WO2014055983A1 - Système automatisé de production - Google Patents

Système automatisé de production Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014055983A1
WO2014055983A1 PCT/US2013/063706 US2013063706W WO2014055983A1 WO 2014055983 A1 WO2014055983 A1 WO 2014055983A1 US 2013063706 W US2013063706 W US 2013063706W WO 2014055983 A1 WO2014055983 A1 WO 2014055983A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
production
specifications
product
sales
order
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PCT/US2013/063706
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English (en)
Inventor
Gareth O'BRIEN
David Alan ZAMORSKI
Original Assignee
O'brien Gareth
Zamorski David Alan
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Publication date
Application filed by O'brien Gareth, Zamorski David Alan filed Critical O'brien Gareth
Publication of WO2014055983A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014055983A1/fr

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/04—Manufacturing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P90/00—Enabling technologies with a potential contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
    • Y02P90/30—Computing systems specially adapted for manufacturing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to production systems, and particularly to automated production systems.
  • automation refers to the use of one or more control systems that operate machinery and equipment with little or no human intervention.
  • One of the biggest reasons why businesses automate is to reduce labor costs.
  • Other reasons for automating are related to improving accuracy, precision and quality.
  • Automated systems are now routinely being employed in factory settings, vehicular control systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, lighting control, and telephonic switching systems, to name a few.
  • the printing industry is an example of a production based industry that is labor intensive, inefficient, and costly.
  • Today's printing service providers (PSPs) find their profits being squeezed by a variety of factors including high operational costs and inefficient workflow. For example, the average print job requires 45 to 60 human touches, from estimating to delivery.
  • today' s PSP faces reduced price points and print volumes because consumers are seeking, and finding, more efficient and cost effective alternatives. As such, the profits achieved by the average PSP are in the very low single digits. Because profits are being slashed, there is an increasing inability to invest in new services to expand and grow. Briefly stated, the average PSP can no longer afford to expend capital on new equipment and technologies. Accordingly, this industry is under immense pressure and is therefore in need of a game changer.
  • a printing services provider typically uses one of the following types of printing presses: an offset printer, a screen printer or a digital printer.
  • Offset printing is often used for printing newspapers or magazines in high speed production runs.
  • a screen printing apparatus an image bearing screen is disposed over the print stock material, and the printing ink is applied and forced through the screen openings to form the image on the printing media (paper, fabric, etc.).
  • a digital inkjet printing press operates by causing a print head to traverse the print media (e.g., paper) in one direction while a transport system causes the paper to move in a second orthogonal direction to thus provide a two-dimensional image.
  • Xerography also known as electrophotography, is a printing and photocopying technique that works on the basis of electrostatic charges.
  • the xerography process is the dominant method of reproducing images and printing computer data and is used in photocopiers, laser printers and fax machines as well as in commercial digital printing presses. While many improvements have been made to enhance the capabilities of the aforementioned printing presses, very few innovations have been introduced that improve the efficiency of printing business itself.
  • a diagram illustrating the process flow 100 performed by a conventional PSP when completing a print order is shown.
  • a customer may provide the PSP with a print order by telephone, email, a website interface, or may walk into the PSP premises to place a job order in person.
  • the job order is processed by a customer service representative (CSR) who creates a job jacket based on the information in the order. Once the job jacket is created, it traverses the entire PSP operation from order placement to invoicing (either physically or electronically).
  • CSR customer service representative
  • step 106 PSP personnel conduct a production meeting wherein the order is reviewed and the job analyzed.
  • a printer/artisan lays out the print job and determines the media requirements, printing press requirements and selection, and finishing requirements (i.e., folding and cutting), etc.
  • This part of the overall job is typically more an art than science, and is often done intuitively based on the artisan's experience.
  • a production schedule is established based on the above described requirements, the job value, the availability of the printing press, and other considerations; and the artisan sends the media requirements to the production manager by email or other means (140).
  • the production manager Instead of looking for the required media in inventory, the production manager often responds to this communication by ordering the required media (paper) from a supplier. In all fairness, the production manager may take this action because the inventory system is disorganized and/or difficult to use. The manager may feel that it is easier to meet the schedule by ordering the media from a supplier. Experience shows that this part of the process is often one of the main causes for over-buying paper and other media. In any event, a purchase order is created and the paper supplier delivers the ordered media to the PSP production floor (146).
  • pre-press the customer's information is imposed, i.e., converted into a suitable data format and stored in a FIFO (first-in-first-out) memory for subsequent processing.
  • a proof is generated for quality control (QC) review.
  • the QC proofs represent the finished job and are thus inspected by the printer/artisan for flaws and defects (112). If defects are found, the process reverts back to step 106 and the production plan is modified to eliminate the problems.
  • QC quality control
  • the PDF of the proof is provided to the customer by FAX, email or other means (118).
  • step 106 the drawing board
  • a second manufacturing production review meeting is held (124).
  • the production manager reviews the production plan/schedule before allowing it to go to the press. Once the production plan is approved, the job goes to the selected printing press and finishing machines.
  • the job jacket which now includes various and sundry pieces of paper obtained at each step of the process, is sent back to the production manager wherein he determines how much time and material was expended to complete the job (150, 152).
  • the production manager then forwards the job jacket package to the PSP's accounting function.
  • the job jacket is reviewed to determine if the information provided by the production department is complete. If the jacket is missing information, the job jacket is returned to the production manager and he is tasked with supplying the missing information. Once the missing information is supplied, the accounting function assigns a cost for each project element and the job jacket is sent to the customer service representatives to ensure that the customer's order has been successfully completed. Once the CSR determines that the order was successfully filled, the billing department prepares an invoice that is mailed to the customer for payment.
  • a customer provides a request for printing services through a graphical user interface (GUI) coupled to a process controller.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the process controller is coupled to multiple printing presses and is configured to evaluate the order and determine which printing press can accommodate the order, if any. If the controller determines that job can be performed by one or more printing presses, the controller calculates the cost of the printing job for each press and provides a printout to the customer to identify the available printers with the associated prices. While this approach provides cost comparison benefits to the consumer, it fails to address any of the systemic problems articulated above.
  • an automated production system that tailors each product plan to the capabilities of a PSP's existing printing press and finishing systems to thus eliminate duplicative and unnecessary labor/process steps.
  • a system is further needed that efficiently and automatically transforms each pre-engineered product plan (in a set of pre-engineered product plans) into a multiplicity of sales products by allowing the consumer to provide content via an easy-to-use graphical user interface.
  • an "on-demand" system is needed that provides the customer with accurate pricing information in combination with a secure payment channel such that the ordered product is paid for before it is produced.
  • the present invention addresses the needs described above by providing a production system that is configured to streamline, integrate and automate all aspects of the manufacturing environment to include marketing, customer service, product ordering, product planning, production planning and scheduling, schedule monitoring, inventory control, accounting, and invoicing.
  • the present invention is directed to an automated production system that tailors each production plan to the capabilities of a PSP's existing printing press and finishing systems to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary labor and process steps.
  • the present invention efficiently and automatically transforms each pre-engineered production product (i.e., a set of pre-engineered production plans) into a multiplicity of sales products by allowing the administrator or consumer to provide content via an easy-to-use graphical user interface.
  • the present invention is also an "on-demand" system that is configured to provide the customer with accurate sales product pricing information in combination with a secure payment channel.
  • the present invention enhances the profit picture and enables the PSP to maintain a lower pricing structure.
  • One aspect of the present invention is directed to a production system that includes at least one interface configured to receive a sales product order, the sales product order identifying at least one sales product, each at least one sales product being based on production product specifications and further modified in accordance with predefined finish specifications.
  • a production management system is coupled to the at least one network interface. The production management system is configured to retrieve the production product specifications and a production plan associated with the production product specifications from at least one non-transitory memory. The production management system is configured to transform the predefined finish specifications, the production product specifications and the production plan into machine readable instructions.
  • At least one production device is coupled to the production management system, the at least one production device being configured to perform at least one production action in response to the machine readable instructions in substantial conformance with the production plan. The at least one production action is configured to transform unfinished production materials into the at least one sales product.
  • the production management system is configured to transmit the machine readable instructions to the at least one production device only after receiving a received payment notification from the at least one interface.
  • the production product specifications are selected from a group of product specifications that include dimensional specifications, product configuration specifications, product material specifications or specifications related to a location of human readable indicia or machine readable indicia.
  • the production plan is in substantial conformance with production device specifications and production product specifications.
  • the at least one production action is selected from a group of production actions that includes an unfinished material handling action, a sales product handling action, a material cutting action, a material folding action, or a printing action.
  • the at least one production device is selected from a group of production devices that includes a printing press, a cutting device, a folding device, a material handling device, or a material singulation device.
  • the printing press is selected from a group of printing presses that includes an offset printing press, a screen printer, or a digital printing press.
  • the present invention is directed to method of production that includes the steps of: receiving a sales product order identifying at least one sales product, each at least one sales product being based on production product specifications and further modified in accordance with predefined finish specifications; retrieving the production product specifications and a production plan associated with the production product specifications from at least one non-transitory memory; transforming the predefined finish specifications, the production product specifications and the production plan into machine readable instructions; executing the machine readable instructions; and transforming unfinished production materials into the at least one sales product in response to the executed machine readable instructions.
  • the step of receiving is performed by a web storefront interface configured to receive data from the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless network, a private network or a telephonic network.
  • the method further includes the steps of associating at least one production device with unfinished production materials suitable for use with the at least one production device; and identifying at least one production product producible by transforming the unfinished production materials with the at least one production device, the production product specifications substantially corresponding to the at least one production product.
  • the production product specifications are selected from a group of product specifications that include dimensional specifications, product configuration specifications, product material specifications or specifications related to a location of human readable indicia or machine readable indicia.
  • the production plan is in substantial conformance with production device specifications and production product specifications.
  • the production device [0028] in another embodiment of the present invention, the production device
  • specifications includes printing press specifications, cutting device specifications, folding device specifications, material handling device specifications, or material singulation device specifications.
  • the Automated Production System of the present invention thus enables a PSP to maximize its manufacturing capabilities from order entry through delivery by eliminating (or minimizing) human "touches" in estimating, order entry, pre-press, print, bindery and shipping. Accordingly, the present invention dramatically reduces time, costs and inefficiencies, while at the same time, improving speed to street and making them very cost competitive.
  • the present invention allows the PSP to manage the printing process with one platform by reengineering the order management and production processes by implementing a proactive, planned production approach.
  • the present invention is directed to an automated production system that tailors each product plan to the capabilities of a PSP's existing printing press and finishing systems to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary labor and process steps.
  • the present invention efficiently and automatically transforms each pre- engineered product plan (in a set of pre-engineered product plans) into a multiplicity of sales products by allowing the consumer to provide content via an easy-to-use graphical user interface.
  • the present invention allows the PSP to leverage its knowledge of the marketplace by building automated production products and production plans for its most popular products beforehand such that most, if not all, of its customer's orders can be filled afterward using a substantially lights out process.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical process flow for a conventional printing press
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic depiction of a system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a high level block diagram of the software components of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a chart showing a system configuration process flow performed by the software components depicted in Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a chart showing a production process flow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a chart showing a production process flow in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a chart showing a ganging production process flow in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 8A - 8E are illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the production administration application depicted in Figure 4.
  • Figures 9A - 9C are illustrations of graphical user interfaces for creating and linking sales products, production products and production plans using the production administration application depicted in Figure 4;
  • Figures 10A - J are illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the production planner application depicted in Figure 4.
  • Figures 11 A - 1 IF are illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the web-based production manager application depicted in Figure 4;
  • Figures 12A - 12E are illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the web administrator application depicted in Figure 4;
  • Figure 13 is an illustration of a management summary graphical user interface for the web administrator application depicted in Figure 4.
  • Figures 14A - 14D are illustrations of a client management graphical user interfaces for the web administrator application depicted in Figure 4;
  • Figures 15A-15E are illustrations of a storefront management graphical user interfaces for the web administrator application depicted in Figure 4;
  • Figures 16A - 16C are illustrations of a graphical user interface for the order and inventory manager application depicted in Figure 4.
  • Figure 17 is an example diagram of an order management report provided by the order and inventory manager application.
  • system 10 includes a server computer 20 coupled to the manufacturing apparatus (40, 42, and 44) via local area network (LAN) 14.
  • LAN local area network
  • the principles of the present invention may be applied to any kind of manufacturing or production system, but for ease of illustration the present invention is applied to a PSP in the commercial printing industry. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the printing industry. Accordingly, the production apparatus is described herein as including a production press controller 40 that is configured to drive the printing press (or presses) and the finishing equipment 44.
  • the finishing equipment may include a guillotine (cutting apparatus) and folders among other things.
  • the LAN 14 also includes one or more personal computers 30 that are configured to use web browsing software to access the application software that resides on the system server 20.
  • the production administration application and the production planning applications may run directly on the system server 20 and are accessed by one or more workstations 22 that are disposed in the production facility itself.
  • the LAN 14 is coupled to the Internet 100 by way of router 11 and firewall 12.
  • the system server 20 may be implemented using a Windows Server 2008R2 SP1 which may run on an Intel core i7 (six-core) processor, a Xeon quad-core processor, or any other suitable device.
  • the server software may include program
  • the server system can include 8 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM), and a dual hard disk drive (HDD) having at least 500 GB for each drive.
  • the HDD may be configured in a RAID 1 mirrored configuration wherein the processor writes the identical data both of the hard disk drives such that a "mirrored" or redundant set of data is stored by the drive.
  • a processor read request may thus be serviced by either one of the drives, depending on which drive can provide the requested data the quickest.
  • system 10 may be configured as a distributed system that includes, e.g., a web store database server, a production database, a configuration manager, and an integration application interface for accounting functions.
  • the production module software, as well as the production press controller may be disposed in one or more embedded control processors disposed within the printing press and finishing equipment.
  • the principles of the present invention may be tailored in accordance with the manufacturer' s needs.
  • the system software 200 includes a production module 210, an eCommerce module 220, and an integration application- programming interface (API) 230.
  • the production module 210 includes three independent and interconnected applications including the production administration (admin) application 212, the production planner application 214, and the production manager application 216.
  • the production admin application 212 is configured to set the specifications for the presses 42, finishing equipment 44, media and other necessary items used to create a print job or a production plan in the planner application 214.
  • the production admin 212 is configured to link a production product with the appropriate production plan, and provide this information to the production manager.
  • the production manager imposes and transforms this information into a JDF file used by the presses 42 and the finishing equipment 44 to manufacture the ordered products.
  • the eCommerce module 220 includes an eCommerce web store application 222 that is configured to sell sophisticated printing services, finished goods (i.e., printed beforehand) and other products on the web.
  • the storefront 220 is seamlessly integrated with the production module 210 and allows the customer to submit a print production plan with payment when an order is created.
  • the production admin application 212 provides the customer with interactive print job proofing via the web store 222 - during the ordering process - to eliminate any delay in processing the order.
  • the web store admin application 224 allows authorized users to set up and manage the eCommerce web store 222 (for the PSP and/or clients), manage product listings (PSP owned, or client owned) and manage client data.
  • the order manager application 226 allows authorized users to place orders on behalf of buyers, add finished goods to inventory, and manage inventory.
  • the eCommerce module 220 is an order management and storefront web interface that enables the PSP, or their clients, to sell, manage, and distribute their sales collateral, goods, and/or services.
  • the eCommerce module 220 implements a secure logon and permissions based system that allows the customers to place orders, make payments and provide shipping instructions.
  • the eCommerce module 220 provides the PSP with the means to manage material, services, and inventory via a branded (or unbranded web) storefront that is intuitive and easy to use. Module 220 also provides a catalog management system and a robust reporting system.
  • the system software 200 also includes an integrated application programming interface (API) 230 that is configured to allow the production module 210 to communicate with external systems, such as, but not limited to, legacy web-to-print systems, such that external systems can submit sales products and orders to system 10.
  • the external system would use the API 230 instead of the web store 222.
  • the integrated API is a set of programming instructions and standards that allows the external system to access the web- based eCommerce module 220.
  • the integrated API is a seamless software- to-software interface that allows the eCommerce 210 applications to talk to external applications without any substantial human intervention.
  • FIG. 4 a chart showing a system configuration process flow 400 performed by the software components depicted in Figure 3 is disclosed.
  • the production admin application 212 provides the PSP with an intelligent production planning system that guides the user through the system configuration process with a variety of GUIs (shown below).
  • GUIs shown below.
  • the PSP must have a thorough understanding of what printing presses, finishers and other equipment is available to him. This information also includes the type of media that is used by the printing presses operating in the plant.
  • step 212-1 the user uses an appropriate GUI to specify the various types of media that are available to the system 10. This step allows management to get a handle on the number of media types it will employ in the system.
  • step 212-2 the production equipment (e.g., presses, finishers, etc.) is configured by providing the software with their specifications and device constraints.
  • the production admin application 212 provides the production planner application 214 with the media and device configurations such that it can create production plans in step 214-1.
  • a production plan specifies all of the details required for automated production of a defined production product.
  • each production plan is analyzed in light of the media and device configuration data provided by the admin application 212.
  • Each production plan includes information such as final trim size, bleed size (where applicable), sheet size, etc. All such specifications must be provided (and saved) before the plan is finalized.
  • the planner application provides the user with real-time feedback on potential production problems based on the plan specifications and the configuration data.
  • this step enables the job ticketing function whereby a bar coded job ticket that identifies the job and sales product is provided to the press with the order.
  • the production plan is tested by sending the plan to the press and finishing machines.
  • the press should respond by printing the barcode on the job during the imposition procedure.
  • the production admin application 212 also configures the alarm monitors (212-3) such that all orders are automatically monitored. PSP personnel (e.g., a CSR) will be automatically alerted (216-5) if an order is in danger of being late or is already late.
  • the production admin application also allows the PSP to configure "production products.”
  • a production product might be a tri-fold brochure that has six panes (on either side) available for printed information.
  • the tri-fold brochure product may be configured to include the features, benefits, and side-effects of a pharmaceutical product (i.e., a drug).
  • this brochure format i.e., a production product
  • this brochure format i.e., a production product
  • a production product becomes a "sales product" when the specific content is added.
  • a multiplicity of sales products are available to the PSP for sale - only the digital data needed - and that is supplied later by the customer.
  • the PSP is guided by the system 10 to determine which of its products yield the most sales and profits; the PSP uses step 212-4 to eliminate unprofitable products and funnel all order requests into a predetermined and manageable number of production products.
  • each production product is linked to a particular production plan developed by the production planner application 214.
  • this information is provided to the web admin application 224 such that each sales product can be associated with the linked information.
  • step 224-1 the web admin application 224 allows authorized users to manage and configure the Web Store 222 by including GUIs for managing company clients, managing product listings, and setting up the storefront themes for the PSP itself, or for company clients.
  • step 224-2 is performed to configure the sales products. Once this is accomplished, each sales product is linked to an appropriate production plan/production product (224-3) and each linked sales product is available to the customer via the web store 222.
  • the web store 222 can be accessed by a customer via a web browser.
  • the customer views the catalog of available sales products and after selecting one or more products, the customer uploads the content.
  • the web store 22 analyzes the content and provides the customer with a proof (in real-time) so that he can see what the finished product will look like. If the content is not suited for a particular sales product, the web store application is configured to direct the customer to a more suitable sales product selection.
  • the web site 222 provides the linked sales product(s) to the order manager 226 and proceeds to step 222-4 to obtain payment from the customer.
  • the order manager essentially holds the order until it determines that the order has been paid for (226-2). Once payment is verified, it releases the linked sales product(s) to the product manager 216 so that the order can be satisfied.
  • a customer can place an order by phone, email or by an external system (222-5) and the order management software 226 will generate an order. This may be done by a CSR or automatically via the integrated API 230 described above.
  • an auto-imposition step (216-1) is performed in the pre-press stage 216-1.
  • Those skilled in the art will appreciate that commercial printing presses often use large sheets of paper that are, ultimately, folded, cut, and trimmed to obtain the finished product. Moreover, the individual pages of a printed document may not be printed in the same order that they appear in the finished document. During imposition, therefore, the content is arranged on large sheets for efficiency reasons (i.e., faster printing time, reduced material waste, and to simplify folding, cutting and binding). Stated differently, the auto-imposition step transforms the linked sales product to minimize printing time and materials to thereby reduce costs.
  • Integrated Job Ticket will be the first sheet of the job. It is imposed, sized and oriented in a manner that is identical to the job itself. Since the ticket is set up to match the job it is typically used as the top sheet of the print job, and can be used as a separator between jobs even when the job is being run through finishing equipment.
  • a PSP worker retrieves the order from the press with the job ticket and the pick ticket on top.
  • the pick ticket tells the worker how many different products are associated with a given order, and directs the worker to scan the bar code on the ticket and deposit the finished products in a predetermined bin.
  • an electronic notification is transmitted to the order manager indicating that the order is completed.
  • step 500-1 once the customer places an order at the web store 22, it is forwarded to the order manager as before. Upon payment, the order is immediately released to the product manager.
  • step 500-4 the linked sales product, production product and production plan are transformed by the auto imposition process to create a machine language JDF file along with a PDF of the imposed sales product (500-5).
  • the printing press selected by the production plan prints the pick tickets and the job tickets along with the print order, and when the printing job is complete, the completed sales order will be found at the printer output with the pick ticket on top (500-6). Up until this point, no human being has performed any work or task - from order reception at the web store to the press output - to complete the order.
  • a PSP worker retrieves the completed order and places it in the bin identified in the job ticket. In doing so, the worker scans the job ticket bar code (500-7) for each sales product in the order and this information is automatically and electronically transmitted back to the order manager to thus indicate that the job has been completed.
  • step 600-1 the customer places an order from the catalog using the web store interface 222 (or, e.g., an external legacy ordering system via integrated API 230).
  • the customer populates the order lines with sales products from the catalog, and the web site GUI provides the customer with the associated prices.
  • the customer orders three sales product items.
  • the customer provides his shipping information and payment information (via the secure web site).
  • the order is transferred (600-3) to the order manager.
  • the order manager 226 automatically determines if any of the ordered items can be filled from inventory. In this case, one item is in inventory.
  • the order manager 226 forwards two of the sales items onto the product manager, transmits a pick order to inventory (600-4, 600-6), and assigns a bin number for the completed job order (600-7). Accordingly, the order manager application 226 efficiently uses the inventory management system to eliminate waste and unnecessary costs.
  • Steps 600-4 and 600-5 illustrate the step of linking the sales product to the appropriate production product and production plan. Subsequently, the imposition process occurs and the linked data is transformed and forwarded in JDF files for the printing press 42 and the finisher 44 (600-9). Both sales orders are automatically produced by the production facilities (42, 44) and placed in the assigned bin based on the information provided on the job ticket.
  • the pick ticket which includes the entire job order (in this case three sales product items), tells the PSP worker where the third sales product item may be found in inventory.
  • the PSP worker may be eliminated by automating the transfer of the completed sales products from the finisher to the bin. This is well within the capabilities of the state of the art, but may not be cost effective for some manufacturers.
  • FIG. 7 a chart showing a ganging production process flow in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
  • any ordering system web, external legacy, email or telephone
  • the automatic batching engine is a feature of the product administrator 212 and provides the user with GUI that allows the PSP to set up automatic batching under predefined parameters.
  • the GUI allows the user to program the production workflow components (e.g., the web store, order manager, and production manager) to periodically scan (e.g., once every hour) all order lines in the queue for selected production products.
  • the production administrator 212 allows the user to select multiple production plans (having different impositions).
  • a PSP employee is using a GUI associated with the web based product manager and is reviewing an order queue 700- 1.
  • the product manager determines if ganging is possible, and either indicates that it is not (700-4), or provides a PSP user with a display that shows the potential gang jobs.
  • the possible ganging jobs are simultaneously forwarded to the automatic batch manager. I the user decides to run the batch jobs, they are created and released to imposition, and the user is notified o the gang batch details.
  • FIGS. 8A - 8E illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the production administration application 212 are disclosed.
  • the client storefronts are created in the Web Admin 224 application as an ordering system.
  • a GUI is provided that allows the user to manually create an ordering system for a legacy storefront.
  • Ordering systems referred to herein as client storefronts, are created in the Web Admin (Catalog Manager) application 224.
  • This GUI allows the user to configure an ordering system and connect it to a web storefront.
  • the ordering system tab 800-1 is configured to (a) add a new system; (b) enter its name and description; (c) display names; (d) insert an external system identifier; (e) provide job ticket information; (f) enable bin allocation; and (g) and enable pick list printing functionality.
  • Fig. 8B corresponds to step 212-1 in Fig. 4, and is the GUI that allows the PSP user to configure the media (e.g., paper stock) used by the production system: (a) the user selects the media tab in the horizontal menu bar; (b) the "edit button is selected to add new media or edit existing media types; (c) clicking on a line in the media list will display the media details (d); and the remainder of the inputs (e) - (h) are used to specify media parameters like size, weight, thickness and coatings.
  • the media e.g., paper stock
  • Fig. 8C corresponds to step 212-2 in Fig. 4 and allows the user to configure the printing press.
  • the digital press tab (a) is selected and the edit (b) button is depressed to provide a list of devices (c) for addition or deletion.
  • the device printer ID is associated with an easy to remember "friendly name” and can be associated with a group ID (e).
  • the remainder of the screen inputs (f)-(j) allow the user to enter minimum and maximum sheet sizes, identify printable sheet margins, and select a special JDF as appropriate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple printing presses may be configured using this screen.
  • a guillotine (cutter) GUI 800-4 is shown. This GUI is accessed via a device tab in the horizontal menu bar and allows the user to select it by pressing button (a). As before, the edit button (b) is depressed to unlock the screen and allow the user to take appropriate actions such as: (c) select an appropriate guillotine (cutter); (d) enter a friendly name for the cutter; (e) enter minimum and maximum sheet sizes; (f) enter the Group ID; and (g) bring up a routine that walks the user through the JDF file transmission process.
  • FIG. 8E shows the production admin application GUI 800-5 for the folder machines.
  • GUI 800-5 is accessed via a device tab in the horizontal menu bar and allows the user to select it by pressing button (a).
  • the edit button (b) is depressed to unlock the screen and allow the user to take appropriate actions such as: (c) select an appropriate folder; (d) enter a friendly name for the cutter; (e) enter minimum and maximum sheet sizes; (f) enter the maximum length for the fold plates; (g) select a fold plate configuration; (h) use the add/remove buttons to add or delete fold plates as needed; (i) use the feed drop down menu to set the feed direction; and (j) call up a routine that walks the user through the JDF file transmission process.
  • Figures 9A - 9C illustrations of graphical user interfaces for creating and linking sales products, production products and production plans using the production administration application are disclosed.
  • GUI 900-1 is employed to manually create sales products for the legacy storefronts previously described.
  • sales products created in the Web Admin application 224 are automatically added to the production admin application 212, and thus, the user typically does not use this interface. Since sales products represent the materials that can be ordered by a customer from the Web Store 222, GUI 900-1 allows the system to incorporate the sales products offered by external ordering systems (via the integrated API).
  • GUI 900-1 is accessed via a device tab in the horizontal menu bar and allows the user to select it by pressing the sales products button (a).
  • the Add button (b) is depressed to create a new sales product and the sales product is named by entering a name in the description field (c). If it is a new sales product, a product ID must be entered (d) and it must be associated with the legacy ordering system via button (e).
  • Screen (f) allows the user to enter the text that will be displayed on the job ticket when the item is produced.
  • GUI 900-2 is used to create production products in the production admin application 212.
  • similar sales products can be linked to the same production product, e.g., if there are a number of different cards in the web based ordering system that have identical specifications (i.e., same size, paper and finishing needs regardless of the content on the card) all of these sales products can be linked to the same production product.
  • GUI 900-2 is accessed via a device tab in the horizontal menu bar and allows the user to select it by pressing the production products button (a).
  • the Add button (b) is depressed to create a new production product.
  • Field (c) is used to enter or change the name of the production product.
  • screen (d) the user can enter the text that will be displayed on the job ticket when the item is produced.
  • the unit of measure box (f) tells the system to enter a quantity per unit (e.g., 500 cards in a box). Line (g) selects the default production plan for this production product and box (h) is used to select a sheet quantity threshold.
  • the sales products, the production products and the production plans must be linked together.
  • the production admin application provides the user with a GUI (not shown) that links the sales products to the corresponding production product such that the linkage automatically occurs during the production process (Fig. 5).
  • GUI 900-3 is provided to link a production product to a production plan and is accessed via the production products tab (a) in the horizontal menu bar.
  • Line (b) is depressed to select a production product from the products list in the window.
  • Selecting the Add button (c) will cause a new drop down window (not shown in this view) and allows the user to select the desired production plan.
  • the Add/Remove buttons allow the user to add or delete sales products from a selected production product.
  • FIGS. 10A - J illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the production planner application 214 are disclosed.
  • the production planner application makes the PSP user consider how he wants a production product to be produced.
  • this task can be used repeatedly during the production process to eliminate most, if not all, human intervention (and cost).
  • the user must provide the system with specifications such as: final trim size, bleed size (where applicable), sheet size, etc.
  • a production plan is not finalized until all specifications have been entered and saved.
  • FIG. 10A the planner application is opened by way of the start menu window 1000-1.
  • the user will select the new job button to open the "create new job dialog box," which is shown in Figure 10B.
  • GUI 1000-2 allows the PSP user to select the job type, such as flat work (e.g., tri-folds, post cards, business cards, etc.) or book work (e.g., saddle stitched books or multi-flat documents like spiral or perfect bound books).
  • the user selected the flat work option and entered a job name (the user can also use the default name selected by the planner application 214).
  • the user can also select the "open with placeholder" option if he does not have a PDF file that fits the new job or production plan.
  • Fig. I OC. shows GUI 1000-3, which is the screen that is provided to the user upon selecting the "open with placeholder” option.
  • GUI 1000-3 is employed to provide the planner admin application 216 with the "input file size," and includes the final trim size and the amount of bleed associated with the file.
  • the user input a trim size of 8.5" x 11" with a 0.125" bleed amount for all four sides of the sheet.
  • the system allows the user to enter his preferred units of measure (i.e., inches or millimeters).
  • the assumed input file size will be 8.15" x 11.25".
  • the input file size is important, because when PDF files are uploaded (See Fig. 4, 214-2), the planner admin application looks for the exact size when processing the file and doing the on-line analysis.
  • the planner admin application provides GUI 1000-4 to allow the user to input all of the specifications required to implement a production plan.
  • GUI 1000-5 allows the user to import a PDF file and the software automatically calculates the size information from the PDF.
  • GUI 1000-6 provides preview of the thumbnails of the front and back sides of the PDF.
  • GUI 1000-7 the user employs GUI 1000-7 to select the press and finishing devices that will be used to implement the production plan.
  • GUI 1000-8 allows the user to input the file size, and set the bleeds and the image cropping as shown.
  • the GUI 1000-4 (Fig. 10D) already provided the size and bleed information, and thus, if the input size is greater than the trim size and the bleed amount, the image will be cropped accordingly.
  • the options tab of the production planner application can be used to configure the job ticket function such that an integrated job ticket is included with every job that is sent to a Digital Press.
  • the user merely selects the "Include Ticket” check box to enable the Integrated Job Ticket function.
  • the "Ticket Stock” drop down menu is employed to select the paper stock that the job ticket will be printed on and an Integrated Job Ticket will be printed with every job that uses this production plan.
  • an integrated job ticket such as 1000- 10 will be the first sheet of the print job, and will be imposed, sized and oriented in a manner that is identical to the job itself. Since the job ticket 1000- 10 is set up to match the job, it is used as the top sheet of the print job, and thus, may also be used as a separator sheet that is disposed between print jobs even when the job is being run through finishing equipment.
  • job ticket 1000-10 relates to a ganged job that includes two integrated job tickets (one for each print job) as they would be imposed on a press sheet. Because these are two separate print jobs that are ganged together, they have different bin numbers (22 and 40).
  • GUIs graphical user interfaces
  • the production manager application 216 enables the PSP to manage job orders received from the web based order manager 226, monitor the "problem orders" queue, the held jobs queue, and to otherwise track the order status.
  • the product manager is also configured to automatically download all needed order data immediately upon receipt of the order such that the print job can be produced without interruption (even if internet connection is lost).
  • the production manager is further configured to transmit a warning message via the monitor function as previously described.
  • the production planner application is also configured to select from multiple production plans that have different impositions, media, presses or finishing equipment in accordance with the linked production plans and production products. Finally, the application is also employed to configure the ganging engine which was described above.
  • a PSP user is using a high level GUI 1100-1 that allows him to navigate between the various applications (shown in Fig. 4), and in this case selects the Production Order" tab to cause a drop down menu 1101-1 to appear.
  • the drop down menu 1101-1 allows the user to view: production orders; the hold queue; or problem orders. In this instance, the user selects the production order option to view a listing of all of the orders that have been submitted to the system.
  • a GUI 1102 is shown that includes the result of a search for a particular order or a particular type of order.
  • the order line detail box 1102-1 information related to an order by showing order quantity, sales item description, production job number and other such information is provided.
  • the PSP user can also view the system's problem orders via GUI 1103, depicted in Fig. 11C.
  • This interface screen allows the user to view those orders that are late or delayed.
  • the line items show those orders that have not been configured correctly and are in need of correction before they can be produced. After correction, the user can use this screen to validate the correction to move the order into a hold queue or directly to an output device.
  • the hold queue GUI 1104 is depicted in Fig. 1 ID, and includes all of the orders that have been assigned a hold status.
  • a particular job can be on hold, e.g., because a quantity threshold has been exceeded and human input is required on how to produce the order.
  • the hold queue also provides a filtering mechanism to identify those jobs that are amenable to a ganged batch run (See, e.g., Fig. 7).
  • the production manager 216 also provides a GUI 1105 for managing production jobs (Fig. 1 IE).
  • This interface allows the PSP user/manager to refresh the current list of jobs to ensure that he is viewing a real time or near real time list of pending jobs.
  • a selected job can be restarted from its last stage or rerun as a new job. If there is an issue with a certain production line, this screen allows the user to redirect the job a different production device/line.
  • GUI 1105 allows the user to delete a selected job.
  • Fig. 11F provides a status screen 1106 that provides a status for selected jobs.
  • the definitions for the work step and activity columns are shown below in Table I.
  • the production manager application 216 can be accessed via a computer station disposed on the production floor or in the production facility. (See Fig. 2, ref. 22).
  • the computer station may typically include a browser and a bar code scanner.
  • the application 216 provides integrated job tracking and status monitoring wherein the user can scan in a bar code printed on a pick list or job ticket to update the status of the order on the order line item.
  • the production manager also includes an automatic asset retrieval function that is used when the production management server and the order manager server are disposed on different machines and at different locations. Stated differently, when an order is placed and forwarded to the production manager, all of the other data objects such as production plan , production product, etc. are electronically transferred to the production server. This arrangement allows the production facility to continue operations if connectivity between locations is interrupted. Moreover, once the order is forwarded to production, the sales product can be produced by the facility in a total lights-out manner - i.e., without any further human interaction being required.
  • the production manager also includes a multiple production plan routing feature that provides the application 216 with additional flexibility. For example, if one production line or production device requires maintenance for some reason, a production floor user can access a "decision screen" GUI (not shown) that allows one or more jobs to be re-routed to an operational production line or device.
  • the eCommerce module 220 is an order management and storefront web interface that enables the PSP, or their clients, to sell, manage, and distribute their sales collateral, goods, and/or services.
  • the eCommerce module 220 provides a secure logon and permissions based system that allows a customer to place orders, make shipping arrangements, and make payments by way of an intuitive and easy-to-use web based store front.
  • the eCommerce module also includes a catalog management system 226 that provides the PSP with the means to manage their client's materials, goods, services, and inventory in a branded (or unbranded web) storefront.
  • the order manager 226 also provides a robust reporting system that provides a comprehensive view of the business in a simple, easy to use format.
  • FIGS 12A - 12E illustrations of graphical user interfaces for the web administration application 224 are disclosed.
  • the web administrator 225 allows the PSP to implement unique "themes" for their own, or their clients', web storefront.
  • a theme refers to the look and feel of the web storefront.
  • Fig. 12A is an example of a storefront landing page 1200 and includes the company logo (1), a welcome message (2), a landing page link (3) a login link (4), a shopping cart button (5) that includes a status indicator, and navigation links (6) to each product category offered by the storefront.
  • a product listing (7) includes an image, a product name (9), an identifier (10), price (11) and an estimated shipping time (13).
  • Button (8) is for products that do not require additional configuration and allows the consumer to place the product directly into the cart.
  • Fig. 12B customizable form 1201 is provided to configure the PSP or client's storefront theme.
  • the browse button (1) allows the user to upload the company logo.
  • the HTML header and footer are placed in boxes (2) and (3), respectively.
  • Box (4) provides the client with a number of storefront themes to choose from.
  • Dialog box (5) allows the user/client to edit the themes provided in box (4) to obtain a more unique look and to insert additional information. Accordingly, the client storefront can use a pre-designed theme or a customized one.
  • Fig. 12C shows an "About us” text entry window 1203 that allows the user to enter custom content.
  • the web administrator 224 also provides the user/administrator with the opportunity to create custom content for the standard "About us,” “contact us,” and “terms and conditions” pages.
  • the administrator 224 provides a "systems configuration” drop-down menu (not shown) that allows the user/admin person to add, modify and customize the web site content by providing a "website content page.”
  • Fig. 12D shows this information as it appears on the website's "About Us" page.
  • the storefront is seamlessly integrated with the Production module 210 (Figs. 3 and 4) to allow online, interactive print job proofing and automatic print production plan submission upon order creation.
  • the system automatically creates a production order and associates the order with a production plan and a production product, with any required pick list items or special production requirements.
  • the administrator 224 also provides support for PDF uploads to create print ready documents. As noted previously, certain products require proofing before they can be added to the shopping cart.
  • the administrator 224 provides a software proofing tool 1205.
  • the tool 1205 provides an error window that describes the errors in relation to the production specifications provided by the production module 210.
  • the tool 1205 provides a quick fix suggestion box 1205-2 that allows the storefront user to quickly identify the problem and, more importantly, quickly fix it such that the order can be placed.
  • the administrator application 224 also allows the user to provide other website features such as checkout, dynamic buyer profile and account set up, as well as a frequently ordered items page.
  • FIG. 13 an illustration of a management summary dashboard interface 1300 for the web administrator application 224 is disclosed.
  • This screen is only available to authorized users and is the default webpage presented to them when they log in to the Order/Catalog Manager application 226. The authorized user may return to this webpage at any time by clicking the Site Management link on the system' s top level navigation menu.
  • Line (1) shows the last order placed in the system and gives the date, time and dollar amount.
  • Window (2) allows the user to select a range of dates to view.
  • Line (3) allows the user to customize the report for a particular time period.
  • the online sales dashboard (4) displays summary information in dollar amounts with total sales broken up by daily average, average order, as well as recent and prior trends for the user selected time frame.
  • Table (5) The top five products are listed in table (5) with the quantity ordered and the sales dollar amount for the date period selected.
  • Table (6) provides operations information and provides the number and status of orders that require some action to be taken - this table is not affected by the date range.
  • Table (7) provides a list of the best-selling products along with the quantity ordered and the sales dollar amount for the current day.
  • FIG. 14A illustrates a client management graphical user interfaces for the web administrator application 224 .
  • the order manager application 226 allows authorized users of the system 10 to add clients to the system, and manage them they have been added to the system.
  • Fig. 14A when the user is at the top level of the site management menu 1401, the user can select the following options by way of a drop down menu: manage clients, manage users or manage catalogs. If the user selects the manage clients option, it will allow him to add new clients as well as managing existing ones.
  • the manage clients GUI shows an arrow pointing to the "add" button, and is thus used to add a new client company to the system. After entering the client company's identifying information along with a description, the authorized user hits the save button to complete the process. Editing an existing client is also an easy process. After the manage clients button is selected, a client list and a form are provided that allow the user to edit or add relevant client information.
  • a search criteria form 1403 is provided that allows the manager to search the user list by user ID, user name, user status or other such search terms.
  • FIGS 15A-15E illustrations of storefront management graphical user interfaces for the web administrator application 224 are disclosed.
  • the authorized user/manager accesses the catalog management portion of the application via the top level of the site management menu 1401 depicted in Fig. 14A.
  • the user is directed to the "manage storefront catalog” GUI 1500 shown in Fig. 15A.
  • This interface screen allows the manager to edit the PSP catalog or edit a client's storefront catalog.
  • Fig. 15B the user has selected one of the edit catalog buttons and is directed to the "manage catalog detail" GUI 1502; this GUI allows the user to rename a catalog, change the display name of a navigation link, change the default landing for a storefront home page, edit details for the featured products, etc.
  • a search criteria GUI 1503 is provided that allows the user to search for certain sales products by catalog, category, product ID, etc.
  • a sales product is an item listed on the web storefront for sale to the store' s customers.
  • a sales product may be one of the following: a fulfillment item (i.e., a finished good that is in inventory and ready to be shipped); a static print product (i.e., a production PDF stored in memory is ordered in various quantities by the buyer via the web store); an uploaded PDF (i.e., the production PDF is supplied by the buyer at via the web store at the time of purchase).
  • a production PDF may be configured by the PSP if it decides to add options, such as different paper choices, color vs. black and white, etc.
  • a product production detail GUI 1504 is provided. This interface allows the user to select one of the sales products types listed above, such as a finished good (from inventory), a client upload, etc.
  • a product linkage GUI 1505 is provided that allows the user to link the sales product to the production product. If the user selects a planned product in GUI 1504 (Fig. 15D), he must link it to a production product in the production module 210 as indicated above.
  • the linking arrow (a) illustrates that a production product is being linked to a static content PDF. The static PDF is selected in window (b). Once these steps are completed, the user hits the save button and the item is available at the web storefront.
  • the order manager application 226 performs other tasks such as system
  • FIG. 16A illustrations of a graphical user interface for the order and inventory manager application 226 are disclosed.
  • an authorized user selects the order management application by way of a main interface screen 1600 provided by the system 10.
  • a main interface screen 1600 provided by the system 10.
  • an authorized user is a PSP administrator, a CSR, or some other trusted person.
  • Fig. 16B the manager selected order management and is directed to the order management dashboard screen 1601. From the dashboard screen, one can view orders that were placed on the current day.
  • the screen 1601 also displays a list of the print jobs that that require an external invoice to be sent (i.e., certain external legacy systems allow a send invoice payment option to be selected) during the ordering process.
  • This screen also includes an orders awaiting shipment list which provides a list of all orders that can be filled from inventory and can be shipped immediately.
  • a sales order detail GUI 1602 is disclosed.
  • the screen allows the user to: change the order status (1); print an order detail sheet (2) for use as an invoice or packing slip; change the external invoice status (3); confirm the payment has been received (4); update a shipping address or method (5); add special instructions (6);
  • the order manager application 226 of present invention provides various reports that allow a user to create and save information in over 30 different fields. These reports can be exported in two different formats, a PDF format for production needs and viewing, or as a customer service report that can be opened in a spreadsheet application to do detailed calculations, sorting and additional analysis.
  • FIG. 17 an example diagram of an order management report 1700 provided by the order manager application 226 is disclosed.
  • the report 1700 shown in Fig. 17 is an order statistics page.
  • the orders totals field shows the total dollar amounts for the periods listed above. These amounts are all encompassing in that they include tax, shipping and all order adjustments. This field also includes a gross dollar amount section which provides the dollar amount for what has been ordered during the relevant time period. The paid dollar amount refers to the payments received, whereas the pending payments are amounts that have not been received.
  • the next major field is the order item counts field and this field shows the total number of items ordered (cancelled items are not included). This field is broken down into a gross items sold subfield (total number of items sold); a paid items sold subfield (total number of items where payment has been received); and a pending payments items sold subfield (total number of items wherein payment has not been received).
  • the orders pending field displays orders that require various actions such as waiting Payment, waiting approval and waiting completion.
  • the final field is the status changes field and it shows the number of orders that have had status changes in the time periods listed above.
  • the status changes include an ordered status, an approved status, a completed status, a cancelled status, and a rejected status.
  • the last category means the user has been disabled in the system and is thus inactive.
  • the order manager 226 also includes other functions. For example, a facility manager is employed by this application to adjust the inventory levels.
  • Manager application is available from the Application' s dropdown list when the user is logged into the Order Manager application.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de production comprenant au moins une interface configurée pour recevoir une commande de produit en vente, la commande de produit en vente identifiant au moins un produit en vente, ledit ou chacun desdits produits en vente étant basé sur des caractéristiques de produit en production et en outre modifié en fonction de caractéristiques prédéfinies de finition. Un système de gestion de production est couplé à l'interface ou aux interfaces de réseau. Le système de gestion de production est configuré pour extraire les caractéristiques du produit en production et un programme de production associé aux caractéristiques du produit en production d'au moins une mémoire non transitoire. Le système de gestion de production est configuré pour transformer les caractéristiques prédéfinies de finition, les caractéristiques du produit en production et le programme de production en instructions lisibles par une machine. Au moins un dispositif de production est couplé au système de gestion de production, le ou les dispositifs de production étant configurés pour effectuer au moins une action de production en réponse aux instructions lisibles par machine, sensiblement en conformité avec le programme de production. L'action ou les actions de production sont configurées en vue de transformer des matériaux de production semi-finis pour donner le ou les produits en vente.
PCT/US2013/063706 2012-10-05 2013-10-07 Système automatisé de production WO2014055983A1 (fr)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20020010336A (ko) * 2000-07-29 2002-02-04 김병수, 이학순 컴퓨터를 이용한 인쇄물 주문제작 방법
US20040059635A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-03-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Photo laboratory management system
US20050091119A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2005-04-28 Chris Tuijn Server configuration for printing a digital image product
EP1603063A1 (fr) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-07 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Système de traitement de commandes d'impression de photos numériques
US20060165457A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2006-07-27 Masataka Hasegawa Print production method, print production system, print order slip, print containing bag, and print product

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20020010336A (ko) * 2000-07-29 2002-02-04 김병수, 이학순 컴퓨터를 이용한 인쇄물 주문제작 방법
US20050091119A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2005-04-28 Chris Tuijn Server configuration for printing a digital image product
US20040059635A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-03-25 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Photo laboratory management system
US20060165457A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2006-07-27 Masataka Hasegawa Print production method, print production system, print order slip, print containing bag, and print product
EP1603063A1 (fr) * 2004-05-28 2005-12-07 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Système de traitement de commandes d'impression de photos numériques

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