Workflow Server Dynamic Routing for Recipient Preferences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print shops face challenges in managing print jobs with complex requirements, as existing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust workflows based on recipient preferences, leading to inefficiencies in processing varied and large-scale printing demands.
Innovation Solution
A workflow server system that receives print data, acquires recipient preferences, and dynamically alters the processing of documents by routing them through different workflow branches, modifying activities, and skipping or adding steps based on individual recipient preferences, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized server coordinates activity between printers and other devices in a print shop, then the print shop can process jobs with varying printing formats, delivery dates, and media requirements, but the system lacks the ability to dynamically adjust workflows based on recipient preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow system dynamically adjusts processing parameters and activity sequences based on recipient preferences stored in a database. The controller modifies the workflow execution in real-time by querying recipient preferences and altering document routing, processing activities, and delivery parameters without requiring system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
Recipient preferences are pre-stored in a database before print jobs are processed. The system queries this database during workflow execution to determine how to process each document, allowing the system to adapt to recipient preferences without adding complexity to the core coordination mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system processes each document according to a fixed workflow, then the processing is efficient and straightforward, but it cannot accommodate varying recipient preferences for different documents
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing qualities and parameters to different documents within the same print job based on their specific recipient preferences. Each document can have customized processing activities, routing paths, and delivery parameters while still being processed through the same overall workflow system
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow system automatically queries the database for recipient preferences and self-adjusts the processing parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously determines the appropriate workflow path for each document based on stored preference data
3Ease of operation
If the system dynamically modifies workflow parameters based on recipient preferences, then customer preparation effort is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A database serves as an intermediary between the controller and recipient preference data. The controller queries the database to obtain preference information and uses this data to dynamically adjust workflow parameters, reducing the need for complex embedded logic within the controller itself
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for managing individual documents of a print job based on recipient preferences. One system is a workflow server that includes an interface able to receive print data defining a print job that includes documents that each indicate an intended recipient for delivery. The workflow server also includes a controller able to direct devices of a print shop in accordance with a workflow that comprises an ordered set of activities to perform upon the documents. The controller is further able to acquire preferences for the intended recipients, to correlate documents in the print job with the acquired preferences, and to alter processing of the correlated documents in the workflow, based on the preferences of the intended recipients.