Aggregate Work Volume Estimation for Printing Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-speed production printing environments, existing printing software lacks visibility, automation, and metrics to efficiently manage and reduce waste, particularly in calculating and displaying aggregate volume for job groupings, which hinders efficient printing and finishing of large orders.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to receive and select multiple jobs, automatically calculate an aggregate work volume estimation, and display it at a graphical user interface, enabling operators to control and optimize the printing process through filter and batch views, allowing for automated batch generation based on defined thresholds and volume ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual calculation and tracking of job volumes is used in existing printing software, then the system maintains simplicity, but it lacks visibility and automation for efficient printing management
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates aggregate work volume estimations by selecting jobs and computing metrics without requiring manual intervention. The printing software self-services by performing volume calculations, batch generation, and workflow optimization tasks that previously would have required manual operator input, thereby increasing automation while maintaining ease of use through automated rather than manual processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and displays aggregate work volume estimations before jobs are fully processed, allowing operators to plan and optimize workflows in advance. By providing volume metrics and automatically generating batches beforehand, the system enables proactive decision-making about printing workflows, reducing waste and improving efficiency before the actual printing process begins
2Productivity
If aggregate volume calculation and display features are added to provide visibility and metrics, then operational efficiency improves, but the software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printing workflow into distinct job units that can be individually selected and evaluated. By breaking down the overall printing workload into discrete jobs with calculable volume metrics, the system provides granular visibility and control without requiring complete restructuring of the printing software architecture, thus improving operational efficiency with manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregate work volume estimation serves as an intermediary metric that bridges raw job data and operational decision-making. This intermediate calculation layer translates complex job specifications into simplified volume metrics that operators can easily interpret and use for workflow optimization, providing visibility and productivity benefits while containing software complexity within the calculation layer
3Loss of substance
If automated batch generation based on thresholds is implemented, then waste reduction is achieved, but the system requires more complex calculation and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses volume threshold parameters as control criteria for automated batch generation. By changing the control parameter from manual review to automated volume-based thresholds, the system reduces waste through optimized batch processing while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple - operators only need to set threshold values rather than manage complex batch creation logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through aggregate volume calculations that inform batch generation decisions. By continuously calculating and displaying volume metrics, the system creates a feedback loop that automatically adjusts batch creation based on accumulated volume data, reducing waste through data-driven decisions while maintaining simple control through automated feedback-based adjustment rather than complex manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A method disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of jobs at a printing environment, detecting a selection of a set of the plurality jobs, automatically calculating an aggregate work volume estimation for set of selected jobs and displaying the aggregate work volume estimation at a graphical user interface.