Print Production Optimization System for Cost and Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current manual methods for estimating the most cost-efficient way to produce printed materials are time-consuming and inefficient, leading to higher prices for customers due to the complexity of varying print product specifications and unique production processes in each printing facility.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically optimizes print production by receiving printed matter specifications, fetching production resources data, determining all possible signatures and print sheet combinations, and selecting the most cost-effective production alternatives, including optimization variables like cost and delivery time, to generate an optimized production specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to estimate production costs, then deep knowledge and expertise can be applied to make right choices, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service cost estimation by having the computer system automatically evaluate multiple production alternatives and select the optimal solution based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining decision quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of cost estimation with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to evaluate production alternatives, substituting human expertise with computational analysis to reduce time while maintaining accuracy
2Productivity
If standardization is applied to reduce burden, then price calculation becomes faster, but customers can only choose from a very small fraction of all feasible printed matters
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different product specifications by automatically adjusting evaluation parameters and production alternatives based on the specific requirements input by customers, allowing flexible customization without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles parameter changes by automatically re-evaluating production alternatives when product specifications vary, using computational methods to adjust to different page counts, sizes, paper types, and finishing options without requiring standardization constraints
3Productivity
If cost estimating systems are used, then the burden of manual calculation is reduced, but deep knowledge of production process is still required to make the right choices
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by incorporating multiple functions within a single automated platform: it evaluates production alternatives, calculates costs, determines optimal signatures and impositions, and selects the best production plan, eliminating the need for separate expert interventions for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically making production decisions based on evaluated alternatives, eliminating the need for external expert knowledge input while maintaining optimal decision-making through predefined evaluation criteria and algorithms
4Measurement precision
If multiple production alternatives are evaluated manually, then the best cost-effective solution can be found, but the number of alternatives that can be evaluated is limited by human capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human evaluation capacity with computational power, allowing the system to evaluate an unlimited number of production alternatives through automated algorithms, far exceeding human capacity while maintaining precise cost optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-evaluating all possible production alternatives including different signature combinations, imposition layouts, and printing press selections before selecting the optimal solution, enabling comprehensive analysis without increasing evaluation time
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of automatically optimizing a print production process, comprising the operations of:receiving a printed matter specification, comprising data regarding at least one printed matter, as input data from a remote device; anddetermining an optimized print production specification on basis of the printed matter specification and print production resources data; wherein the operation of determining an optimized print production specification comprises:fetching print production resources data, comprising printing press data regarding at least one available printing press;determining all possible signatures by means of the printed matter specification;determining, for each printing press, all possible print sheet sizes and print areas, by means of the printing press data;determining all possible impositions by means of at least the signatures and the print areas; anddetermining an optimized production specification by means of at least the impositions, the print areas, and at least one optimization variable selected from a group of optimization variables comprising a cost variable, a delivery time, and an environmental variable.