Print Workflow Control for Flexible Submission Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print product order placement and reception systems face inefficiencies due to mismatched document submission timings between the orderer and printing company, leading to repetitive and inefficient workflow processes.
Innovation Solution
A workflow control system and method that allows flexible document submission timing and efficient execution of workflow processing, using a common electronic format for order placement and reception, enabling independent order placement and submission processing, and integrating workflow control with JDF analysis and management programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printing company starts workflow preparation immediately after order placement without waiting for submission data, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because preparation work must be redone when document submission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow preparation process is segmented into multiple stages: initial preparation based on order information, and subsequent adjustment preparation after document submission. This allows the system to perform preliminary workflow setup immediately while preserving the ability to refine preparations after receiving actual submission data, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary workflow preparation actions immediately after order placement based on available order information, without waiting for submission data. This preliminary preparation includes setting up workflow structure, allocating resources, and planning production steps, which can then be refined after document submission occurs.
2Ease of operation
If the orderer submits documents at their convenience after order placement, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to repetitive workflow processes when resubmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow control system dynamically adapts to document submission timing and content changes. When the orderer submits documents at their convenience, the system detects the submission, compares it with the initial order information, and dynamically adjusts the workflow preparation accordingly. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows flexible submission timing while minimizing repetitive processes by intelligently determining what needs to be re-prepared.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic transaction data specifications are used to allow multiple document submissions, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates because additional submission is not permitted in standard specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow control system provides universal functionality that handles both single submission and multiple submissions within a single order. It integrates order placement processing with subsequent document submission processing, creating a unified system that can accommodate different submission scenarios (initial submission, correction, replacement, addition) while maintaining workflow efficiency through automated detection and adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A workflow control method is provided for processing, by an information processing apparatus, submission data in each process of a workflow to produce a print product. In the method, the submission data is accepted by the information processing apparatus. If new submission data to original submission data is submitted, it is determined whether a current processing step for the original submission data is a specific process or a process after that. If it is determined that the current processing step is the specific process or the process after that, the new submission data is not accepted, and otherwise, the new submission data is accepted.