Description
The SwitchClient Module is a separate desktop application allowing users to access the Switch Server remotely.
SwitchClient gives users a powerful tool for submitting and reviewing jobs being processed by the Switch Server. Not only can you launch and review jobs in Switch, you can add job information to the metadata stream that can be used anywhere in the flow.
It is not always possible to retrieve jobs and their metadata in an automatic way to enable an unattended and uninterrupted flow. Frequently it is necessary for an operator to submit a job into a flow because it is for example delivered on a flash drive, or because the job is not accompanied by the required information to route and process it correctly. Even when the delivery is automated, it may still be necessary to request operator intervention at some point in the flow because an error situation is recognised or because human intervention is desired to sign off or confirm a certain situation. In all these cases, SwitchClient offers a solution.
Using SwitchClient, you can:
- Connect to one or more Switch Servers on the local LAN/BPN. Note that mixed-platform networks (Mac and Windows) are supported.
- Submit jobs (files or job folders) and metadata (such as customer information, order number, page number, colour, quantities to print, etc.), that can be used in Switch to make routing decisions or to provide variable input to various tools and configurators.
- Review and process jobs being held in a Checkpoint, for jobs that need specific sign-off or approval. At this point in the workflow, you can add comments or replace the job files, download the Preflight Report (if there is one), etc.
- View job details and information about the status of the jobs that move through the Switch workflows.
- View log messages issued by processes on the Switch server.
Using Enfocus Connect as external client
The Enfocus Connect suite of applications creates Connectors applets that can deliver jobs directly into Switch accompanied by a job ticket.
Connectors are distributed to customers who supply jobs in order to manage the creation of print-ready PDFs in a controlled way, to collect metadata, to preflight the file before it is delivered and finally to deliver the file into the correct flow for immediate unattended processing.
In this respect a Connector can be considered as a kind of light SwitchClient that is used by customers who are sending jobs into Switch. The difference is that the Connectors only deliver files and metadata. They cannot be used for Checkpoints as is the case with SwitchClient.
Using optional modules, Switch enables automation and integration of popular third party applications used in the creative, prepress and production industries as well as MIS, DAM, Web-to-Print and database systems. Switch is a robust and reliable solution even in demanding environments and scalability and intelligence can be enhanced with optional scripting, database and metadata modules.
Other Available Modules:
Configurator Module
This module enables integration, control and automation of many popular third party applications in the creative, prepress and production sectors. The Configurator Module automates Adobe Acrobat Distiller, Adobe Creative Suite, Enfocus PitStop Server, and many other popular applications and allows you to easily build solutions for preflight, imposition, colour management and many more. Setup and automation of the applications is fully controlled from within Switch and the visual flow editor makes it as easy to work with configurators as it is to work with the built-in tools. Use the applications you are already using today or feel free to choose the tools that suit your needs best.
This module also includes the necessary tools to integrate with any hot folder based application or to dynamically use any third party command line tools. The Configurator Module also allows various properties values to be created using simple script expressions, adding a higher level of intelligence to file receiving, routing and processing options.
Database Module
The Database module for Switch automates the communication between a database application and Switch. The Database Module makes it possible for Switch to instantly access existing ODBC data sources to expedite automated processing and prevent labour-intensive re-keying of job information into multiple systems. The Database Module connects using system DSN resources and honours all database rights and privileges.
The Database Module adds a new Database connect element to the Switch toolset. This element can be used to dynamically read, write, create or delete records in the designated data sources anywhere in your workflow. The Module also enables any SQL query result to be used as a variable anywhere within your Switch workflow. You can use live job information to easily build dynamic SQL queries at any stage of your workflow. Query results can be used to make decisions for preflight, processing, delivery or archival based on existing job or customer information.
Scripting is no longer required, making it easier and faster for customers and integrators to build communication paths between Switch and an MIS or any ODBC-compliant database. This module also enables the visualisation of dynamic content from your database when using SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.
Metadata Module
Much like the Database Module, this module enhances workflow intelligence by using existing information stored in XML or JDF job tickets or embedded within files as XMP data.
- Use metadata wherever Switch uses variables to route files or process jobs dynamically.
- Update or add information in XMP packages.
- Visualise metadata-based content within SwitchClient and PitStop Connect.
The Metadata Module also includes tools to export metadata and convert XML information, preflight logs and reports into other XML formats, HTML or human-readable information. By repurposing embedded or job ticket information, Switch enables you to more effectively utilise previous investments and personalise your service to customers.
Scripting Module
This module enables Switch to take advantage of custom-developed Visual Basic Scripts, JavaScripts or AppleScripts. A separate SwitchScripter application is provided to assist the user in the development, testing and debugging of scripts. Users can optionally use the included Fixture pane to define a simulated run-time environment for script testing purposes. This module includes full support for standard JavaScript classes, with additional classes for XML, database connectivity, SOAP and much more.
Performance Module
To boost performance of the Switch Core Engine and get the ultimate processing power out of advanced hardware configurations that include multiple processors and high levels of RAM, you can extend the number of processes that Switch executes simultaneously.
Switch Web Services Module
This module enables third party applications such as web portals to integrate and drive Switch. You can improve your customer service experience by allowing your customers to securely submit files from the familiar environment of your company website. The Web Services Module enables your customers to track and approve jobs within Switch without leaving the comfort zone of your website interface.
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