The automation of page layout requires high-quality data; the context of the production of a printed document is a frequent example of the industrialization of the input of forms. But sometimes, the form itself is the goal: for example, when it comes to inputting mass product descriptions for use on Web sites [^1].
What are the stakes of these needs?
- Aggregation
The priority is systematically to import data. This data can be presented in different forms, for example as:
- An Excel file for the references;
- Another file for the prices;
- A file containing the images;
- A PIM from which a thread will have to be drawn;
- Or a combination of these possibilities.
Beyond the import, it is also necessary to link the data together: combining the references with the files, linking the images, and naming them (brand pictogram, full-frame image, detail, etc.).
The Simple MOM application integrated into Simple Workspace supports all these use cases, from automatic or manual file import to links to an application messaging system – such as Azure or AWS – allowing “real-time” links. It then allows the automatic grouping of references under the right offers.
- The division into tasks
Many jobs are involved:
- The market manager will design the tables of his offers ;
- The editor and translator will… write and translate [^2] ;
- The photographer will assign his images to the right fields (full-frame, detail, etc.)
- The manager will validate the work ;
- And so on.
Obviously, each of these roles has different needs: for example, the photographer will only be concerned with a few fields…
A large number of forms to be entered multiplied by the number of actions to be carried out requires tools to organize the multiple tasks.
Workflows are at the heart of the Simple MOM [^3]. For each type of record, there can be several workflows that describe the different steps in the development of the record. And for each step, specific views, actions and rights can be defined. It is therefore easy to propose a flow dedicated to the photographer (and only for him thanks to the rights) which will present only the fields that concern him, a flow dedicated to the translator, etc.
- Manufacturing
Now that all these tasks exist, they must be accomplished!
Hence the need to orchestrate them: for example by showing an operator the list of tasks he has to perform or by allowing a manager to follow the evolution of the work.
Then comes the need for tools: automation is the main ally because it reduces the number of actions; but when it comes to manual work, efficient tools are needed.
Simple Workspace is a solution designed for production. The Simple MOM application is not to be ignored and includes translation memory, automatic grouping, calculated fields, simultaneous editing of multiple records, export and import of translations to Excel, etc. The application is also fully compatible with Simple Dashboard [^3].
- Distribution
Finally, when the work is completed, it must be possible to exploit it quickly: for example, by exporting the form in PDF format after having automatically formatted it, or, more simply, by exporting it to third-party tools in a raw format.
What Simple MOM can do as input, can also be done as an output and allows all possible links. And the application supports J2S layout automation tools, which allows you to get a PDF directly without changing screens.
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Would you like to learn more about our solution, or would you like a live demonstration?
Do not hesitate to contact us : we will be glad to answer your questions.
Jean-Yves Jourdain
Cofounder of J2S
