is an example of a first partial workflow that is part of a workflow range specified by the user. Also, the digital printing process of cover division 2 represented by icon 312 is an example of a second partial workflow in which the processing performed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow.

[0041] Also, assume that the user checks check box 562 in addition to check box 561 on process division screen 500 in FIG. 6 and clicks apply button 580.

[0042] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of actual workflow data 320 generated by the workflow processing device 10 in this case. The actual data 320 is actual data obtained by dividing the digital printing process and surface finishing process of the cover of the actual data 300 shown in Figure 3. That is, icon 321 represents the digital printing process of cover division 1, and icon 322 represents the digital printing process of cover division 2. Also, icon 323 represents the surface finishing process of cover division 1, and icon 324 represents the surface finishing process of cover division 2. On the other hand, since the cutting process is not divided, icon 325 represents the cover cutting process.

[0043] In this case, the digital printing process of cover division 1 represented by icon 321 and the surface finishing process of cover division 1 represented by icon 323 are examples of a first partial workflow that is part of a workflow range specified by the user. Also, the digital printing process of cover division 2 represented by icon 322 and the surface finishing process of cover division 2 represented by icon 324 are examples of a second partial workflow in which the processing performed in the first partial workflow is performed separately from the first partial workflow.

[0044] Also, assume that the user checks check boxes 562 and 563 in addition to check box 561 on process division screen 500 in FIG. 6 and clicks apply button 580.

[0045] 9 is a diagram showing an example of actual workflow data 330 generated by the workflow processing device 10 in this case. The actual data 330 is actual data obtained by dividing the actual data 300 shown in FIG. 3 into the digital printing process, surface finishing process, and cutting process for the cover. That is, icon 331 represents the digital printing process for cover division 1, and icon 332 represents the digital printing process for cover division 2. Furthermore, icon 333 represents the surface finishing process for cover division 1, and icon 334 represents the surface finishing process for cover division 2. Furthermore, icon 335 represents the cutting process for cover division 1, and icon 336 represents the cutting process for cover division 2.

[0046] In this case, the digital printing process for cover division 1 represented by icon 331, the surface finishing process for cover division 1 represented by icon 333, and the cutting process for cover division 1 represented by icon 335 are examples of a first partial workflow that is part of a workflow range specified by the user. Also, the digital printing process for cover division 2 represented by icon 332, the surface finishing process for cover division 2 represented by icon 334, and the cutting process for cover division 2 represented by icon 336 are examples of a second partial workflow in which the processing performed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow.

[0047] 7 and 8, the process of cover division 1 and the process of cover division 2 are combined in a cover processing process. In contrast to this, in FIG. 9, there is no combining process that combines only the covers as a subsequent process to the processes of cover division 1 and cover division 2. In such a case, rather than creating a new combining process that combines the processes of cover division 1 and cover division 2, cover division 1, cover division 2, and the body are combined in the combining process that combines the cover and the body, represented by icon 337.

[0048] Here, the actual data 310, 320, and 330 also have attribute information indicating the attributes of each process for each part.

[0049] 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of attribute information 411 of the digital printing process of cover division 1 in the actual data 310 held by the workflow processing device 10. For example, the attribute information 411 is displayed by operating the icon 311 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the digital printing process of cover division 1.

[0050] 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of attribute information 412 for the digital printing process of cover division 2 in the actual data 310 held by the workflow processing device 10. For example, the attribute information 412 is displayed by operating the icon 312 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the digital printing process of cover division 2.

[0051] In the attribute information 400 of Fig. 4, the number of copies to be printed is "200", but in the attribute information 411 of Fig. 10(a) and the attribute information 412 of Fig. 10(b), the number of copies to be printed is "100". This number of copies to be printed is set to the value set in the part display area 550 of the process division screen 500 of Fig. 6.

[0052] 4, the estimated required time is "20 minutes," but the estimated required time is "10 minutes" in the attribute information 411 in Fig. 10(a) and the attribute information 412 in Fig. 10(b). The workflow processing device 10 calculates this estimated required time based on the number of copies to be printed, the intended printer ID, the number of impositions, the number of allocations, the amount of paper, and the designated print speed.

[0053] Furthermore, the values ​​before splitting are copied for the scheduled printing equipment group name, scheduled printing equipment ID, logical printer name, print process ID, print process name, number of impositions, number of allocations, number of pages per run, paper volume, print speed specification, device link profile name, print file save path, number of print file splits, etc. Also, actual results are set for the scheduled start date and time, scheduled completion date and time, start date and time, completion date and time, required time, etc. as the process progresses. For example, as shown in the start date and time column as an example, different values ​​are set for the scheduled start date and time, scheduled completion date and time, start date and time, and completion date and time before and after splitting. However, in the figure, the contents of items other than the start date and time are left blank.

[0054] In this embodiment, attribute information 400 is used as an example of first execution information indicating the execution status of the first partial workflow. Also, in this embodiment, attribute information 411 and attribute information 412 are used as an example of second execution information indicating the execution status of the second partial workflow.

[0055] In this embodiment, the number of copies to be printed in the attribute information 400 is used as an example of first processing amount information indicating the amount of the target to be processed in the first partial workflow. Also, in this embodiment, the number of copies to be printed in the attribute information 411 and the number of copies to be printed in the attribute information 412 are used as examples of second processing amount information indicating an amount smaller than the amount indicated by the first processing amount information.

[0056] In this embodiment, the start date and time of the attribute information 400 is used as an example of first time information indicating the time when the first partial workflow is executed. Also, in this embodiment, the start date and time of the attribute information 411 and the start date and time of the attribute information 412 are used as an example of second time information indicating a time different from the time indicated by the first time information.

[0057] Next, a case where there is no combining step for combining the divided steps will be described. In this case, when the user specifies a combining step in the combining part specifying area 570 on the step division screen 500 in Fig. 6, the workflow processing device 10 generates the combining step.

[0058] First, the division of processes in actual data 610, which has a receiving process, a digital printing process, and a shipping process but does not have a consolidation process, will be described.

[0059] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing actual data 610 before division.

[0060] 11(b) is a diagram showing actual data 620 generated by dividing the digital printing process in the actual data 610. In the actual data 610, there is no summarizing process or processing process after the digital printing process, so the workflow processing device 10 newly generates a summarizing process represented by an icon 621 in the actual data 620.

[0061] In this case, the consolidation process represented by icon 621 is an example of a consolidation process for consolidating the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow, which is generated when there is no process for consolidating multiple partial workflows after the first partial workflow.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the division of processes in actual data 630, which has a receiving process, a digital printing process, a surface treatment process, and a shipping process, but does not have a consolidation process.

[0063] FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing actual data 630 before division.

[0064] 12(b) is a diagram showing actual data 640 generated by dividing the digital printing process in the actual data 630. In the actual data 630, there is no finishing process after the digital printing process, but there is a surface finishing process, which is a processing process, so the workflow processing device 10 makes the surface finishing process represented by icon 641 in the actual data 640 also serve as the finishing process.

[0065] In this case, the surface processing step that also serves as a merging step, represented by icon 641, is an example of a merging step that also serves as a processing step, which is generated when a processing step exists at a later stage of the first partial workflow.

[0066] 12(c) is a diagram showing actual data 650 generated by dividing the digital printing process and the surface treatment process in the actual data 630. In the actual data 630, there is no summarizing process or processing process after the surface treatment process, so the workflow processing device 10 newly generates a summarizing process represented by an icon 651 in the actual data 650.

[0067] In this case, the consolidation process represented by icon 651 is an example of a consolidation process for consolidating the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow, which is generated when there is no process for consolidating multiple partial workflows after the first partial workflow.

[0068] In this embodiment, the actual data 650 in FIG. 12(c) is not generated by dividing the steps in the actual data 640 in FIG. 12(b).

[0069] Next, a description will be given of the division of processes in actual data 660, which has a receiving process, a digital printing process, a surface processing process, a cutting process, and a shipping process, but does not have a consolidation process.

[0070] FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing actual data 660 before division.

[0071] 13(b) is a diagram showing actual data 670 generated by dividing the digital printing process in the actual data 660. In the actual data 660, there is no finishing process after the digital printing process, but there is a surface finishing process, which is a processing process, so the workflow processing device 10 makes the surface finishing process represented by icon 671 in the actual data 670 also serve as the finishing process.

[0072] In this case, the surface processing step that also serves as a merging step, represented by icon 671, is an example of a merging step that also serves as a processing step, which is generated when a processing step exists at a later stage of the first partial workflow.

[0073] 13(c) is a diagram showing actual data 680 generated by dividing the digital printing process and the surface treatment process in the actual data 660. In the actual data 660, there is no finishing process after the surface treatment process, but there is a cutting process, which is a processing process, so the workflow processing device 10 makes the cutting process represented by icon 681 in the actual data 680 also serve as the finishing process.

[0074] In this case, the cutting process that also functions as a finishing process represented by icon 681 is an example of a finishing process that also functions as a processing process, which is generated when a processing process exists subsequent to the first partial workflow.

[0075] 13(d) is a diagram showing actual data 690 generated by dividing the digital printing process, the surface processing process, and the cutting process in the actual data 660. In the actual data 660, there is no summarizing process or processing process after the cutting process, so the workflow processing device 10 newly generates a summarizing process represented by an icon 691 in the actual data 690.

[0076] In this case, the consolidation process represented by icon 691 is an example of a consolidation process for consolidating the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow, which is generated when there is no process for consolidating multiple partial workflows after the first partial workflow.

[0077] In this embodiment, the steps in the actual data 670 in Figure 13(b) are not divided to generate the actual data 680 in Figure 13(c) or the actual data 690 in Figure 13(d). Also, the steps in the actual data 680 in Figure 13(c) are not divided to generate the actual data 690 in Figure 13(d).

[0078] Next, the operation of dividing the process of the actual data based on the division state of the printing plate output will be described.

[0079] 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of a workflow template 700 that is the source of actual data for such division. The workflow processing device 10 stores such a workflow template 700. The workflow template 700 has a reception process, a platemaking process, a plate-making process, an offset printing process, a cutting process, a collating process, and a shipping process. In the workflow template 700, the user defines the processes to be divided. Here, marks 701, 702, and 703 indicate that the user has defined the plate-making process, offset printing process, and cutting process as processes to be divided.

[0080] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing an example of actual data 800 generated from the workflow template 700. The workflow processing device 10 generates such actual data 800. Here, it is assumed that two silver plates are created in the platemaking process. Then, the workflow processing device 10 divides the platemaking process, offset printing process, and cutting process of the actual data 800 into two, even if the user does not specify the process by which the actual data 800 is to be divided. This division can be performed even if the process has already progressed. It is also possible to change the number of divisions before the process has already progressed.

[0081] The operation when dividing the offset printing process represented by the icon 801 in the actual data 800 in FIG. 14(b) is the same as that described above.

[0082] In the above description, assuming a workflow including a platemaking process, the number of divisions of the platemaking process is determined based on the number of print images and the number of impositions in the platemaking process, which is a process preceding the platemaking process. However, this is not limited to this. The number of divisions of a certain process may also be determined based on the processing results of the process preceding that process. In this sense, the number of plates is an example of the processing results.

[0083] [Functional configuration of workflow processing device] 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a workflow processing device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the workflow processing device 10 includes a workflow storage unit 101, an attribute information storage unit 102, a display control unit 103, an operation reception unit 104, a communication control unit 105, a workflow management unit 106, and an attribute information management unit 107.

[0084] The workflow storage unit 101 stores the actual data of a workflow generated from a workflow template.

[0085] The attribute information storage unit 102 stores attribute information indicating the attributes of each step of each part included in the actual data of the workflow stored in the workflow storage unit 101 .

[0086] The display control unit 103 controls the display device 15 by outputting information to the display device 15. For example, the display control unit 103 controls the display device 15 to display a workflow passed from the workflow management unit 106 or attribute information passed from the attribute information storage unit 102. Here, the display control unit 103 outputs information to the display device 15 of the workflow processing device 10, but it may also output information to a display device of a client computer connected to the workflow processing device 10 via a communication line.

[0087] The operation accepting unit 104 accepts a user operation performed using the input device 16 and acquires user operation information. For example, the operation accepting unit 104 accepts a user operation to select a step in a workflow and transfers step selection information to the workflow management unit 106. Note that, although the operation accepting unit 104 here acquires operation information from the input device 16 of the workflow processing device 10, it may also acquire operation information from an input device of a client computer connected to the workflow processing device 10 via a communication line.

[0088] The communication control unit 105 controls the communication I / F 14 to communicate information with other systems or other devices. Here, the other systems include an order-receiving system, a prepress system, a CTP (Computer To Plate) system, etc. In this case, the communication control unit 105 receives, for example, order information from the order-receiving system, or a notification of processing completion from the prepress system or the CTP system. Furthermore, the other devices include a printing device, a processing machine, etc. In this case, the communication control unit 105 receives, for example, a notification of processing completion from the printing device or the processing machine.

[0089] When the communication control unit 105 receives order information from the order receiving system, the workflow management unit 106 generates actual workflow data based on the order information and the workflow template and stores this in the workflow storage unit 101. The workflow management unit 106 then reads out the actual workflow data stored in the workflow storage unit 101 and passes it to the display control unit 103. The workflow management unit 106 also divides the steps in the workflow based on operation information acquired from the operation reception unit 104.

[0090] Specifically, the workflow management unit 106 divides a range of steps in the workflow specified by the user, and generates new steps that perform processing in the same order as the original steps. In this embodiment, this processing is performed by the workflow management unit 106 as an example of generating a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow of the currently running workflow.

[0091] In this case, when the user performs an operation to specify a range in the workflow, the workflow management unit 106 may divide the steps in the range specified by the user to generate new steps. Here, the workflow management unit 106 may acquire information about the range specified by the user from the operation receiving unit 104. In this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of generating a second partial workflow in response to the user's operation to specify a range.

[0092] Alternatively, when the workflow management unit 106 obtains the processing result of a certain step in the workflow, it may divide a subsequent step of the previous step based on the processing result and generate a new step. Here, a platemaking step is exemplified as an example of the certain step, and the number of silver plates is exemplified as an example of the processing result of the step. Furthermore, a printing plate step is exemplified as an example of a subsequent step of the previous step. That is, the workflow management unit 106 may divide the printing plate step and generate new steps equal to the number of silver plates obtained in the platemaking step. In this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of generating a second partial workflow in accordance with the processing result of a previous step of a first partial workflow. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of generating a second partial workflow so that the number of printing plates is the same as the sum of the numbers of the first and second partial workflows.

[0093] Furthermore, the workflow management unit 106 may divide a range of steps in a workflow specified by the user, and generate two or more new steps that perform processing in the same order as the original steps. Here, the workflow management unit 106 may acquire information on the range specified by the user and information on the number of steps to be added by the division from the operation acceptance unit 104. Then, the workflow management unit 106 may delete any of the two or more new steps added by the division. Here, the workflow management unit 106 may acquire information on the steps to be deleted, specified by the user, from the operation acceptance unit 104. In this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of deleting the third partial workflow in response to a user instruction, after generating a second partial workflow and a third partial workflow in which the processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, based on a first partial workflow.

[0094] Furthermore, the workflow management unit 106 manages the steps in the workflow within the range specified by the user and the new steps added by division in a single subsequent flow. In this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of managing the subsequent processing of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in a single partial workflow.

[0095] In particular, when there is no combining step after the steps in the range specified by the user in the workflow, the workflow management unit 106 generates a combining step for combining the steps in the range specified by the user with the new steps added by the division. In this case, when there is a processing step after the steps in the range specified by the user in the workflow, the workflow management unit 106 generates a combining step from that processing step. In this embodiment, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of generating a combining step for combining the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow when there is no step after the first partial workflow for combining multiple partial workflows. Also, in this embodiment, when there is a processing step after the first partial workflow, this processing by the workflow management unit 106 is performed as an example of generating a combining step that also serves as a processing step.

[0096] Furthermore, if a consolidation step exists after a step in the workflow within the range specified by the user, the workflow management unit 106 links the new step added by the division to this consolidation step. In this case, if a processing step exists after a step in the workflow within the range specified by the user, the workflow management unit 106 generates a consolidation step from the processing step and links the generated consolidation step to the original consolidation step that exists after it. In this embodiment, when an existing consolidation step for consolidating multiple partial workflows exists after a first partial workflow, the workflow management unit 106 performs this processing as an example of associating a second partial workflow with the existing consolidation step. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a processing step exists after the first partial workflow, the workflow management unit 106 generates a new consolidation step that also serves as a processing step for consolidating the first and second partial workflows, and performs this processing as an example of associating the second partial workflow with the existing consolidation step via the new consolidation step.

[0097] When the communication control unit 105 receives a notification of processing completion from a prepress system, a CTP system, a printing device, a processing machine, etc., the attribute information management unit 107 updates the attribute information of the process corresponding to these systems or devices stored in the attribute information storage unit 102.

[0098] Furthermore, when the attribute information management unit 107 receives from the workflow management unit 106 a notification that new steps have been generated by dividing a range of steps in a workflow designated by the user, the attribute information management unit 107 updates the attribute information of the range of steps designated by the user and the new steps added by the division. In this embodiment, when a second partial workflow is generated based on a first partial workflow, this processing by the attribute information management unit 107 is performed as an example of generating second execution information based on first execution information.

[0099] Furthermore, when the attribute information management unit 107 receives from the workflow management unit 106 a notification that one of the two or more steps added by dividing the workflow has been deleted, it determines whether the step status of all of the steps added by dividing is "completed." If the step status of all of the steps is "completed," the attribute information management unit 107 changes the step status of the first step that combines the step specified by the user in the workflow and the new step added by dividing to "not started." In this embodiment, this processing by the attribute information management unit 107 is performed as an example of changing the status of the subsequent steps of the first and second partial workflows to a state where they can be started if the execution of the first and second partial workflows has been completed when the third partial workflow is deleted.

[0100] [Workflow Management Section Operation]

[0101] 16-1 to 16-3 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the workflow management unit 106. It is assumed that, prior to this example of operation, the workflow management unit 106 reads actual data of the workflow from the workflow storage unit 101, and the display control unit 103 controls the workflow to be displayed on the display device 15. It is also assumed that the operation reception unit 104 is able to receive a user operation on the workflow displayed on the display device 15 and pass information related to the user operation to the workflow management unit 106.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 16-1, first, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether the process status of the selected printing process is "completed" or "cancelled" (step 121).

[0103] If it is determined that the process status of the printing process selected in step 121 is "completed" or "cancelled," the printing process is not subject to division, and the workflow management unit 106 ends the process without dividing the process.

[0104] If it is determined in step 121 that the process status of the selected printing process is neither "completed" nor "cancelled," the workflow management unit 106 determines whether the selected printing process has been divided (step 122).

[0105] If it is determined in step 122 that the printing process selected has already been divided, the workflow management unit 106 fixes the process subsequent to the selected printing process to that of the previous division (step 123). This means, for example, that when the workflow management unit 106 further divides the digital printing process represented by icon 312 in Fig. 7, the surface finishing process represented by icon 313 and the cutting process represented by icon 315 will not be changed. Alternatively, this means, for example, that when the workflow management unit 106 further divides the digital printing process represented by icon 322 in Fig. 8, the surface finishing process represented by icon 324 and the cutting process represented by icon 325 will not be changed.

[0106] Next, the workflow management unit 106 divides the steps to increase the number of steps or deletes the divided steps to decrease the number of steps (step 124). In this case, the workflow management unit 106 can acquire information on how many steps to increase or decrease from the user operation received by the operation receiving unit 104.

[0107] Next, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether the process status of all the divided processes is "completed" when the divided processes are reduced in step 124 (step 125).

[0108] If it is determined in step 125 that the process status of all the divided processes is "completed," the workflow management unit 106 changes the process status of the integrating process that will first integrate the divided processes to "not started" (step 126). Specifically, the workflow management unit 106 instructs the attribute information management unit 107 to change the process status of the integrating process that will first integrate the divided processes to "not started," and the attribute information management unit 107 changes the process status of that integrating process to "not started."

[0109] If it is determined in step 125 that the process status of any of the divided processes is not "completed," the workflow management unit 106 ends the process without changing the process status of the summary process to "not started."

[0110] If it is determined in step 122 that the printing process selected has not been divided, then, as shown in FIG. 16-2, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether there is a consolidation process that consolidates the divided processes after the selected printing process (step 141).

[0111] If it is determined in step 141 that there is no collecting process subsequent to the printing process selected, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether there is a processing process subsequent to the selected printing process for the same part (step 142).

[0112] If it is determined that a processing step exists as a post-process within the same part of the printing step selected in step 142, the workflow management unit 106 selects a processing step to be divided from among the processing steps (step 143). Note that the workflow management unit 106 may not select a processing step in this step.

[0113] Next, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether the processing step selected in step 143 is the final processing step for the part (step 144).

[0114] If it is determined in step 144 that the processing step selected is the final processing step for the part, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing step and processing step, and generates a new combining step that combines the divided printing step and processing step (step 145). For example, the combining step represented by icon 651 in Fig. 12(c) and the combining step represented by icon 691 in Fig. 13(d) correspond to the combining step generated in this step.

[0115] If it is determined in step 144 that the processing operation selected is not the final processing operation of the part, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing operation and processing operation, and generates a combining operation that combines the divided printing operation and processing operation from the processing operations that were not selected (step 146). Note that, even if no processing operation is selected in step 143, the workflow management unit 106 sets the determination result in step 144 to "NO" and performs the processing of step 146. That is, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing operation, and generates a combining operation that combines the divided printing operation from the processing operations that were not selected. For example, the surface processing operation that also serves as a combining operation represented by icon 641 in FIG. 12(b), the surface processing operation that also serves as a combining operation represented by icon 671 in FIG. 13(b), and the cutting operation that also serves as a combining operation represented by icon 681 in FIG. 13(c) correspond to the combining operations generated in this step.

[0116] If it is determined in step 142 that there is no processing process as a post-process for the same part of the printing process selected, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing process and generates a new combining process that combines the divided printing processes (step 147). For example, the combining process represented by icon 621 in Fig. 11(b) corresponds to the combining process generated in this step.

[0117] If it is determined that a consolidation process exists after the printing process selected in step 141, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether a processing process exists as a subsequent process within the same part of the selected printing process (step 161), as shown in FIG. 16-3.

[0118] If it is determined that a processing step exists as a post-process within the same part of the printing step selected in step 161, the workflow management unit 106 selects a processing step to be divided from among the processing steps (step 162). Note that the workflow management unit 106 may not select a processing step in this step.

[0119] Next, the workflow management unit 106 determines whether the processing step selected in step 162 is the final processing step for the part (step 163).

[0120] If it is determined in step 163 that the processing step selected is the final processing step for the part, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing step and processing step, and links the divided printing step and processing step to a subsequent collecting step (step 164). For example, the bookbinding step that collects the cutting steps represented by icons 335 and 336 in Fig. 9 corresponds to the collecting step linked in this step.

[0121] If it is determined in step 163 that the processing step selected is not the final processing step for the part, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing step and processing step, and generates a combining step that combines the divided printing steps and processing steps from the processing steps that were not selected (step 165). Note that even if no processing step is selected in step 162, the workflow management unit 106 sets the determination result in step 163 to "NO" and performs the processing of step 165. That is, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing step, and generates a combining step that combines the divided printing steps from the processing steps that were not selected. For example, the surface processing step that also serves as a combining step, represented by icon 313 in FIG. 7, and the cutting step that also serves as a combining step, represented by icon 325 in FIG. 8, correspond to the combining steps generated in this step.

[0122] Thereafter, the workflow management unit 106 links the summarizing process generated in step 165 to a subsequent existing summarizing process (step 166). If no processing process is selected in step 162, the workflow management unit 106 links the summarizing process generated in step 165 to a subsequent existing summarizing process or processing process.

[0123] If it is determined in step 161 that there is no processing process as a subsequent process within the same part of the printing process selected, the workflow management unit 106 divides the selected printing process and links the divided printing process to the subsequent consolidation process (step 167).

[0124] [Processor] In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0125] Furthermore, the operations of the processor in this embodiment may not only be performed by one processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0126] [program] The processes performed by the workflow processing device 10 in this embodiment are prepared as programs such as application software, for example.

[0127] In other words, the program that realizes this embodiment can be understood as a program that causes a computer to realize the following functions: based on a first partial workflow, which is part of a workflow within a range specified by a user among the workflows currently being executed, generate a second partial workflow in which the processing performed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow; and manage the subsequent processing of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in a single partial workflow.

[0128] The program for realizing this embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by being stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10... workflow processing device, 101... workflow storage unit, 102... attribute information storage unit, 103... display control unit, 104... operation reception unit, 105... communication control unit, 106... workflow management unit, 107... attribute information management unit

Claims

1. a processor; The processor: determining a first partial workflow in response to a user operation specifying a range from a first step to a second step included in a plurality of steps subsequent to the first step in the workflow being executed; generating a second partial workflow based on the first partial workflow, in which a process executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow; The subsequent processes of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow are managed by one partial workflow. A workflow processing device comprising:

2. 2. The workflow processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor divides a value set as an amount of an object to be processed in the first partial workflow before the second partial workflow is generated, and allocates the divided amount to the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow.

3. 2. The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the second partial workflow in response to a user's operation to specify the range.

4. 2. The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates the second partial workflow in accordance with a processing result of a previous step of the first partial workflow.

5. 2. The workflow processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor generates, based on the first partial workflow, the second partial workflow and a third partial workflow in which the processing to be executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow, and then deletes the third partial workflow in response to an instruction from a user.

6. 6. The workflow processing device according to claim 5, wherein, when the third partial workflow is deleted, if execution of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow has been completed, the processor changes the states of subsequent steps of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow to a state where they can be started.

7. 2. The workflow processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when there is no process for combining a plurality of partial workflows subsequent to the first partial workflow, the processor generates a combining process for combining the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow.

8. 8. The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when a processing step exists at a subsequent stage of the first partial workflow, the processor generates the summarizing step that also serves as the processing step.

9. 2. The workflow processing device according to claim 1, wherein, if an existing combining step for combining a plurality of partial workflows exists after the first partial workflow, the processor associates the second partial workflow with the existing combining step.

10. 10. The workflow processing device according to claim 9, wherein, when a processing step exists subsequent to the first partial workflow, the processor generates a new summarizing step that also serves as the processing step for summarizing the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow, and associates the second partial workflow with the existing summarizing step via the new summarizing step.

11. A processor, The processor: generating a second partial workflow based on a first partial workflow that is a part of a workflow that includes a first step designated by a user and a second step selected by the user from a plurality of steps subsequent to the first step, in the workflow being executed, so that the processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow; The subsequent processes of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow are managed by one partial workflow. A workflow processing device comprising:

12. A processor, The processor: generating a second partial workflow in which processing executed in a first partial workflow that is part of a workflow within a range designated by a user among the workflows being executed is performed separately from the first partial workflow, in accordance with a processing result of a previous step of the first partial workflow; managing subsequent processes of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in one partial workflow; the first partial workflow includes a printing plate process, the processing result is the number of printing plates determined based on the number of print images and the number of impositions; The workflow processing device, wherein the processor generates the second partial workflow so that the number of printing plates is equal to the sum of the numbers of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow.

13. On the computer, a function of determining a first partial workflow in response to a user's operation specifying a range from a first step to a second step included in a plurality of steps subsequent to the first step in the workflow being executed; a function of generating, based on the first partial workflow, a second partial workflow in which the processing executed in the first partial workflow is executed separately from the first partial workflow; a function of managing subsequent processes of the first partial workflow and the second partial workflow in one partial workflow; A program to achieve this.

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