SOLitrack Features and Configuration Overview Series

Understanding Production Tracking

Maintaining visibility throughout the workflow process has become increasingly challenging in today’s complex production environments. Organizations must track everything from initial job receipt through printing, finishing, mailing, and electronic delivery. SOLitrack addresses these challenges through a sophisticated tracking system that provides broad oversight and granular control, ensuring that organizations can monitor and manage every aspect of their production process precisely.

Dual-Level Tracking System

The heart of SOLitrack’s tracking capability lies in its innovative dual-level approach. By providing job- and piece-level tracking, organizations can balance efficient workflow management and detailed item control. This dual system enables:

Job Level Tracking (JLT):

• Acts as a digital job bag, consolidating all job-related information
• Provides real-time production status monitoring
• Enables SLA compliance tracking across all stages
• Delivers comprehensive workflow visibility
• Supports automated status updates

The addition of Piece Level Tracking (PLT) takes this control to an even more granular level, offering capabilities that transform how organizations manage individual items within each job:

Piece Level Tracking (PLT):

• Monitors individual mail pieces throughout production
• Enables special handling flags for specific items
• Supports manual divert capabilities when needed
• Facilitates record-level reprint management
• Maintains detailed chain of custody

Integration Across the Production Environment

Modern production facilities utilize a wide array of equipment and systems, each generating valuable tracking data. SOLitrack’s integration capabilities create a unified information network that captures and correlates data from multiple sources. This comprehensive integration enables real-time monitoring across:

Equipment Systems:

• Advanced printer status monitoring
• Finishing equipment connectivity
• Automated camera system integration
• Mail commingler compatibility
• USPS delivery tracking systems

Organizations gain unprecedented visibility into their operations through these integrations, enabling proactive management and rapid response to potential issues.

Enhanced Compliance and Security

In today’s regulatory environment, tracking isn’t just about operational efficiency – it’s about maintaining compliance and ensuring data security. SOLitrack’s advanced tracking capabilities provide robust support for:

Regulatory Requirements:

• Healthcare information protection protocols
• Financial data security measures
• Insurance document tracking systems
• High-value piece monitoring capabilities
• Comprehensive audit trail maintenance

These capabilities help organizations avoid costly compliance violations while maintaining efficient operations.

User Experience and Accessibility

Understanding that different users have varying needs and responsibilities, SOLitrack provides flexible interface options that can be tailored to specific roles and requirements. Through both thick client and web-based interfaces, users can:

Access Critical Information:

• View real-time production status
• Monitor individual piece locations
• Track delivery progress
• Generate custom reports
• Manage workflow exceptions

This flexibility ensures that everyone, from production floor operators to customer service representatives, has the information they need when they need it.

Transforming Production Management

SOLitrack’s comprehensive tracking capabilities are more than just a monitoring system—they provide a complete production management solution that transforms how organizations handle their workflow. By combining broad oversight with granular control, organizations can maintain full visibility while ensuring efficient operations and customer satisfaction. The system’s ability to adapt to various production environments while maintaining strict tracking and compliance requirements positions it as an essential tool for modern production facilities looking to optimize their operations while maintaining complete control over their workflow.

Revolutionizing Production Workflow Management

In modern print production environments, effectively managing output requires more than just tracking—it demands comprehensive control over every aspect of the production process. SOLitrack transforms traditional output management by providing a centralized system combining sophisticated job control with seamless integration capabilities, enabling organizations to streamline their production workflow.

Comprehensive Job Control

Its sophisticated job control system lies at the heart of SOLitrack’s output management capabilities. This system goes beyond basic file handling to provide intelligent processing that adapts to organizational needs:

File Processing:

• Automated file ingestion
• Dynamic rule assignment
• Bi-directional printer communication
• Real-time status monitoring
• Automated workflow progression

The system’s flexibility extends to both manual and automated operations, allowing organizations to choose the level of automation that best suits their needs.

Interface Innovation

Understanding that different users have varying needs, SOLitrack provides dual interface options that enhance accessibility while maintaining comprehensive control:

Thick Client Capabilities:

• Advanced configuration tools
• Comprehensive administrative controls
• Detailed status monitoring
• Direct printer management
• Custom workflow definition

Web-based Interface:

• Mobile device accessibility
• Remote operation capability
• Simplified job release
• Status monitoring
• Alert management

Proof and Approval Workflow

SOLitrack revolutionizes the traditional approval process through an intelligent system that streamlines review procedures while maintaining strict control:

Approval Management:

• Multi-step approval processes
• Parallel and serial workflow support
• Automated notifications
• Deadline-based auto-approvals
• Comprehensive audit trails

This sophisticated approach eliminates the need for fragmented approval systems while providing complete visibility throughout the process.

Printer Integration and Control

The system’s printer management capabilities provide unprecedented control over output devices:

Device Management:

• Multi-protocol support
• Load balancing capabilities
• Automated failover rules
• Cost tracking integration
• Resource utilization monitoring

Advanced JDF and JMF support enhances these capabilities, enabling sophisticated control over finishing operations and detailed resource tracking.

External System Integration

SOLitrack’s open architecture enables seamless integration with existing business systems:

Integration Capabilities:

• Over 80 API functions
• Webhook support
• Real-time data exchange
• Third-party system connectivity
• Automated status updates

This integration flexibility ensures that SOLitrack can adapt to existing workflows while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Transforming Production Operations

SOLitrack’s output management capabilities represent a significant advancement in production workflow control. By combining sophisticated job management with comprehensive integration capabilities, organizations can achieve new levels of efficiency while maintaining complete control over their production environment. The system’s ability to adapt to various operational needs while providing consistent, reliable output management makes it an essential tool for modern production facilities looking to optimize their operations.

Understanding Job Batching

In today’s high-volume print production environments, efficient job management is crucial for maintaining productivity and controlling costs. SOLitrack’s job batching functionality addresses this need by providing a sophisticated system that intelligently combines similar jobs into larger batches, creating significant operational efficiencies while ensuring quality and timeliness.

At its core, this process enables organizations to:

• Combine Jobs Strategically: The system intelligently groups jobs with similar characteristics such as paper type, finishing requirements, and delivery specifications, maximizing equipment utilization and reducing changeover time between jobs.
• Optimize Mail Processing: Through advanced sorting algorithms, SOLitrack ensures efficient mail piece handling, leading to postal savings and improved delivery times while maintaining the integrity of each individual mailing.
• Enhance Operational Flow: By streamlining job management, organizations can reduce bottlenecks and improve throughput, improving resource utilization across their entire production environment.
• Maintain Service Commitments: Although multiple jobs are combined, the system carefully tracks and manages individual SLAs, ensuring service commitments are met for each component job.
• Simplify Tracking: The unified tracking system allows operators to monitor multiple jobs as a single entity while maintaining individual job visibility when needed.

Key Batching Concepts

1. File Concatenation
SOLitrack’s file concatenation capabilities form the foundation of its batching system. This process:

• Optimizes File Management: Combining multiple files from designated folders into a single, optimized output reduces system overhead and improves processing efficiency.
• Enhances PDF Handling: This feature is particularly beneficial for small PDF files, where individual processing would be inefficient. The system creates optimized larger files that print more efficiently.
• Streamlines Resources: The system reduces redundancy and improves overall file efficiency through intelligent resource consolidation.
• Enables Smart Collation: Files are collated based on sophisticated criteria matching, ensuring logical grouping and processing.

2. Assembly Process
The assembly process takes batching to the next level by:

• Implementing Rule-Based Combination: Uses detailed input specifications to determine how files should be combined, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Automating Manual Tasks: Significantly reduces the need for manual collation, minimizing human error and improving throughput.
• Optimizing Geographic Distribution: The system improves delivery efficiency and reduces postal costs by enabling zip code-based grouping.

3. Job Batching with SOLitrack
At the heart of SOLitrack’s functionality lies its sophisticated job batching system, which:

• Intelligently Matches Jobs: Goes beyond simple grouping by analyzing multiple job attributes to ensure compatibility in terms of production requirements, paper stocks, and finishing needs.
• Provides Scheduling Flexibility: Offers both automated and manual scheduling options, allowing organizations to balance efficiency with specific production requirements or urgent job needs.
• Automates File Management: Creates and manages CSV files automatically for batch building, eliminating error-prone manual file handling and improving process reliability.
• Maximizes Postal Efficiency: Digital commingling enables organizations to achieve optimal postal rates while maintaining individual job integrity.
• Maintains Job Visibility: Despite combining jobs into batches, preserves individual job tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency throughout the production process.

Automated Management Features

SOLitrack’s automated management system represents a significant advancement in production workflow control through two key areas:

Product Type Assignment
The system’s product type assignment capabilities provide comprehensive job classification through:

• SLA Integration: Automatically associates appropriate service level agreements with each job type, ensuring proper prioritization and handling throughout the production process.
• Envelope Specification Management: Maintains detailed envelope requirement tracking, ensuring proper materials are available and used for each job within the batch.
• Media Control: Implements sophisticated media-type definitions that ensure jobs are only batched when paper stocks and other physical requirements align.
• Process Alignment: Automatically matches jobs with compatible manufacturing processes, preventing production delays or quality issues.

Batch Rules Management
The batch rules engine provides intelligent control over production parameters:

• Roll Size Optimization: When creating batches, paper roll sizes are carefully considered, minimizing waste and maximizing the efficiency of continuous-feed printing systems.
• Equipment Capacity Management: Monitors and adapts to device capacity limits, preventing overload while maintaining optimal throughput.
• Production Requirement Coordination: Ensures all jobs in a batch share compatible production requirements, from printing specifications to finishing needs.
• Dynamic Schedule Management: Continuously optimizes scheduling based on real-time production conditions and priorities.

Digital Commingling Benefits

SOLitrack’s digital commingling capabilities deliver substantial advantages to production operations:

• Enhanced Postal Efficiency: Achieves higher zip code saturation rates by intelligently combining mailings, resulting in significant postal savings.
• Optimized Delivery Performance: Improved mail sortation streamlines the delivery process, leading to faster delivery times for all pieces within the batch.
• Reduced Administrative Overhead: Dramatically decreases paperwork and handling requirements by consolidating multiple mailings into unified batches.
• Flexible Application Support: Uniquely allows combination of different application types with varying address block locations, maximizing commingling opportunities.
• Independent Processing Control: Enables organizations to maintain control over their presorting process, eliminating dependence on external presort vendors.

Operational Advantages

The system delivers significant operational benefits across two key dimensions:

Equipment Efficiency
Through sophisticated equipment management, SOLitrack:

• Minimizes Setup Time: Reduces the frequency of equipment setup changes by intelligently grouping similar jobs.
• Optimizes Runtime: Keeps equipment running at peak efficiency by minimizing stops and starts between jobs.
• Maximizes Utilization: Ensures optimal use of printing and finishing equipment through intelligent job sequencing.
• Streamlines Workflow: Creates efficient production paths that minimize bottlenecks and maximize throughput.

Workflow Improvements
The system enhances overall workflow through:

• Automated Operations: Reduces manual intervention requirements, leading to lower labor costs and fewer errors.
• Intelligent Scheduling: Optimizes production scheduling based on equipment availability and job requirements.
• Simplified Management: Provides clear visibility into batch status and progress, enabling proactive management of production challenges.
• Enhanced Tracking: Maintains detailed tracking of individual jobs and batches throughout production.

Key Takeaways

Through these comprehensive capabilities, SOLitrack transforms traditional print production environments into highly efficient, automated operations that handle complex job requirements while maintaining quality and meeting service-level agreements. The system’s flexibility allows organizations to implement the level of automation that best suits their needs while providing a path for increased automation as their operations evolve.

Whether implementing automated or manual batching processes, organizations can achieve significant operational efficiencies and cost savings while ensuring service level agreements are met. SOLitrack’s sophisticated job batching capabilities provide organizations with a powerful tool for optimizing their production workflows while maintaining complete control and visibility.

Modernizing Production Dashboards

Production dashboards have evolved from traditional whiteboards to sophisticated digital solutions. SOLitrack represents the culmination of this progress, offering a modern, centralized approach to production monitoring and management. Through its dual-interface system—combining a robust, thick client for configuration with a customizable web-based dashboard—SOLitrack provides comprehensive visibility into production operations.

Comprehensive Database Foundation

At the heart of SOLitrack’s reporting capabilities lies a sophisticated database system that records all production activities meticulously. This centralized repository is the foundation for real-time monitoring and historical analysis, enabling organizations to maintain complete visibility over their production environment. The system captures:

• Job progression through all workflow stages
• Individual mail piece tracking and status
• Device performance and status metrics
• Resource utilization and consumption data
• User interactions and system events

Alert Management System

SOLitrack’s alert mechanism provides proactive notification of production conditions across seven key categories of events. The system allows for precise configuration of alert triggers based on specific operational needs. Key alert features include:

Event Categories:

• Job processing status and progression
• Device status changes and availability
• SLA compliance monitoring
• User activity tracking
• System performance metrics

Notification Options:

• Email alerts to defined contact lists
• Webhook integration for external systems
• Custom scheduling for notifications
• Filtered event logging

Advanced Reporting Capabilities

The reporting system in SOLitrack has been engineered for both simplicity and depth. Users can generate detailed reports without requiring database query expertise, thanks to an intuitive interface that guides them through the report creation process. The system offers:

Visualization Options:

• Interactive pie and bar charts
• Detailed tabular data views
• Workflow progression diagrams
• Status dashboards
• Custom report layouts

Report Types:

• Workflow activity analysis
• Resource consumption metrics
• SLA compliance reporting
• Production efficiency tracking
• Mail piece status summaries

Integration and Accessibility

SOLitrack’s reporting system extends beyond internal operations through its robust API and webhook support. This enables seamless integration with external systems and applications, allowing organizations to incorporate production data into their broader business intelligence framework. The system provides:

• Real-time data exchange capabilities
• Integration with finishing equipment
• Connection to third-party applications
• Support for manual process tracking
• Mobile access to all features

Business Impact

Implementing SOLitrack’s reporting and alert system can significantly improve operational efficiency. Organizations typically experience enhanced problem resolution through early detection and notification, improved customer service through readily available status information, and reduced operational overhead through automated monitoring.

The system’s ability to provide real-time visibility while maintaining detailed historical records makes it invaluable for day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. By providing accurate, timely information to all stakeholders, SOLitrack helps organizations maintain high productivity while ensuring customer satisfaction through transparent communication.

SOLitrack transforms raw production data into actionable insights through its comprehensive reporting and alert capabilities. This enables organizations to optimize their operations while maintaining complete visibility and control over their production environment. The system’s flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for organizations looking to modernize their production monitoring and management capabilities.

Understanding Reprint Challenges

Effectively managing reprints is crucial yet often challenging in modern print production environments, particularly when 100% fulfillment is required for transactional output. From hardware issues during finishing and insertion to printer jams and processing errors, there are numerous points where mail pieces can be damaged during production. Many organizations struggle with inefficient processes that require programming intervention or even complete job reruns, leading to unnecessary delays and increased costs.

Core Reprint Management Features

Traditional reprint processes often require programmer intervention to regenerate output from host systems, creating unnecessary delays and distracting valuable IT resources from more critical tasks. SOLitrack revolutionizes this approach through an intelligent system streamlining reprint operations while maintaining production integrity. The system delivers efficiency through:

Eliminating Host System Dependency:

• Direct reprint management without programmer intervention
• Immediate access to required pieces
• Reduced IT resource requirements
• Streamlined workflow processes

Supporting Multiple Reprint Scenarios:

• Hand scanner input for barcode reading
• Manual index content entry
• Automated camera system integration
• Exception file processing for damaged pieces

Advanced Tracking Integration

At the heart of SOLitrack’s reprint capabilities lies a sophisticated tracking system that ensures complete visibility and control throughout the reprint process. By integrating deeply with document tracking systems, SOLitrack maintains the integrity of each piece while enabling efficient reprint management. This integration provides:

Sophisticated Indexing:

• Comprehensive metadata tracking for each mail piece
• Automated sequence number management
• Integrated barcode systems for machine reading
• Secure job ID tracking and verification

Flexible Identification Methods:

• Multiple content triggers for reprint initiation
• Customizable barcode implementation
• Automated piece identification systems
• Intuitive manual search capabilities

Workflow Integration

SOLitrack’s seamless integration with the Chemistry platform creates a comprehensive ecosystem for reprint management. This integration eliminates traditional workflow bottlenecks while ensuring accuracy throughout the process. The system orchestrates:

Process Management:

• Automated job registration and tracking
• Seamless file format conversion
• Enhanced document processing
• Efficient archive and retrieval systems

Control Features:

• Automated inserter control
• Real-time exception handling
• Detailed piece-level tracking
• Comprehensive completion verification

Configuration and Usage

Understanding that every production environment is unique, SOLitrack offers remarkable flexibility in its configuration and operation. The system can be tailored to specific organizational needs without requiring complex coding or technical expertise. Users benefit from:

Streamlined Setup:

• Intuitive application-specific rules
• Simple scanner integration
• Customizable workflow definitions
• Flexible tracking rule implementation

Operational Flexibility:

• Multiple record selection methods
• Integrated barcode scanning
• Custom page range specification
• Advanced sample printing options

Production Optimization

The true power of SOLitrack’s reprint management system lies in its ability to adapt to various production environments while maintaining efficiency. Rather than dedicating high-volume production printers to reprint tasks, organizations can utilize smaller printers specifically for reprints, optimizing resource allocation without compromising production schedules. The system enables:

Resource Management:

• Strategic printer allocation
• Optimized batch processing
• Efficient workflow management
• Reduced production interruptions

Quality Assurance:

• Comprehensive setup verification
• Sample printing capabilities
• Automated alignment checks
• End-to-end tracking systems

Transforming Print Operations

SOLitrack’s sophisticated reprint management system transforms what is typically a challenging and disruptive process into a streamlined, efficient operation. Organizations can maintain production efficiency while ensuring complete fulfillment of all mail pieces by providing flexible options for manual and automated reprint handling while maintaining detailed tracking and quality control. The system’s ability to integrate with existing workflows and adapt to various production environments positions it as an essential tool for modern print production operations, enabling organizations to meet their fulfillment requirements while optimizing resource utilization and maintaining production momentum.

Understanding Configuration Architecture

Implementing a production management system often raises concerns about complexity and learning curves. SOLitrack addresses these challenges through an intuitive configuration approach that emphasizes graphical interfaces and wizard-driven setups. This approach enables organizations to implement and maintain their systems with minimal reliance on external support or consulting services.

Core Configuration Components

At the heart of SOLitrack’s setup lies a logical progression of interconnected elements that work together to create a comprehensive job management system. This structured approach enables organizations to:

Define Job Types:

• Custom attribute assignment
• Processing rule specification
• Workflow path definition
• Output requirement mapping

Establish Monitoring Systems:

• Automated file ingestion
• Dynamic attribute assignment
• Processing rule implementation
• Status tracking integration

File Ingestion and Monitoring

The foundation of SOLitrack’s job management begins with its monitoring system. Through sophisticated watch folder capabilities, the system provides automatic job intake and attribute assignment, streamlining the initial stages of document processing:

Monitor Configuration:

• Automated file detection
• Conditional attribute assignment
• Default job information mapping
• Storage rule implementation

Attribute Management:

• Customizable field definitions
• Priority assignment capabilities
• Account information tracking
• Due date management

Workflow Tracking Implementation

SOLitrack’s tracking system provides comprehensive visibility through three key components: checkpoints, tracking points, and workflows. This multi-layered approach ensures:

Stage Definition:

• Custom checkpoint creation
• Camera system integration
• Status update automation
• Progress monitoring capabilities

Integration Points:

• Software processing updates
• Hardware status monitoring
• Mail tracking integration
• Third-party system connectivity

Device Management and Control

The system’s device configuration capabilities extend beyond basic printer management to create a comprehensive output control system. Organizations can implement the following:

Protocol Support:

• Multiple printer connectivity options
• Status monitoring integration
• Performance tracking capabilities
• Resource utilization monitoring

Interface Customization:

• Custom device imagery
• Status display configuration
• Operator interface customization
• Mobile access implementation

Product Definition and Management

Products in SOLitrack represent the manufacturing and distribution attributes for specific job types. This crucial configuration area enables:

Manufacturing Controls:

• Paper stock specification
• Processing requirement definition
• Workflow assignment
• Distribution rule implementation

Schedule Management:

• SLA integration
• Due date tracking
• Production timeline monitoring
• Resource allocation optimization

Reporting and Alert Configuration

SOLitrack’s reporting system combines powerful database capabilities with user-friendly configuration tools. Organizations can establish:

Report Definition:

• Custom filter creation
• Graphical display options
• Data export capabilities
• User-specific views

Alert Management:

• Event-driven notifications
• Custom trigger definition
• Response action configuration
• Integration with external systems

Security and User Management

Understanding the importance of controlled access and system security, SOLitrack provides comprehensive user management capabilities:

Access Control:

• Role-based permissions
• Group management
• Feature access control
• Information visibility settings

System Administration:

• Maintenance scheduling
• Performance optimization
• Database management
• System monitoring tools

Transforming Production Management

SOLitrack’s configuration architecture represents a significant advancement in production workflow management. Organizations can implement sophisticated workflow management systems without extensive technical expertise or ongoing consulting support by combining intuitive setup tools with powerful functionality. The system’s ability to grow with organizational needs and its comprehensive integration capabilities make it an invaluable tool for modern production environments seeking to optimize their operations while maintaining complete control over their workflow processes.