Operator and Queue Management Console

The Queue Manager provides a streamlined UI for print operators. The consolidated view allows print operators to monitor and control print queues and jobs. This allows operators to initiate and halt job processing, reorder and move jobs between queues, handle reprints, interventions and more based on the security rights assigned to them.

The Queue Manager's highly customizable UI allows the operators to create "views" that organize the queues and jobs according to the operator's preferences, and filter messages based on user-defined rules. A queue window can be opened for each logical queue and multiple queues can be grouped together for management within one window.

Key Management Features

Automatic Routing

Automatic job routing is accomplished with the use of user defined Job Filters. There are over twenty Job Filters that can be used to define logical and/or tests to control how a job is processed and distributed. All the routing possibilities are up to the user's imagination and production needs. Common configurations include routing jobs based on file size, job name, form type, pages, and class.

AutoStart Commands

SPDE is able to automate start command selection. Based on job names or information in the data, start commands can be invoked by several modules. Automating start commands reduces operator error, streamlines production, and eliminates the need to manually enter commands on the printer for different types of jobs.

Bookmaking

The Bookmaking features of SPDE enable print jobs to be organized in Queue Windows using a drag-and-drop interface. Files may originate from different hosts and applications. SPDE can convert different types of files into a common format. Once organized as desired, jobs can be submitted directly to the output device or appended together into one file.

Drag & Drop

When SPDE controls multiple printers, the Drag-and-Drop feature makes it easy to move jobs from one printer's queue to another. This is useful if a printer becomes unavailable, if you want to send the same job to two or more printers, or if the queue for a printer is long and you need a job printed immediately. The feature also supports file dragging and dropping between Windows Explorer and queue windows.

File Naming

Several modules of SPDE are able to extract and include information in file names that can be used for job management. Common uses for job naming include automating job routing and processing, filling accounting logs with charge-back information, and identifying files for operators in Queue windows.

Job Separation

SPDE is able to parse a single print report into multiple jobs based on user defined page count and logical rules. Common uses for separating jobs into sub-documents include: distributing and load balancing a single large report to multiple printers, submitting sub-documents to archive systems, enabling printers to start printing large jobs before receiving the last page, and automatic distribution of sub-documents to network printers or remote locations.

Job Tracking

SPDE displays information about all jobs processed and can generate two types of message logs to store job tracking information. For data that is converted, Accounting messages are generated showing the job's page count and name. Each time a job is processed a general tracking message is generated. General messages include the job name, where it was received from and where it was sent. Both types of message logs can be stored to disk on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Load Balancing

Central queue management with SPDE includes support for load balancing output among several devices simultaneously. Jobs can be submitted to the next available printer, large jobs can be parsed and "balanced" between multiple printers, and logical rules can be defined to control routing.

Reprints

SPDE has several options to facilitate reprint requirements. SPDE's Set Start/Stop Point provides a way to view files and specify the range of pages to resubmit to the printer. The Job Separator can be used to parse large jobs into smaller segments so pieces of a job can be resubmitted for print. A range of pages to be reprinted can be specified directly from IPDS, AFP, PostScript and Metacode spool files. SPDE's Set Start/Stop Point provides a way to view files and specify the range of pages to resubmit to the printer. Creating PDF files provides the means to reprint entire jobs or a range of pages to the printer of choice including manual or automated piece-level reprints based on indexed content using SOLsearcher Enterprise. SPDE can also store jobs for a specified amount of time for temporary or permanent archive and retrieval for reprint.

Search & Replace

The Data Converter Module enables data to be modified on-the-fly at or before run time. Users define the "search and replace" operation of the Data Converter Module, making it extremely flexible and powerful. Common uses are adding signatures, making data unprintable, correcting coding errors, and modifying VIPP®, PostScript, PCL and DJDE information.

Timed Release

The Timed Release and Delayed Job Entry options enable jobs to be processed at a specified time and interval. The options are useful for temporarily archiving files after printing, then automatically deleting them after a certain time. The options can also be used to establish priorities for different types of jobs.

User-Freindly GUI

The interface for SPDE is highly intuitive and user-friendly. There is no programming or scripting required to configure the many features. The interface minimizes implementation time and enhances print operations with a comprehensive and easy to understand focal point for central job management.