Print Processor Routing Documents to Electronic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses face challenges in transitioning to electronic document exchange systems due to the need for costly upgrades to existing paper-based systems, managing mixed exchange methods, and distinguishing between trading partners using different systems, especially with dynamic changes in relationships and adoption of new technologies.
Innovation Solution
A print processor that routes specific documents to either an automated data processing system or a printer based on predefined criteria, allowing for simultaneous use of electronic and paper-based document exchange methods without significant system modifications, by establishing network sessions and using recipient identification strings to determine document routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a business adopts electronic document exchange technology, then document exchange efficiency is improved, but system upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print processor as an intermediary component that sits between the existing print system and the electronic document exchange system. This mediator captures documents from the print queue, routes them to appropriate trading partners via electronic means (EDI, XML, etc.), and maintains compatibility with existing paper-based workflows. This allows incremental adoption without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the document exchange process into distinct pathways: traditional print documents continue to paper-based workflows, while selected documents are intercepted and routed electronically. This segmentation allows businesses to adopt electronic exchange for specific trading partners or document types without overhauling the entire document management system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a business maintains both paper-based and electronic document exchange systems, then compatibility with all trading partners is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print processor is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple document formats and routing destinations through a single component. It can process documents for both paper-based and electronic exchanges, support multiple electronic document standards (EDI, XML, PDF), and interface with various trading partner systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The print processor serves as a central mediator that abstracts the complexity of multiple exchange systems from the core business software. It provides a unified interface for document capture and intelligent routing logic that determines the appropriate delivery method based on trading partner preferences, document type, and other criteria, thereby simplifying the user's interaction with multiple systems.
3Measurement precision
If a business implements a system to distinguish between trading partners using different exchange methods, then document routing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a database of trading partner profiles that specify preferred document exchange methods, formats, and routing instructions before documents need to be sent. This pre-configuration allows the print processor to automatically make routing decisions based on stored preferences, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system can learn from routing outcomes and update trading partner preferences. Successful document deliveries reinforce correct routing decisions, while failed deliveries trigger re-evaluation and adjustment of routing rules, thereby improving routing accuracy over time through adaptive learning without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A print processor interfaces with a print job source such as an accounting system and a remote automated data processing system. The print processor comprises a print job source interface for receiving a sequence of documents from a print job source. The sequence of documents may comprise a first set of documents and a second set of documents. The first set of documents and the second set of documents may be mutually exclusive subsets of the sequence of documents. Each document of the first set may comprise data content to be directed to the remote automated data processing system. Each document of the second set may be directed to a printer. The print processor may establish a network session to the remote automated data processing system, authenticating to the remote automated data processing system, and transfer each document of the first set to the remote automated data processing system. The print processor may direct transfer of the second set to the printer.