Image forming system, method for controlling the image forming system, and control program

Abstract

This invention provides an image forming system, a control method for the image forming system, and a control program that can provide printed materials in accordance with the shipping schedule of products. [Solution] The image forming system 500 generates printed materials to be sent together with the ordered product. The image forming system 500 includes control units 315, 330, and 490 that control the printing process based on information regarding the timing of product delivery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a control method for an image forming system, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, BtoC (Business to Consumer) transactions through EC (Electric Commerce) sites have been on the increase. Products purchased through EC sites are packed in cardboard boxes or the like, or enclosed in envelopes at a logistics center and delivered to consumers (orderers). At this time, printed materials such as brochures related to the products are often sent together with the products.

[0003] Currently, among the brochures preprinted at a printing company or the like and stored in large quantities in the warehouse of the logistics center, an operator picks up the necessary brochures according to the instructions of the EC business operator and manually creates a set of brochures by stacking them in the specified order. The created set of brochures is enclosed or packed together when the product is shipped.

[0004] Such a set of brochures is, for example, created in advance by an operator for each purchased product or number of purchases of a customer during the operator's free time and stored in a number of boxes arranged on a predetermined shelf for each product. The set of brochures is picked by the operator from the shelf when enclosing it with the product. By creating the set of brochures in advance, the picking work of the operator becomes easier. However, for example, if the content of the brochure is time-limited or for some other reason, if the set of brochures to be enclosed is changed, it is necessary to remake the set of brochures. Also, when the set of brochures to be enclosed is changed, brochures that cannot be reused must be discarded. Also, even if there are brochures that can be reused, space for storing them is required.

[0005] Furthermore, the shipping operations at the logistics center are managed according to a schedule, and in order to avoid storing excess flyers that result from delays in operations, it is necessary to produce flyers and other printed materials in accordance with this schedule.

[0006] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for shipping printed materials using printed materials printed by a printer when the inventory in the inventory shelf for managing the inventory of printed materials is less than the number of copies ordered. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-257054 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 can compensate for shortages of printed materials on inventory shelves using printed materials produced by a printer, it does not take into account the shipping schedule. Therefore, if shipping is delayed and surplus flyers are generated, it is necessary to secure space to store those surplus flyers.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The main objective of this invention is to provide an image forming system, a control method for the image forming system, and a control program that can provide printed materials in accordance with the schedule of product shipping operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above objectives of the present invention are achieved by the following means.

[0012] ( 1 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products,The information processing device includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing a printed document based on the order, and the information processing device is Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product, the process of generating the printed material is controlled. The system includes a control unit, the timing for sending the product being the shipping timing of the product, and the control unit controls the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing. , painting Image forming system.

[0013] ( 2 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, The information processing device includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing a printed document based on the order, and the information processing device is Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product, the process of generating the printed material is controlled. The system includes a control unit, the timing for sending the goods is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the control unit controls the generation timing for generating the print job based on the delivery date and time. , painting Image forming system.

[0014] ( 3 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, The information processing device includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing a printed document based on the order, and the information processing device is Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product, the process of generating the printed material is controlled. The system includes a control unit, the timing for sending the product is the shipping timing of the product, and the control unit controls the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the shipping timing. , painting Image forming system.

[0015] ( 4 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, The information processing device includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing a printed document based on the order, and the information processing device is Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product, the process of generating the printed material is controlled. The system includes a control unit, the timing for sending the product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who ordered the product, and the control unit controls the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the delivery date and time. , painting Image forming system.

[0016] (5 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, A print job generated based on an order note, including an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed matter, wherein the image forming apparatus Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned products, the process of generating the printed materials is controlled. includes a control unit, the timing related to the delivery of the product is the shipping timing of the product, and the control unit controls the execution timing of executing the print job based on the shipping timing of the product , painting image forming system.

[0017] ( 6 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, A print job generated based on an order note, including an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed matter, wherein the image forming apparatus Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned products, the process of generating the printed materials is controlled. includes a control unit, the timing related to the delivery of the product is the timing based on the receiving date and time specified by the orderer who ordered the product, and the control unit controls the execution timing of executing the print job based on the timing based on the receiving date and time , painting image forming system.

[0018] ( 7 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, An information processing apparatus that generates a print job for generating a recorded printed matter based on the order, wherein the information processing apparatus Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned products, the process of generating the printed materials is controlled. includes a control unit, the timing related to the delivery of the product is the shipping timing of the product, and the control unit selects an image formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the shipping timing of the product , painting image forming system.

[0019] ( 8 ) In an image forming system that generates printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, An information processing apparatus that generates a print job for generating a recorded printed matter based on the order, wherein the information processing apparatus Based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned products, the process of generating the printed materials is controlled. includes a control unit, the timing related to the delivery of the product is the timing based on the receiving date and time specified by the orderer who ordered the product, and the control unit selects an image formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the timing based on the receiving date and time , paintingImage forming system.

[0020] ( 9 ) The aforementioned shipping timing includes the timing of the work performed to ship the product, as described above ( 1), (3), (5), or (7) The image forming system described above.

[0021] ( 10 The aforementioned shipping timing is determined based on the availability of the aforementioned product, as described above. 1), (3), (5), or (7) The image forming system described above.

[0022] ( 11 ) A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, and the information processing device is A step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product. Execute , The timing relating to the delivery of the aforementioned product is the shipping timing of the aforementioned product, and the step includes a step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing. A method for controlling an image forming system. (12) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, the information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the date and time of receipt. (13) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, the information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of controlling a transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming device based on the shipping timing. (14) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, the information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of controlling the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming device based on the date and time of receipt. (15) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed materials, which is a print job generated based on the order, and the image forming apparatus performs a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of sending the goods, the timing regarding the sending of the goods being the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of controlling the execution timing of executing the print job based on the shipping timing of the goods. (16) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed materials, which is a print job generated based on the order, and the image forming apparatus performs a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, wherein the timing for shipping the goods is based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step includes a step of controlling the execution timing of executing the print job based on the date and time of receipt. A method for controlling an image forming system. (17) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, the information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the goods, the timing for sending the goods being the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the shipping timing of the goods. (18) A method for controlling an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein the image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, the information processing device performs a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on a delivery date and time specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the timing based on the delivery date and time. (19) The method for controlling an image forming system according to claim 11, 13, 15, or 17, wherein the shipping timing includes the timing of performing work for shipping the product. (20) A method for controlling an image forming system according to claim 11, 13, 15, or 17, wherein the shipping timing is determined based on whether or not the product is in stock.

[0023] ( 21 Image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, wherein the computer A step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the aforementioned product. Execute , The timing relating to the delivery of the aforementioned product is the shipping timing of the aforementioned product, and the step includes a step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing. , control program. (22) A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, the computer executing a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the date and time of receipt. (23) A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, the computer executing a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, wherein the timing regarding shipping the goods is the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of controlling the transmission timing of sending the print job to the image forming device based on the shipping timing. (24) A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, the computer executing a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of controlling the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming device based on the date and time of receipt. (25) A control program included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein a computer of an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed materials, the computer executes a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of sending the goods, the timing regarding sending the goods being the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of controlling the execution timing of executing the print job based on the shipping timing of the goods. (26) A control program included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, wherein a computer of an image forming apparatus that executes a print job for generating the printed materials, the computer executes a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of controlling the execution timing of executing the print job based on the date and time of receipt. (27) A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, the computer executing a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing regarding shipping the goods being the shipping timing of the goods, and the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the shipping timing of the goods. (28) A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, the computer executing a step of controlling the process of generating the printed materials based on information regarding the timing of shipping the goods, the timing for shipping the goods being based on the date and time of receipt specified by the customer who ordered the goods, and the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job based on the timing based on the date and time of receipt. (29) The control program described in (21), (23), (25), or (27) above, wherein the shipping timing includes the timing of the work to ship the goods. (30) The control program described in (21), (23), (25), or (27) above, which determines the shipping timing based on the availability of the product in stock. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, the printing process is controlled based on information regarding the timing of product shipment, so that printed materials can be provided to be included with products in accordance with the product shipping schedule. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define any limitations of the present invention. [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic commerce system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print information acquisition unit. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating typesetting settings. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the manuscript data generation unit. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print job generation unit. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates the processing steps for printing flyers in an e-commerce system. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern for the flyers included with the product. [Figure 11] As a comparative example, this is a schematic diagram illustrating a shelf with numerous boxes for storing flyers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0027] (Example of an e-commerce system) Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of an e-commerce (EC) system according to one embodiment. In this EC system, a customer (orderer) uses a customer terminal 10 to order goods from EC businesses A, B, or C. The figure illustrates the case where an order is placed from the customer terminal 10 to A via the internet. Furthermore, if the customer orders goods from B and C, orders are similarly placed with B and C as well.

[0028] Orders for products are placed through the shopping cart systems implemented by each of the three companies: Company A, Company B, and Company C. The diagram illustrates a case where Company A's products are a1-a3, Company B's products are b1 and b2, and Company C's product is c1. Note that the stock quantity for each product is omitted.

[0029] E-commerce-focused logistics center 30 is a logistics center specializing in e-commerce. The inventory of each company's products is managed in warehouse 200 by warehouse management system 100. Depending on the remaining stock levels, products are transported from companies A, B, and C to e-commerce-focused logistics center 30 and replenished in warehouse 200.

[0030] The e-commerce-focused logistics center 30 is equipped with a warehouse management system 100, a warehouse 200, a printing support system 300, and an image forming apparatus 400 as components of the e-commerce system. The warehouse management system 100 and the printing support system 300 may be implemented by on-premise servers (computers) or by cloud servers.

[0031] When a customer places an order for a product, a picking list is printed from the image forming machine 400 at the e-commerce-focused logistics center 30 according to the order. The picking list, also called a shipping instruction sheet, is a list containing information necessary for the worker to perform the picking work (e.g., the storage location of the product, product code, quantity, etc.). The worker responsible for shipping the product checks the picking list, picks the product stored in the product storage area of ​​warehouse 200, obtains a printed flyer image of the product, inspects the product and the flyer, and then packs them into cardboard boxes. Note that product picking can also be performed by machine (e.g., material handling). Furthermore, the product flyer image is not limited to the flyer of the ordered product, but may include flyer images of related products and services.

[0032] Printed images of product flyers can be discharged into the output tray of the image forming apparatus 400 at the time the worker sends the product. In this embodiment, the timing of sending the product includes, for example, the timing of product shipment, or the timing based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who ordered the product. Furthermore, the order in which the image forming apparatus 400 discharges the printed materials corresponds, for example, to the order in which the product is packaged together with the printed materials.

[0033] Companies A through C each have servers 21 through 23 installed as components of their e-commerce systems. The shopping cart system is implemented by servers 21 through 23.

[0034] The customer terminal 10, the warehouse management system 100 of the e-commerce specialized logistics center 30, the warehouse 200, the printing support system 300, and the image forming apparatus 400, as well as the servers 21 to 23 at companies A to C, constitute the e-commerce system in this embodiment.

[0035] (Customer terminal 10) The customer terminal 10 is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet that a customer uses to order products. The customer terminal 10 is equipped with input / output devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, and mouse (not shown). For example, on a shopping site provided on the internet by an e-commerce business operator, the customer uses the input / output devices of the customer terminal 10 to perform operations such as searching for products, selecting products they wish to purchase, and deciding on a payment method.

[0036] (Servers 21-23) Servers 21-23 are computers installed in companies A-C, respectively, and each runs the shopping cart system, outputting a cart list in response to customer orders. The cart list includes information about the products ordered by the customer, customer name, address, and collection requests to the warehouse management system 100. The shopping cart system is a system that provides a mechanism for customers to order and pay for products over the internet. In the mechanism provided by the shopping cart system, customers search for products on e-commerce sites or mail-order sites, add the products they wish to purchase to their shopping cart, and proceed with the purchase procedure to order the products. Payment for the purchased products is made, for example, by credit card. In addition to these shopping cart and payment functions, the shopping cart system may also have order management functions, customer management functions, product management functions, sales promotion management functions, etc. Customers shop using a virtual shopping cart (basket) displayed on the screen of the customer terminal 10. For example, customers can select products by adding the products they wish to purchase to their shopping cart, just as they would when shopping in a physical store.

[0037] Servers 21-23 also generate product information and customer information from the information entered by the customer when ordering products. Hereinafter, product information will also be referred to as product information, and customer information as customer information. Product information includes product-specific information such as product name, serial number, and manufacturing date, as well as information about the product's location in warehouse 200 and the product's delivery company. Customer information includes information such as the customer's name, address, contact information, and the number of times each product has been purchased.

[0038] Furthermore, servers 21-23 transmit product flyer images, which have been pre-created by the e-commerce business operator, to the printing support system 300.

[0039] (EC-focused logistics center 30) <Warehouse Management System 100> The warehouse management system 100 is a WMS (Warehouse Management System) and has functions such as managing the inflow and outflow of goods to and from warehouse 200 and inventory management. When the warehouse management system 100 receives a shipping instruction, it generates a management number based on the cart list and information obtained from warehouse 200. The management number is a number that the warehouse management system 100 and the cart system manage in cooperation. Shipping instructions can be generated, for example, based on shipping requests that each cart system sends to the warehouse management system 100 when it receives an order from a customer. Shipping requests can be included, for example, in the cart list. The warehouse management system 100 generates a shipping list containing the management number and instructions (orders) regarding the goods to be retrieved from warehouse 200, the quantity of goods, etc., every few hours to one day and sends it to the printing support system 300. The shipping list includes information about the timing of goods shipment, such as the shipping date and time.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 1, warehouse 200 contains goods a1-a3 transported from company A, goods b1 and b2 transported from company B, and goods c1 transported from company C. Warehouse 200 is equipped with sensors to detect the remaining quantity of goods, and information regarding the remaining quantity of goods is transmitted sequentially to the warehouse management system 100. For example, if the remaining quantity of goods stored in warehouse 200 becomes zero or very low, a signal requesting replenishment of goods may be sent from warehouse 200 to the warehouse management system 100.

[0041] <Image Forming System 500> Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming system 500 shown in Figure 1. The image forming system 500 is a system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods. Here, in this specification, shipping goods and printed materials together means shipping the printed materials together with the goods, either in a package or enclosed. The image forming system 500 includes a printing support system 300 and an image forming apparatus 400.

[0042] The image forming system 500 of this embodiment controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of product delivery. The printing process includes, for example, the generation, transmission, and execution of print jobs. As shown in Table 1 below, the control targets in the control of the printing process include the timing of print job generation, the timing of print job transmission, and the timing of print job execution. The main entity controlling the timing of print job generation and the timing of print job transmission is the printing support system 300, and the main entity controlling the timing of print job execution is the image forming apparatus 400.

[0043] [Table 1]

[0044] Information regarding the timing of product shipment may include, for example, the shipping time of the product, or the timing based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. To ship a product, for example, an employee needs to check the availability of the product in warehouse 200 and carry out the shipping work. In other words, the shipping time of the product may be determined based on the availability of the product. Shipping work also includes, for example, product picking, packaging, and loading. The shipping time of the product may be determined based on the timing of the shipping work. The shipping time of the product may be determined based on parameters such as the scheduled shipping date included in the shipping timing information. Furthermore, the timing based on the delivery date and time may be determined based on parameters such as the specified delivery date, specified delivery time slot, and desired delivery time slot included in the shipping timing information.

[0045] <Printing Support System 300> The printing support system 300 is a system for supporting printing by the image forming apparatus 400, and together with the image forming apparatus 400, it constitutes the image forming system 500. The printing support system 300 has a printing information acquisition unit 310, a document data generation unit 320, and a print job generation unit 330. The printing support system 300 outputs print jobs based on the shipping list, cart list, and product flyer images.

[0046] The print support system 300 functions as an information processing device and generates print jobs for producing printed materials to be shipped together with products, in response to customer orders for products. When generating print jobs, the print support system 300 can change the original documents used for printing and their stacking order through typesetting, and can also change the timing of print job generation or transmission. For example, the print support system 300 starts the process of generating print jobs when the shipping list is imported from the warehouse management system 100 into the print support system 300.

[0047] [Print information acquisition unit 310] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print information acquisition unit 310 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating typesetting setting information. The print information acquisition unit 310 includes a shipping list import unit 311, a cart list database 312, a typesetting list generation unit 313, a shipping information database 314, and a print list generation unit 315.

[0048] The print information acquisition unit 310 generates a typesetting list and a print list based on the shipping list and the cart list. The typesetting list is information that combines customer information included in the cart list with the orders listed in the shipping list using management numbers, and is a list necessary when performing variable printing of the original data. The print list is a list of the orders to be printed from the orders listed in the shipping list, arranged in the order of printing.

[0049] [Shipping list import unit 311] The shipping list import unit 311 imports the shipping list output from the warehouse management system 100 and outputs the shipping list to the typesetting list generation unit 313. The shipping list includes a list of products to be shipped and shipping timing information for each product. Shipping timing information may include, for example, information regarding the specified delivery date, scheduled shipping date, desired delivery time, and specified delivery time slot.

[0050] [Cartlist Database 312] The cart list database 312 stores cart lists entered from the respective cart systems of companies A through C in its database. The cart list database 312 outputs the cart list information stored in the database to the typesetting list generation unit 313 in response to a request from the typesetting list generation unit 313. For ordered products, the cart list information and the orders listed on the shipping list are not necessarily synchronized, but the cart list information can be read from the database by the typesetting list generation unit 313 at the necessary time. After the cart system receives an order from a customer, it sends a shipping request to the warehouse management system 100, so all the information corresponding to the orders listed on the shipping list is included in the cart list information.

[0051] [Typesetting list generation unit 313] The typesetting list generation unit 313 generates a typesetting list based on the shipping list and cart list information, and outputs the typesetting list to the manuscript data generation unit 320. The typesetting list generation unit 313 compares the orders listed in the shipping list with the database information in the cart list, and generates a typesetting list by combining the customer information corresponding to the orders listed in the shipping list with the shipping list. At that time, the typesetting list generation unit 313 also includes typesetting setting information that defines the generation rules for variable manuscripts for each order in the typesetting list.

[0052] The typesetting list generation unit 313 can switch typesetting setting information according to the shipping timing information listed in the shipping list. As shown in Figure 4, the typesetting setting information is information having a structure consisting of ID, setting name, artwork data, and input coordinates. The figure illustrates data with IDs 1 and 2. For example, the data with ID:1 has a setting name of "September Promotion Campaign", artwork data of "September Campaign.pdf", and input coordinates of "Pattern 1.json". The artwork data is the base data into which variable information is input in variable printing, and in this embodiment, this corresponds to a product flyer image. The input coordinates are the coordinates into which the variable information is input. The product flyer image is, for example, stored in advance in association with the product in the manuscript data generation unit 320, which will be described later.

[0053] The typesetting list generation unit 313 extracts the corresponding data from the typesetting settings information according to the shipping timing information. For example, if the scheduled shipping date in the shipping timing information for an order in the shipping list is in August or early September, the typesetting list generation unit 313 determines that the data with ID:1 in the typesetting settings information is appropriate because the flyer for the "September sales promotion campaign" is suitable. In this case, ID:1 is recorded in the typesetting list as the typesetting settings information for the above order.

[0054] Thus, in this embodiment, the typesetting list generation unit 313 can select the original data to be printed, i.e., the image to be formed on the paper, by switching the typesetting setting data based on the shipping timing information. As a result, when the typesetting list generation unit 313 uses the above-mentioned promotional campaign flyers or flyers with limited-time content as typesetting data, it can select typesetting data with content appropriate for the timing of product shipment.

[0055] Furthermore, the typesetting list generation unit 313 can also switch typesetting settings information based on customer information listed in the cart list. Although not shown in the diagram, the typesetting settings information may include a setting name corresponding to the number of times the product has been purchased, artwork data, and input coordinates.

[0056] [Shipping Information Database 314] The shipping information database 314 is a database that stores shipping lists imported by the shipping list import unit 311. The shipping information database 314 outputs past shipping list information stored in the database in response to a request from the print list generation unit 315.

[0057] [Print list generation unit 315] The print list generation unit 315 generates a print list based on the shipping list. More specifically, the print list generation unit 315 determines the items to be printed from the multiple orders listed in the shipping list based on the shipping timing information included in the shipping list, and generates a print list. The print list generation unit 315 also refers to past shipping list information stored in the shipping information database 314 and adds it to the print list. More specifically, after the typesetting process by the typesetting execution unit 321 (described later) is successfully completed, the print list generation unit 315 determines the orders to be printed from the shipping timing information listed in the shipping list and adds the orders that should be printed at that time to the print list. At that time, the print list generation unit 315 refers to past shipping information in the shipping information database 314, determines the print orders from the shipping timing information, and adds them to the print list.

[0058] In this embodiment, the print list generation unit 315 functions as a control unit that controls the printing process. More specifically, the control unit can control the timing of print job generation by generating a print list based on information regarding the timing of product delivery.

[0059] [Manuscript data generation unit 320] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the original data generation unit 320 shown in Figure 2. The original data generation unit 320 generates original data based on the product flyer image and the typesetting list, and outputs it to the print job generation unit 330. The original data generation unit 320 includes a typesetting execution unit 321, an output PDF (Portable Document Format) storage database 322, and a typesetting setting database 323.

[0060] The typesetting execution unit 321 executes typesetting processing based on the typesetting list and generates manuscript data to be printed. The generated manuscript data is saved in the output PDF storage database 322. When executing typesetting processing, the typesetting execution unit 321 reads the information necessary for typesetting processing from the typesetting setting database 323 according to the typesetting setting information. The information necessary for typesetting processing is stored in the typesetting setting database 323. The information necessary for typesetting processing includes, for example, a typesetting setting information file that describes the contents of the above-mentioned typesetting setting information. The typesetting setting information file is written in, for example, JSON format. JSON is an abbreviation for JavaScript Object Notation. The typesetting setting information file may include a base plate data file into which variable information is inserted, an insertion coordinate file that indicates the coordinates into which variable information is inserted, and image data for insertion. The insertion coordinate file may also be a JSON file.

[0061] [Print job generation unit 330] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the print job generation unit 330 shown in Figure 2. The print job generation unit 330 generates and outputs print jobs based on the print list and original data. The generated print jobs are sent to the image forming apparatus 400. The print job generation unit 330 includes a job input unit 331 and a print setting database 332.

[0062] The job input unit 331 reads the print settings stored in the print settings database 332 based on the print specifications listed in the print list. The print settings include, for example, the number of pages, the number of copies, the type of paper (recording medium), size, basis weight, single-sided / double-sided printing, post-processing (stapling, binding), and marking (barcode, QR code). The job input unit 331 generates a print job based on the read print settings and the original data.

[0063] Furthermore, the job input unit 331 may have a buffer for storing multiple generated print jobs. The job input unit 331 can control the transmission timing of the multiple print jobs stored in the buffer based on the dispatch timing information included in the print list. For example, consider a case where multiple print jobs with different dispatch dates are stored in the buffer. Based on the dispatch timing information, the job input unit 331 can control the transmission of print jobs to the image forming apparatus 400 from among the multiple print jobs stored in the buffer that are to be dispatched on a specific day (for example, today).

[0064] <Image forming apparatus 400> Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 490 shown in Figure 7. The image forming apparatus 400 receives a print job from the print support system 300 and forms (prints) an image on paper (recording medium). The print job includes, for example, print data and print settings in PDL (Page Description Language) format. The print data includes, for example, data consisting of the 1st to nth pages. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 400 generates printed materials that are shipped together with the product.

[0065] The image forming apparatus 400 includes an image reading unit 410, an image processing unit 420, an image forming unit 430, a paper feeding unit 440, a paper transport unit 450, a fixing unit 460, a communication unit 470, an operation display unit 480, and a control unit 490. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0066] [Image reading unit 410] The image reading unit 410 comprises an optical system consisting of a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 410 reads a document placed on the reading surface or a document transported by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and outputs an image signal.

[0067] [Image processing unit 420] The image processing unit 420 generates print image data based on the print settings and print data included in the print job received from the print support system 300 via the communication unit 470. More specifically, the image processing unit 420 analyzes the print job received from the print support system 300, performs processing such as color conversion, screening, and rasterization on each page of the print data, and generates print image data in bitmap format. The image processing unit 420 has a buffer (memory) for temporarily storing multiple print jobs received from the print support system 300. The image processing unit 420 also has an image memory for temporarily storing the generated print image data.

[0068] Furthermore, the image processing unit 420 performs various image processing operations on the image signal received from the image reading unit 410 to generate print image data. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 430.

[0069] [Image forming unit 430] The image forming unit 430 forms an image on paper based on printed image data using a well-known image formation process, such as an electrophotographic method, which includes the steps of charging, exposure, development, and transfer. The image forming unit 430 is composed of a photosensitive drum as an image carrier and a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a transfer unit arranged around it.

[0070] The photoreceptor drum rotates at a predetermined speed by a drum motor (not shown). The charging unit includes corona discharge electrodes positioned around the photoreceptor drum, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum with the ions generated. The optical writing unit incorporates a scanning optical device and, based on the input print image data, exposes the charged photoreceptor drum, thereby lowering the potential of the exposed area and forming a charge pattern (electrostatic latent image) corresponding to the print image data. The developing unit develops the formed electrostatic latent image, visualizes it with toner, and forms a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor drum to the paper.

[0071] [Paper feed section 440] The paper feeding unit 440 supplies paper as recording material to the image forming unit 430. The paper feeding unit 440 has an upper tray and a lower tray, and each tray can store paper of different sizes, such as A4 size and A3 size.

[0072] [Paper transport section 450] The paper transport unit 450 transports paper within the image forming apparatus 400. The paper transport unit 450 has a transport path and a plurality of transport roller pairs for transporting paper. The paper transport unit 450 also includes a paper inversion unit that inverts the front and back sides of the paper that has been fixed by the fixing unit 460 and discharges it. Furthermore, the paper transport unit 450 includes a circulation transport unit that supplies the fixed paper back to the image forming unit 430. The control unit 490 controls the paper transport unit 450 so that the paper, which has been inverted by the paper inversion unit, is supplied back to the image forming unit 430 by the circulation transport unit, thereby forming an image on both sides of the paper.

[0073] The paper supplied from the paper feed unit 440 is transported along the transport path toward the image forming unit 430. The timing of the paper's transport to the transfer unit is controlled by the registration roller pair, which synchronizes with the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit is transported to the fuser unit 460. The paper onto which the image has been fixed in the fuser unit 460 is then transported to the circulation transport unit or discharged to the output tray.

[0074] [Fixing section 460] The fuser unit 460 fixes the toner image formed on the paper. The fuser unit 460 comprises a hollow heating roller with a heater inside and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 160°C or higher) by the heater, applying heat and pressure to the paper to fix the toner image.

[0075] [Communications Section 470] The communication unit 470 connects to, for example, a client terminal via a communication line and sends and receives data such as jobs.

[0076] [Operation display section 480] The operation display unit 480 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit, for example, includes a keyboard and a touchscreen, and is used by the operator to input various instructions (inputs) such as text input, various settings, and start commands. The output unit has a display and is used to show the operator the equipment configuration, job execution status, conditions for post-processing, output image, and the occurrence of abnormalities (jams) in paper transport.

[0077] [Control Unit 490] The control unit 490 controls the image reading unit 410, the image processing unit 420, the image forming unit 430, the paper feeding unit 440, the paper transport unit 450, the fixing unit 460, the communication unit 470, and the operation display unit 480. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 490 has a CPU 491, an auxiliary storage device 492, a RAM 493, and a ROM 494.

[0078] The CPU 491 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 400 by executing a control program for the image forming apparatus. The control program is stored in the auxiliary storage device 492 and is loaded into the RAM 493 when executed by the CPU 491. The auxiliary storage device 492 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The RAM 493 stores calculation results and the like associated with the execution of the CPU 491. The ROM 494 stores various parameters, various programs, and the like. The CPU 491 executes the above control program to realize various functions.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the control unit 490 controls the generation process of the printed matter based on the information regarding the timing of sending the product by executing the control program. For example, the control unit 490 can control the execution timing of the print job based on the information regarding the timing of sending the product. Details of the method for controlling the execution timing of the print job will be described later.

[0080] <Leaflet Printing Method in the EC System> FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the leaflet printing method in the EC system. Hereinafter, the case where a customer orders product a1 of Company A will be exemplified. The same applies to the case where the customer orders other products of Company A or products of Company B or Company C. The processing in step S101 in the figure is realized by the server 21 of Company A. Also, the processing in steps S102 to S104 in the figure is realized by the server of the EC specialized logistics center 30. Further, the processing in steps S105 to S107 in the figure is realized by the CPU 491 of the image forming apparatus 400 executing the control program.

[0081] First, the customer operates the customer terminal 10 to order product a1 on the EC site of Company A. The customer terminal 10 transmits order information to the cart system of Company A. The order information may include, for example, information such as the order date and time of product a1, product name, quantity, customer name, address, contact information, consignee name, consignee address, etc.

[0082] Company A's shopping cart system accepts an order (step S101) and generates product information for product a1 and customer information based on the received order information and production information for product a1 (e.g., serial number, manufacturing date, production line, etc.). Company A's shopping cart system outputs a cart list containing product information and customer information to the warehouse management system 100 and the printing support system 300.

[0083] When the warehouse management system 100 receives a shipping instruction, it generates a management number and creates a shipping list for the goods based on the cart list and information about the inventory items obtained from the warehouse 200.

[0084] Next, the print information acquisition unit 310 acquires the shipping list (step S102). More specifically, the shipping list acquisition unit 311 acquires the shipping list and sends it to the typesetting list generation unit 313 and the shipping information database 314. The shipping list is stored in the shipping information database 314.

[0085] Next, the print information acquisition unit 310 acquires the cart list (step S103). The acquired cart list is stored in the cart list database 312.

[0086] The typesetting list generation unit 313 generates a typesetting list based on the shipping list and cart list information, and outputs the typesetting list to the original data generation unit 320. The original data generation unit 320 generates original data based on the typesetting list and the typesetting setting information file stored in the typesetting setting database 323. The print list generation unit 315 generates a print list based on the shipping timing information included in the shipping list. Then, the print job generation unit 330 generates a print job based on the print list and the original data, and sends it to the image forming apparatus 400 (step S104).

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, the print list generation unit 315 generates a print list based on the shipping timing information. As described above, the timing at which the print list is generated can be changed according to the shipping timing information. Therefore, the print list generation unit 315 can control the timing at which print jobs are generated by controlling the timing at which the print list is generated according to the shipping timing information.

[0088] Furthermore, the print job generation unit 330 generates print jobs based on the print list and sends them to the image forming apparatus 400. The print job generation unit 330 can control the timing of sending print jobs according to the shipping timing information in the print list. For example, the print job generation unit 330 may store the generated print jobs in a buffer before the timing of shipping the goods, and then send the print jobs stored in the buffer to the image forming apparatus 400 when it is time to ship the goods.

[0089] Next, the image processing unit 420 receives the print job through the communication unit 470 and saves it in a buffer. The image processing unit 420 then executes the print job stored in the buffer (step S105). At this time, the control unit 490 can control the timing at which the image processing unit 420 executes the print job based on the shipping timing information. For example, the image processing unit 420 may receive the print job generated by the print job generation unit 330 in advance and save it in a buffer before the timing of shipping the goods, and then execute the print job stored in the buffer when it is time to ship the goods.

[0090] Next, the image forming unit 430 prints the original document onto the paper (step S107). The control unit 490 controls the image forming unit 430 to form an image on the paper based on the print image data generated by the image processing unit 420.

[0091] Next, the paper transport unit 450 discharges the printed material into the output tray (step S108). The control unit 490 controls the paper transport unit 450 to discharge the printed material with the image into the output tray.

[0092] Thus, in this embodiment, the print list generation unit 315 can control the timing of generating print jobs based on the dispatch timing information. The print job generation unit 330 can control the timing of sending print jobs based on the dispatch timing information. The control unit 490 can control the timing of executing print jobs based on the dispatch timing information.

[0093] (An example of a pattern chart for a flyer included with the product) Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pattern chart for flyers included with products. The pattern chart shows the image, image description, file name, and page stacking order for each page of the flyer. The figure illustrates a pattern chart for flyers included with cat food. According to the pattern chart, the flyer is sent to the customer along with the product upon their first purchase of a subscription.

[0094] (Current shipping process as a comparative example) Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shelf 610 on which numerous boxes 620 for storing flyers 700 are arranged. Currently, a shelf 610 is installed in the flyer storage area 600 of the e-commerce specialized logistics center 30, and numerous boxes 620 for storing flyers 700 are arranged in a row on this shelf 610. When shipping products, workers pick the flyers 700 from the shelf 610 where the corresponding flyers 700 are located and pack them together with the products being shipped.

[0095] However, the flyers 700 included with the product come in various patterns depending on the product, subscription status, and purchase frequency. Furthermore, if multiple flyers 700 are included, the stacking order is usually specified in advance by the brand owner. Workers manually pick the flyers 700 while referring to a pattern chart. Because the picking of flyers 700 is done manually, errors are prone to occur.

[0096] Furthermore, as mentioned above, currently, for example, workers create sets of 700 flyers in advance during their free time, depending on the purchased items and purchase frequency, and pick up the created sets of 700 flyers at the same time as picking the products. However, there are cases where the 700 flyers included with products are changed depending on the product, subscription, purchase frequency, etc. Also, the 700 flyers included may change frequently due to changes in seasons or product models. In such cases, the workload of workers at the product shipping site increases. In addition, in such cases, 700 flyers that can still be used after the change may be disassembled from the set and reused, but 700 flyers that cannot be used must be discarded.

[0097] (Effects of the image forming system 500 of this embodiment) The image forming system 500, the control method for the image forming system 500, and the control program according to this embodiment have the following effects.

[0098] The image forming system 500 controls the printing process based on shipping timing information, so it can provide printed materials to be included with products in accordance with the shipping schedule. Therefore, it can prevent the generation of excess flyers due to shipping delays.

[0099] As described above, the image forming system 500, the control method for the image forming system 500, and the control program have been explained in the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately added to, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept.

[0100] For example, the printing support system 300 may generate shipping labels, delivery slips, and flyers by combining the entered shipping list with information previously stored in the cart list database 312, etc., without using pre-created manuscript data (e.g., in PDF format).

[0101] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 10 Customer terminals, Servers 21-23 30 E-commerce-focused logistics centers, 100 Warehouse Management Systems, 200 warehouses, 300 Print Support Systems, 310 Print information acquisition unit, 311 Shipping list import unit, 312 Cart List Database, 313 Typesetting list generation unit, 314 Shipping Information Database, 315 Print list generation unit, 320 Manuscript data generation unit, 321 Typesetting Execution Department, 322 Output PDF Storage Database 330 Print job generation unit, 331 Job submission section, 332 Print Settings Database 400 Image forming apparatus, 410 Image reading unit, 420 Image Processing Unit, 430 Image forming unit, 440 Paper feed section, 450 Paper transport section, 460 Fixing section, 470 Communications Department, 480 Operation display section, 490 Control unit, 491 CPU, 492 Auxiliary storage, 493 RAM, 494 ROM, 500 image forming systems, 600 product storage area, 610 shelves, 630 boxes.

Claims

1. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The control unit controls the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing, in this image forming system.

2. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The control unit controls the generation timing for generating the print job based on the timing determined by the receipt date and time, in an image forming system.

3. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The control unit controls the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the dispatch timing, in an image forming system.

4. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The control unit controls the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the timing determined by the receipt date and time, in an image forming system.

5. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, A print job generated based on the aforementioned order, comprising an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material, The image forming apparatus includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The control unit controls the execution timing of the print job based on the shipping timing of the product, and is part of an image forming system.

6. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be sent together with ordered products, A print job generated based on the aforementioned order, comprising an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material, The image forming apparatus includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The control unit controls the execution timing for executing the print job based on the timing determined by the receipt date and time, in an image forming system.

7. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The control unit is an image forming system that selects an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on the timing of the shipment of the product.

8. An image forming system for generating printed materials to be sent together with ordered goods, Includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the aforementioned printed material based on the order, The information processing device includes a control unit that controls the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The control unit is an image forming system that selects an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on timing based on the receipt date and time.

9. The image forming system according to claim 1, 3, 5, or 7, wherein the aforementioned shipping timing includes the timing of performing work for shipping the product.

10. The image forming system according to claim 1, 3, 5, or 7, wherein the shipping timing is determined based on whether or not the product is in stock.

11. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered products, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing.

12. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

13. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling a transmission timing for sending the print job to an image forming apparatus based on the dispatch timing.

14. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling a transmission timing for sending the print job to an image forming apparatus based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

15. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing a printed material, which is a print job generated based on the order. The image forming apparatus performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling the execution timing of the print job based on the shipping timing of the product.

16. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing a printed material, which is a print job generated based on the order. The image forming apparatus performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product, The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of controlling the execution timing of executing the print job based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

17. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on the timing of the shipment of the product.

18. A control method for an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, The image forming system includes an information processing device that generates a print job for producing the printed material based on the order, The information processing device performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. A method for controlling an image forming system, comprising the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on timing based on the receipt date and time.

19. The control method for an image forming system according to claim 11, 13, 15, or 17, wherein the shipping timing includes the timing for performing work to ship the product.

20. The method for controlling an image forming system according to claim 11, 13, 15, or 17, wherein the shipping timing is determined based on whether or not the product is in stock.

21. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device, which is included in an image forming system that generates printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes a step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the shipping timing.

22. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device which is included in an image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes a step of controlling the generation timing for generating the print job based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

23. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device which is included in an image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes controlling the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the dispatch timing.

24. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device which is included in an image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes a step of controlling the transmission timing for sending the print job to the image forming apparatus based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

25. A control program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing printed materials, which is included in an image forming system that produces printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which is a print job generated based on the order. The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes the step of controlling the execution timing of the print job based on the shipping timing of the product.

26. A control program executed by a computer of an image forming apparatus that performs a print job for producing printed materials, which is included in an image forming system that produces printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which is a print job generated based on the order. The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The aforementioned step is a control program that includes a step of controlling the execution timing of the print job based on the timing based on the receipt date and time.

27. ​​A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device which is included in an image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is the timing of the shipment of the aforementioned product. The control program includes the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on the timing of the shipment of the product.

28. A control program executed by a computer of an information processing device which is included in an image forming system for generating printed materials to be shipped together with ordered goods, and which generates a print job for generating the printed materials based on the order, The computer performs a step of controlling the printing process based on information regarding the timing of sending the product. The timing of the delivery of the aforementioned product is based on the delivery date and time specified by the customer who placed the order. The control program includes the step of selecting an image to be formed on a recording medium based on the print job, based on timing based on the receipt date and time.

29. The control program according to claim 21, 23, 25, or 27, wherein the shipping timing includes the timing for performing work to ship the goods.

30. The control program according to claim 21, 23, 25, or 27, wherein the shipping timing is determined based on whether or not the product is in stock.

Images