Administration - Sequence Templates
The basic concept of an automated workflow as provided by the Prinect Manager is based on all the steps of an output process being configured and saved as templates in advance.
The various steps are grouped together as "Sequences". The actual configuration of your Prinect system (i.e. which options are enabled) and your device configuration provide the framework for defining the steps that you can set in each sequence.
When you define different output configurations, you can combine several sequences to form group templates for a better overview and easier handling of your work.
You can define sequence, smart and group templates in "Administration > Resources > Templates". You can define "smart templates" for special requirements, especially for web-to-print applications. Smart templates contain predefined process setups where you can store complete editing processes for automated workflows. You will find more details about smart templates in: Smart Templates.
The columns show not only the names of the sequence templates, smart templates and group templates but also the properties and status details about each template:
•Active
"Active" enables the sequence in question for use on print jobs that were created in a Management Information System (MIS), a Web-to-Print Manager or with Portal Services. In an MIS, a Web-to-Print Manager or with Portal Services, you can set up certain output options that are then run by the active sequences when such jobs are imported to the Prinect Manager. You can set a sequence to "Active" by selecting the sequence and setting "Active for JDF Import" in the context-sensitive menu. The sequence then displays "Yes" in the "Active" column. In other words, the value in this column only affects job processing if jobs are imported from a connected MIS system, a Web-to-Print Manager or from Portal Services. You will find more information about the import of jobs at the following point: Succession.
The "Active" property also controls replacement of sequences in a smart template: Only "active" sequences are replaced automatically in a smart template.
•Criterion
This column is related to the use of the sequence concerned for processing jobs that were imported from a Management Information System (MIS), a Web-to-Print Manager or from Portal Services. You will find more information about the import of jobs at the following point: Succession. Each criterion of a sequence that is suited for an MIS job import is indicated by an icon in this column. The icons for active sequences ("Yes" in the "Active" column) are colored. Icons for inactive sequences are hidden. "Device ID" or "Plate size" are criteria, for example. You can assign certain criteria to a sequence with the "Properties..." button or the appropriate command in the context-sensitive menu.
The "Criterion" property also controls replacement of sequences in a smart template: Only "active" sequences are replaced automatically in a smart template.
•Machine
This column only displays an item if the sequence concerned is connected to an output device (a "machine"). For example, in proof sequences, the proofer selected in the sequence displays. In "SheetfedPrinting" sequences, the press selected in the sequence displays.
•Created on/Created by
These columns show the creation date and/or the name or initials of the author.
•Modified on/Modified by
These columns show the modification date and/or the name or initials of the operator.
•Comment
Certain sequence types, e.g. "PDFEdit" let you enter comments. These comments are shown in this column. You can type comments directly into the sequence settings or using "Properties" in the context-sensitive menu.
What should I note before processing documents with the Prinect Manager?
Note: You should remember the following items when you create documents for printing with the Prinect workflow:
·Use the latest version of Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress when you create PDF documents directly from them.
·If you use other applications to create artwork masters, you should use the latest version of Acrobat Distiller to create the PDF files.
·If you use custom Acrobat settings, for example, by modifying the Distiller default ("Press Quality"), save this default as a new file with a different name to be able to use it for other print outputs as well.
·Select the resolution to match the resolution of the platesetter used (2400 dpi or 2540 dpi). A higher resolution setting only very slightly affects the size of the created PostScript or PDF file.
·All fonts should be fully embedded into the documents.
·All images must be embedded into the documents.
·If necessary, embed all necessary color profiles for color management.
·Do not make any settings relating to a special output device (e.g. screen settings).
Composite Files or Separated Pages?
You should only edit composite files, i.e. you should disable all your DTP application separation parameters/functions when printing or set them to "Composite".
Separated PDF files, i.e. a separate PDF file for each separation, will be created by the "Normalizer" (is found in the "Qualify" or "Prepare" sequence, see also "Normalizing" option) if you have only separated data. These can also be processed by the preflighter combining separated PDF files to pseudo composite PDF files (see also "Preflight" Option). There are however restrictions - color conversion (color management) and spreading (trapping) is not possible.
Note: The "Recombiner" option (see also "Split Document" Option) in the "Qualify" sequence assembles separated documents (also those with spot colors) to form real composite documents. This means that this option also lets you prepare separated documents so that trapping and color management operations can be used on them.
Because DTP applications generally do not stick to Adobe conventions during output in the separated PostScript format, errors cannot be excluded, particularly in the detection of the process color for a separation! This applies particularly to applications running on a Windows platform.