Solimar Systems Indexing Tools Overview Series
This two part series provides an overview of Solimar Systems Indexing Tools and where it fits into a typical production print and electronic delivery and archive workflow, and the benefits it provides. Indexing Tools has a lot of capabilities and touch points in our Chemistry platform, so we’ve grouped the overview into two sessions, starting with the general overview and then a second session covers more details about how Indexing Tools fit into the various components of the overall Chemistry platform.
Within our Chemistry platform, the Indexing Tools play a central role to facilitate workflows where identifying information within the data and taking actions on the data at the record level is needed. This includes workflows such as eDelivery with SSE to present users with their information on the fly, the mailpiece level tracking and automated reprint functionality with SOLitrack, and Rubika’s capabilities to manipulate the output down to the record level, and support for postal address correction and sorting workflows.
Solimar Systems Indexing Tools: Streamlining Production Print, and Electronic Delivery Workflows
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools provides a comprehensive PDF indexing and data mining solution that serves as the backbone of modern production print and electronic delivery workflows. As a central component of the Chemistry platform, this suite of tools enables organizations to unlock valuable information from their transactional documents while automating complex production processes.
Part 1 of 2 (Length: 15:02)
Overview
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools provides a comprehensive PDF indexing and data mining solution that serves as the backbone of modern production print and electronic delivery workflows. As a central component of the Chemistry platform, this suite of tools enables organizations to unlock valuable information from their transactional documents while automating complex production processes.
The Chemistry Platform Foundation
Solimar Systems, founded in 1991, has developed the Chemistry platform to address the full spectrum of production print challenges. The platform manages workflows from file receipt through hardcopy production and electronic delivery channels, serving environments ranging from small in-plants to some of the world’s largest print centers.
The Chemistry platform operates on a PDF-centric architecture, leveraging PDF’s advantages, including:
- Superior compression and storage efficiency
- Built-in security and compliance features (PDF/A, 508C accessibility)
- Self-contained files ensuring 100% output fidelity
- ISO standardization for long-term compatibility
- Workflow standardization capabilities
Core Components of Indexing Tools
SDX Designer
A powerful Adobe Acrobat plugin that enables users to create indexing templates through an intuitive graphical interface. Users simply draw bounding boxes around relevant fields to define:
- Single field indexes
- Multi-line paragraphs and address blocks
- Floating data tables
- Metadata elements (comments, annotations, page-piece dictionary information)
Indexing Engine
The processing component applies templates to PDF files, extracting defined information for use throughout the production workflow. The engine can process both visible page content and hidden metadata, providing flexibility for various indexing requirements.
SOLfinder
An Adobe Reader/Acrobat plugin that enables rapid searching within indexed PDF documents using familiar keywords rather than full-text searches. With full Acrobat integration, SOLfinder supports item-level reprints and record extraction from larger files.
How Indexing Works
The indexing process follows a straightforward workflow:
- Template Creation: Using SDX Designer, operators define indexing rules by identifying:
- Mailpiece or record boundaries (triggered by field changes like account numbers)
- Key data fields for searching and tracking
- Table structures with column headers and cell data
- Qualifying criteria based on fonts, attributes, or specific content
- Testing and Validation: The Evaluate Rules feature allows thorough testing of templates to ensure accurate data capture and correct boundary identification before production deployment.
- Automated Processing: SOLfusion provides workflow automation, dynamically applying the appropriate templates based on file characteristics and managing the execution of the indexing engine alongside other Chemistry components.
Key Capabilities and Benefits
Production Efficiency
- Automated identification of mailpiece boundaries eliminates manual document separation
- Rapid location of specific records within large transactional files
- Support for complex document structures, including floating data and tables
Data Mining and Integration
- Export indexed data to CSV format for analysis in external systems
- Avoid manual data re-entry into accounting and marketing systems
- Enable cross-departmental data sharing from legacy print streams
- Support document redesign initiatives by extracting content for recomposition
Compliance and Security
- Index confidential data as hidden metadata for production control
- Maintain data security while enabling searchability
- Support accessibility requirements through proper document structuring
Workflow Integration
Indexing Tools enables critical Chemistry platform functions:
- eDelivery: Powers SOLsearcher Enterprise (SSE) archive system for on-demand document presentation
- Production Tracking: Enables mailpiece-level tracking through SOLitrack
- Document Enhancement: Supports Rubika’s record-level manipulation capabilities
- Postal Optimization: Facilitates address correction and sorting workflows
- Compliance Tools: Drives Redaction and Accessibility solutions
Implementation Flexibility
Organizations can deploy Indexing Tools tactically for quick improvements or strategically as part of a comprehensive workflow transformation. The solution accommodates:
- Multiple indexing templates for different document types
- Version control for maintaining existing applications while developing new ones
- Password-protected file processing
- External script and process integration
- Standardized metadata frameworks for service provider environments
Summary
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools transforms static PDF documents into intelligent, searchable assets that drive automation throughout the production print workflow. By providing granular access to document content and establishing clear record boundaries, organizations can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet evolving compliance requirements while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs.
Whether managing transactional statements, invoices, or other customer correspondence, Indexing Tools provides the foundation for modern, efficient production print and electronic delivery operations within the comprehensive Chemistry platform ecosystem.
Solimar Systems Indexing Tools: Platform Integration Overview
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools serves as the central nervous system of the Chemistry platform, enabling intelligent document processing across production print, electronic delivery, and archive workflows. This comprehensive solution identifies and extracts critical information at the record level, powering everything from customer self-service portals to automated mail tracking and regulatory compliance.
Part 2 of 2 (Length: 16:26)
Executive Summary
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools serves as the central nervous system of the Chemistry platform, enabling intelligent document processing across production print, electronic delivery, and archive workflows. This comprehensive solution identifies and extracts critical information at the record level, powering everything from customer self-service portals to automated mail tracking and regulatory compliance.
Core Platform Role
The Indexing Tools technology acts as a foundational enabler within the Chemistry platform ecosystem. By identifying and cataloging information within documents at granular levels, it facilitates sophisticated workflows, including:
- Real-time electronic delivery through SOLsearcher Enterprise (SSE)
- Mailpiece-level tracking and automated reprint capabilities via SOLitrack
- Record-level document manipulation with Rubika
- Automated postal address correction and sorting workflows
- Content redaction for privacy protection
- Accessibility compliance for screen readers
Key Integration Points
SOLsearcher Enterprise (SSE): Archive and eDelivery Excellence
SSE transforms how organizations store and retrieve transactional documents, particularly PDFs. This flexible framework supports both business-to-business applications (customer service, case management) and business-to-consumer implementations (self-service banking portals).
Key Capabilities:
- Stores entire print runs as single PDFs rather than individual files, dramatically reducing storage requirements
- Enables on-the-fly extraction of individual records as needed
- Supports full-text indexing for unstructured data like emails
- Provides customizable, brandable web interfaces for content workflows
- Integrates seamlessly with existing corporate web portals through .NET and web services
The indexed data populates SQL databases, making information searchable through familiar keywords like account numbers or client names. Users can search, view results as raw data or formatted documents, and export content as needed.
Rubika: Post-Composition Document Enhancement
Rubika provides a powerful platform for manipulating composed PDF files without returning to source systems—crucial for legacy applications or when receiving pre-composed files from external sources.
Processing Capabilities: With 29 specialized modules, Rubika performs tasks including:
- Updating or adding barcodes and sequence numbers
- Applying digital overlays and underlays
- Implementing conditional content modifications
- Masking sensitive fields
- Extracting data for external processing
- Adding digital inserts conditionally
The integration with Indexing Tools enables Rubika to access over 80 variables, including page counts, sheet information, color specifications, and custom counters. This data drives sophisticated logic for content manipulation, from simple date changes to complete document redesigns with color enhancement.
Solimar Print Director Enterprise (SPDE): Format Conversion Hub
SPDE serves as the connectivity bridge between host systems and printers, converting various print streams into PDFs for indexing and then back to required printer formats (PostScript, IPDS).
Workflow Benefits:
- Captures print files via TCP/IP, IPP, and other protocols
- Enables job naming and routing based on indexed information
- Controls finishing commands through JDF integration
- Supports automated workflow processing based on indexed data
SOLitrack: Comprehensive Production Visibility
SOLitrack elevates production monitoring from basic job tracking to sophisticated piece-level visibility, enabling features that transform operational efficiency.
Job-Level vs. Piece-Level Tracking:
- Standard job tracking provides workflow progression, device status, and basic reporting
- Piece-level tracking (enabled through indexing) adds:
- Individual mailpiece management
- Manual diversion capabilities
- Special handling flags (suppress print, courier segmentation)
- Record-level reprint workflows for damaged pieces
- Intelligent Mail Barcode tracking
- Detailed status reporting with delivery confirmation
The system offers both thick-client and web-based interfaces, supporting desktop and mobile access for real-time production monitoring, proof approvals, and job management.
Specialized Solutions
Redaction Engine: Privacy Protection
The redaction capability enables the complete removal or replacement of sensitive customer information. Organizations can:
- Remove content entirely from documents
- Replace text with alternative content
- Update fonts and colors while maintaining content
- Apply spot colors for MICR printing requirements
Accessibility Module: Compliance Enablement
Designed for 508C compliance, the accessibility features add appropriate tags to transactional documents for compatibility with screen readers. Each indexed field can receive specific tag types and alternative text descriptions, making documents fully accessible to users with disabilities.
Business Impact
The Indexing Tools integration across the Chemistry platform delivers measurable benefits:
- Storage Optimization: Single PDF storage with on-demand extraction reduces storage requirements significantly
- Operational Efficiency: Automated workflows eliminate manual intervention in document processing
- Customer Experience: Real-time document access through self-service portals improves satisfaction
- Regulatory Compliance: Built-in redaction and accessibility features ensure adherence to privacy and accessibility regulations
- Production Visibility: Piece-level tracking enables proactive issue resolution and improved SLA management
- Flexibility: Post-composition modifications eliminate dependencies on legacy systems
Summary
Solimar Systems’ Indexing Tools represents more than a single solution—it’s the intelligent foundation that enables the entire Chemistry platform to deliver sophisticated document processing capabilities. From the moment a document enters the system through its final delivery or archive, the indexing technology ensures that every piece of information is identifiable, trackable, and actionable. This comprehensive integration transforms traditional print and document workflows into intelligent, automated processes that drive efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction across the enterprise.