Print Job Routing via Device Scoring for Paper Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems face delays and inefficiencies when print devices run out of appropriate paper or lack the necessary capabilities to produce customer-specified products, leading to operator intervention and potential operational halts, especially in high-volume fulfillment centers.
Innovation Solution
A scoring and weighting method that evaluates printing devices and mediums in real-time based on product characteristics, allowing for automatic rerouting of print jobs and alternative medium selection to ensure efficient production without operator intervention, utilizing a system that assigns scores to devices based on their ability to produce specific print products and adjusts for operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If print jobs are manually assigned to print devices, then operator control over device selection is maintained, but operational delays occur when devices run out of appropriate paper or lack necessary capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables print devices to self-evaluate their capability to handle print jobs by automatically assessing their paper inventory and device specifications against job requirements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operator intervention in device selection, allowing the system to autonomously route print jobs to appropriate devices and maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of print device capabilities and paper availability before assigning print jobs. By pre-assessing which devices can handle specific job types based on their current state, the system proactively prevents operational delays rather than reacting to them after they occur.
2Productivity
If print devices are selected based on immediate paper availability, then production speed is maintained, but paper waste increases when appropriate paper sizes are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors paper inventory levels and device capability states, using this feedback information to make intelligent print job routing decisions. By assessing both the availability of appropriate paper sizes and the capability of alternative devices, the system can determine whether to proceed with immediate printing or hold jobs until appropriate materials are available, thereby preventing waste while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple print devices are evaluated for each job, then optimal device selection is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the print device evaluation process into distinct, manageable components: paper inventory assessment, device capability verification, and job requirement matching. This segmentation allows each component to be independently evaluated and processed, simplifying the overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive evaluation of device suitability.
Data Source
AI summary
A scoring and weighting system and method for providing print device selection on the basis of product characteristics that are specified for a print product is provided. The system determines the properties of one or more printing devices in relation to the product characteristics. The printing devices have one or more print mediums for providing the print product. A score is derived by determining a status respecting the conformity of the one or more print mediums to the product characteristics and evaluating the one or more printing devices' properties. Associating that score with each of the one or more printing device. Also, associating the print product with a print job and utilizing the score to route the print job to one of the one or more printing devices to produce the print product on one of the one or more print mediums.