Last Updated on Friday, 13 April 2012 08:06 Written by Administrator Wednesday, 16 June 2010 10:06
What is end-to-end automation? End-to-end automation means: include all processes in a streamlined workflow with unnecessary interference by people. What do we mean by all processes? Order input, supplying of files, checks of files, calculation of prizes, planning, production, mailing and invoicing. Is this achievable? This may sound like a dream, but today it is being realised by intelligent applications of internet, modern production devices and software. Nowadays the penetration degree of broadband internet of your customers is also high and nearly all devices are directly controlable by software. Does this fit your customers? Often it is said that the end-costumer has a need for contact and personal guidance when ordering. We therefor advise you to split your product into advice/guidance and production as well as possible. The 80/20% rule The universal 80/20% rule is also applicable here: There are always the 20% customers and the 20% orders where automation is not possible. That doesn’t mean that the other 80% shouldn’t be automated. The role of Applify Applify is the one that can help you with this. We have the needed experience and tools to make a plan for a succesful end-to-end automation. Also our approach is very pragmatic which means that within a short time a fully functioning workflow will be established. |
How does this work Your customers enter orders through a web-to-print system, e-mail or own ordering system to which there is a link based on XML, CSV or another file format. All orders are included in one order database. At entry all PDF files are checked: preflighting. The results of the preflight are used to check if the files are ready for conversion and in they match the order. The presence of all fonts and resolutions of images are checked, but also if the number of pages in the order matches the number of pages in the PDF. Only when an error occurs the user is notified and the order processing is stalled. Next on the order gets linked to the right prices en the necessary workflow actions are automatically planned. This way simple orders can exist only of a printjob and mailing and complex orders of multiple printjobs and modifications in the finishing. The system has the knowledge to determine the production process for each order. The order gets released for production and a certified PDF and a filled in jobticket get sent to the printer. In the jobticket the quantity, papertype and finishing options are specified. The print operator only has to load up the right papertype and press the start-button to start the priting production. The finishing machines can adjust automatically by using barcodes which are placed on the printed pages or order quote. After finishing the needed shipping slip or adress labels are automatically printed and the order gets registered at the post office. After the order is picked up by the post company, the order is closed. Invoicings are automatically made for closed orders and are optionally sent by e-mail. In the e-mail an Ideal payment link can be included. |