The basis of FlowSuite is a workflow engine for order processing. An order consists of activities, such as an order for a book, a combined order for 32 business cards, or a request for an invoice. An order consists of the main order as well as one or more sub-orders. The main order includes information about the order. Each sub-order refers to a section of the production process. Each sub-order consists of various fields that are defined by the production section of the order, such as the paper type, paper format, and imposition diagram. These fields all provide important data to the FlowSuite application.

The workflow defines the steps that the order goes through in the organization. FlowSuite includes standard workflow templates/fields for order management, prepress, digital and offset printing, finishing, and delivery. Each FlowSuite client can customize their workflow by adding to the basic fields for the various types of sub-orders in the workflow.

FlowSuite creates an order according to a JDF report. The main order fields, the sub-orders, and the sub-order fields are generated based on the JDF report. FlowSuite automatically converts the report as part of the order workflow. FlowSuite controls the arrangement of the JDF report.

An external machine or application generates a JMF notification and sends this to FlowSuite. FlowSuite reads the notification and searches for the correct order in the workflow. The JMF notification is then connected to the correct sub-order. This results in a new JMF notification. FlowSuite then sends this JMF notification to the appropriate activity.

After the sub-order for printing the order contents is complete, FlowSuite automatically starts the binding sub-order. FlowSuite can be set up to communicate with multiple machines and applications.

FlowSuite can automatically generate a JDF report for other machines and applications when a sub-order has reached a certain status.

When the finishing sub-order is being prepared for production, FlowSuite automatically generates a JDF assignment for the appropriate machine for finishing. The setup of the JDF assignment is defined by a template.

The exact implementation of FlowSuite differs for each company. So contact Applify today to find out more about how JDF/JMF could benefit your company's unique requirements.