Workflow Server Dynamic Document Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print shops face challenges in managing complex print jobs with varying formats, delivery dates, and media requirements, as existing systems lack the ability to dynamically suppress documents from printing or delivery once the job is already in progress, especially for large jobs that take days to complete.
Innovation Solution
A workflow server with an interface and controller that can dynamically pull documents from a print job based on predefined criteria, even after the printing process has started, by identifying and removing specific documents from the print data before they are printed, using a defined workflow that includes activities for suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized server coordinates activity between printers and devices, then print shop efficiency and coordination are improved, but the ability to dynamically suppress documents from printing is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow server implements dynamic document suppression by allowing workflows to be modified and activities to be added during the print job processing. The system can pull documents from the print job at any stage based on criteria, enabling real-time adaptation to changing requirements while maintaining coordinated printing operations.
2Speed
If print shops use high-volume printers to print jobs quickly, then printing speed is improved, but the ability to prevent documents from printing after the job is processed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a workflow framework before printing begins, which includes the capability to suppress documents at any stage. This preliminary workflow setup enables high-speed printing while maintaining the flexibility to prevent specific documents from printing if needed, without slowing down the overall printing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If print jobs are processed in batches to meet various customer requirements, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing complex print jobs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow server segments the print job management into distinct activities and stages. Each activity can be independently configured and controlled, allowing the system to handle diverse customer requirements through standardized segments. This segmentation reduces overall management complexity by breaking down complex jobs into manageable, controllable units.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a workflow activity to suppress individual documents of a print job prior to printing. One embodiment is a workflow server that includes an interface and controller. The interface receives a print job that defines documents which each indicate an intended recipient for delivery. The controller directs devices of a print shop by following a print workflow that comprises an ordered set of activities to perform upon the documents. The controller also detects that the print job has reached a scheduled activity of the workflow for pulling documents from the print job based on criteria, identifies documents of the print job that match the criteria indicated by the activity, and removes the identified documents from the print data for the print job before the print job is printed, preventing printing of the identified documents.