MarcomCentral Connect

A working simulation with sample objects and workflows

The MarcomCentral Connect feature includes a complete simulation that demonstrates how to exchange information using objects added by the Order Management feature, MarcomCentral-specific sample objects, and calls to MarcomCentral web services. The web services connect RICOH ProcessDirector objects and workflows to a sample store at the MarcomCentral website. The sample store serves as a test environment for the RICOH ProcessDirector web services interface to MarcomCentral.

The simulation has these objects and workflows:

• The MarcomReceiveOrders sample SOAP web service input device simulates a call to the MarcomCentral web service that returns orders by date. The input device retrieves sample orders, turns them into jobs, and assigns them to the MarcomProcessOrders workflow.

• The MarcomOrderSample order property mapping object is used by a step in the MarcomProcessOrders workflow. The property mapping object reads and interprets the order XML file to identify the order and the jobs contained in it. The property mapping also sets order and job properties based on the values in the XML file.

• The MarcomProcessOrders sample workflow processes MarcomCentral orders. It converts MarcomCentral order information into RICOH ProcessDirector order and job properties using the MarcomOrderSample order property mapping object. Then it creates an order and child jobs for each order detail. The workflow submits the jobs to the MarcomProcessJobTicket workflow.

• The MarcomProcessJobTicket sample workflow processes the jobs created in MarcomProcessOrders and retrieves MarcomCentral job tickets. The workflow sends each printable item through a branch that downloads a file and prints it, and each non-printable item through a branch that holds the job until the warehouse confirms that the item has been added to the order.

• When all items in the order have completed processing, the MarcomCloseoutOrders sample SOAP web service notification simulates a call to the web service that closes the order. If the notification actually called the web service, the web service would close the order in the sample store. The status of each item in the order in the sample store would change to Shipped.

After you run the simulation and examine how it works, you can modify the samples and connect them to your store at the MarcomCentral website. For example, you can add steps to access an external data source with the information required to process items ordered at your store. You can replace the printing steps in the MarcomProcessJobTicket workflow with the steps in your production workflow or send child jobs to multiple production workflows. You can add notifications to send additional information to MarcomCentral. For more information, see the related tasks.

Job properties and sample files for converting information

The MarcomCentral Connect feature includes job properties and sample XSLT style sheets:

• The MarcomCentral order ID, MarcomCentral order number, MarcomCentral job ticket ID, and MarcomCentral product type job properties receive values converted from XML elements in MarcomCentral orders and job tickets.

• One XSLT style sheet shows you how to convert XML elements into job properties for each ticket job.

Prerequisites

The MarcomCentral Connect feature requires the Web Services Enablement and Order Management features.