TransformJobIntoAFP

When a job arrives in this step, the step looks in the spool directory to see if it contains an AFP file:

• If it does, the step passes the job to the next step.
• If it does not, the step looks at the values of the Input data stream property and determines whether a RICOH ProcessDirector Transform can convert it to AFP.
  • If it can, the step sends the file to the Transform program, which converts the file and passes the AFP file back to RICOH ProcessDirector.
  • If it cannot, the step puts the job in Error state.

Job property defaults

• Create IS/3 compliant AFP: Not set
• External command: itm_driver -C ${getControlFileName()}
• External control file template: /aiw/aiw1/control_files/external_programs/prepare_transform.cfg
• External program language: Not set
• External program code page: Not set
• Input data stream: Unknown
• Transform image output format: Not set
• Transform halftone: Not set
• Transform page width (inches): 8.5
• Transform page length (inches): 11.0
• Transform resolution (dpi): 600
• Transform RIP for printer: Not set
• Valid return codes: 0

Usage notes

• Only use this step template if you have the AFP Support feature installed. One of the RICOH ProcessDirector Transform features must also be installed.
• If you are using the SAP to AFP transform feature to transform ABAP files, the SAP to AFP transform feature must be installed on the primary server.
• When you add a step based on this step template to a workflow, you can also include a step based on the DetectInputDatastream step template in the workflow. However, if you plan to process only one input data stream through that workflow, you can omit the DetectInputDatastream step and set the Input data stream value instead.
• If you transform GIF, JPEG, PDF, PS, or TIFF data to AFP for printing on an InfoPrint 4100-TS or InfoPrint 4100-TD printer using PQI toner, consult your Ricoh support representative to determine the value of the Transform halftone property.
• The InfoPrint Pro C900AFP printer supports a resolution of 1200 dpi, but the largest value that you can specify for the Transform resolution property is 999. To print at 1200 dpi, change the file specified by the External control file template property to specify a resolution of 1200.
  Important:
  • The RICOH PCL to AFP transform does not support a resolution of 1200.
• This step template does not send jobs to transforms associated with the Advanced Transform feature. Use the TransformWithAdvancedFeature step template with the Advanced Transform Feature.
• When you open the properties for this step template in the Workflow tab, the values for the Transform page width and Transform page length properties are in inches. If you open the properties for this step template on the Administration page, they are in inches or millimeters.
• If you transform PDF data to AFP, you can use either the Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) or Configurable PostScript Interpreter (CPSI) conversion program. We recommend using APPE for these reasons:
  • Direct conversion of PDF data to AFP

    CPSI first converts PDF data to PostScript, and then converts PostScript data to AFP.

  • Support for modern PDF capabilities such as transparency and drop shadows
  • Better performance for color jobs

  To convert PDF data with APPE, change the name of the file in the value of the External control file template property to prepare_transform_APPE.cfg. Leave the directory path the same. To convert PDF data with CPSI, keep the default value for the name of the file: prepare_transform.cfg. Both control files convert PostScript, PCL, and SAP data to AFP.

  Note:
  • If your primary server runs Red Hat 6.x or SLES 11, use CPSI to convert PDF data. APPE is not supported on those operating systems.