After opening a JDF file, you can check the autogenerated layouts, compare the current settings with the source JDF values, and make any necessary adjustments before you print the output.
Note: For auto signature creation, define the mark rules that will add the correct marks to the autogenerated layouts.
Use any of these steps that apply to your situation, based on your awareness of the type of JDF data that you receive from your MIS.
For example, if the JDF data is consistently well defined, you might proceed to print the generated press-run layouts, with or without first checking the results.
- In the Preferences dialog box, load a suitable profile or set options as needed on the JDF tab.
- Choose the automation type:
- For auto signature creation (ASC) only, select Create Only.
- For auto signature matching (ASM) only, select Match only.
- For the most flexible automation, select Match then create (ASM/C).
- Select the matching criteria that are mandatory, and set the Match Tolerance level.
- Choose the automation type:
Select File > Open, then locate and open the JDF file.
The job notes are updated with the JDF file name, descriptive name, and MIS job ID, if provided. The run list is populated with PDF pages if the JDF includes a reference to the input files; otherwise, blank pages fill the specified page count.
The results and your next actions depend on the JDF data contents and the profile settings. Depending on the configured auto generation type, the software tries to resolve the requirements in the following sequence:If the JDF data contains:
For:
The software:
Typical next steps
A reference to a valid template that is in the Templates folder
ASM, ASC, ASM/C
Ignores the profile settings, and generates the assembly and press runs based on the referenced template
Check the generated press runs in the Press Runs view, and make any necessary adjustments before printing.
Sufficient stripping data, no template reference
ASM
Based on the Matching Criteria, tries to match the mandatory JDF values to the values in an existing template (within the profile's Match Tolerance limit) and if successful, generates the assembly and press runs based on the template
Check the generated press runs in the Press Runs view, compare the JDF values and settings in the Properties pane, and make any necessary adjustments before printing.
If ASM was unsuccessful, you can manually complete the job.
ASM/C
Based on the Matching Criteria, tries to match the mandatory JDF values to the values in an existing template (within the profile's Match Tolerance limit) and if unsuccessful, generates the assembly and press runs based on the JDF values
Check the generated press runs in the Press Runs view, compare the JDF values and settings in the Properties pane, and make any necessary adjustments before printing.
If ASM was unsuccessful, you can manually complete the job.
ASC
Applies the JDF values to the intent properties, and generates the assembly and press runs
Check the generated press runs in the Press Runs view, compare the JDF values and settings in the Properties pane, and make any necessary adjustments before printing.
If ASM was unsuccessful, you can manually complete the job.
Insufficient stripping data
ASM, ASC, ASM/C
Highlights the missing properties and generates a minimal assembly or no assembly
Obtain the missing customer requirements for the product intent, update the properties, and generate and check the press runs before printing.
- In the Assembly view, check the generated product assembly and intent settings:
- In the workspace, review the product structure that was derived from the JDF data.
- In the Properties pane, expand the Source JDF Values column.
- For each product, part, and section, individually compare the current property settings with the source JDF values, and edit or complete the settings as needed.
The Properties pane highlights any mandatory settings that are not within the profile's defined JDF Match Tolerance level for its Matching Criteria selections. You can edit or specify values for mandatory and non-mandatory settings.
Note: Skip the next step if the press runs were already autogenerated and no edits are required. - Click Generate Press Runs.
If the press-run layouts are successfully generated, the view switches to the Press Runs view. If they fail to be generated, you can edit the settings and try again, or switch to Press Runs view and manually complete the job. - In the Press Runs view, check the autogenerated press-run layouts and make any changes needed for production, such as to change the stock selection.
- Print the output.