Supplied step templates

RICOH ProcessDirector supplies a set of step templates, which were installed with RICOH ProcessDirector. The supplied workflows contain steps created from these step templates. You can copy these templates to create customized steps that they can use when they build workflows.

You can add a step created from a step template to any phase of a workflow. The phases provide logical groupings for steps. Some steps go logically in a single phase. For example, the Print phase is a logical choice for the PrintJobs step. Other steps go logically in several phases. For example, to save a copy of a print file before RICOH ProcessDirector sends it to a transform program for conversion to a different data stream, add a CopyToFolder step to the Prepare phase. Then, to save a copy of the file after it prints, add another CopyToFolder step to the Complete phase. Or to verify that the correct forms are loaded before printing a job, add a ManualStepWithAutoStart step to the Prepare phase. Then, to conduct a print quality check after the job is printed, add another ManualStepWithAutoStart step to the Print phase after the PrintJobs step.

In this section:

  1. AddPageExceptionsToAFP
    A step based on this step template uses the page exception file generated by the ExtractPageExceptions step and converts the media settings into an inline form definition with the appropriate medium maps. The step also inserts Invoke Medium Map (IMM) structured fields into the output AFP file so that the page exceptions take effect on the correct pages.
  2. ApplyPreferences
    A step that is based on this step template uses a property mapping object to interpret a preferences file. The information in the preferences file is used to add or update one or more document property values in the document properties file (DPF).
  3. ApplyXSLTransform
    A step based on this step template uses an Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT) style sheet to convert a file in one format into another format. For example, the step can convert XML into another XML format for use as a JDF job ticket or as input to the CreateJobsFromXML step. The step also can convert XML into a text file containing RICOH ProcessDirector job or document properties.
  4. AssignJobValues
    Add this step to a workflow to set job properties to be used by any steps that follow this one in the workflow. The AssignJobValues step is particularly useful in combination with the use of rules on connectors between steps in a workflow.
  5. BuildAFPFromDocuments
    A step based on the BuildAFPFromDocuments step template creates a single AFP file for the current job, placing the documents in the sequence specified in the document properties file. The AFP file produced by this step becomes the AFP file for the subsequent steps in the workflow.
  6. BuildAFPFromZIP
    A step that is based on this step template builds a single AFP file from the contents of a ZIP file.
  7. BuildExternalDocPropsFile
    A step based on this step template lets you extract document data from the document properties file and create a file with the document data and headings that you need to send to an external program. The file you create is called an external document properties file.
  8. BuildFileFromProperties
    A step based on this step template creates an output file that contains the values of RICOH ProcessDirector job and document properties for a job. The file can be in any format, including XML, JSON, and CSV.
  9. BuildPDFFromDocuments
    A step that is based on the BuildPDFFromDocuments step template creates a single PDF file for the current job. The step places the documents in the sequence that is specified in the document properties file. After creating the PDF file, the step optimizes the file. The step also creates a JDF job ticket with media and finishing options.
  10. BuildPDFFromSets
    A step that is based on this step template concatenates the PDF files received by a hot folder input device that uses the Number of sets, Pages in sets, or Sets by time batching method into a single PDF file.
  11. BuildPDFFromZIP
    A step that is based on this step template builds a single PDF file from the contents of a .zip file.
  12. CallRESTService
    A step based on this step template lets you call REST-based web services to communicate with applications.
  13. CallSOAPService
    A step based on this step template lets you call SOAP-based web services to communicate with applications.
  14. ChangeHeader
    A step that is based on this step template changes the contents of the banner page that prints before the print job. Use this step template with the preview print function to identify the properties used for a given sample job.
  15. ChangeJobType
    A step that is based on the ChangeJobType step template transfers control to the workflow specified in the New workflow property. ChangeJobType lets you reuse some of the information from another workflow to avoid repetition.
  16. CheckFileStructure
    A step based on this step template checks that the syntax of a JSON or XML file is valid. If the syntax is not valid, the job goes into the error state.
  17. CombineAFPWithForm
    A step based on this step template replaces preprinted forms by combining electronic forms with data in AFP files.
  18. CombinePDFWithForm
    A step based on this step template replaces preprinted forms by combining electronic forms with data in PDF files.
  19. CompleteDocuments
    A step that is based on the CompleteDocuments step template causes the documents in the job to move to the Complete state. A workflow used for production jobs can specify the CompleteDocuments step to inform the workflow for the original job that its WaitForDocumentCompletion step can complete.
  20. ComposeAFP
    A step that is based on this step template uses Quadient Inspire Designer to generate a new AFP file from a WFD file and raw data files. The step waits for the new file to be returned.
  21. ComposePDF
    A step that is based on this step template uses Quadient Inspire Designer to generate a new PDF file from a WFD file and one or more raw data files. The step waits for the new file to be returned.
  22. CompressFiles
    A step that is based on this step template compresses job files that match the value of the Compress file patterns job property.
  23. ContinueToNextStep
    A step that is based on this step template continues to the next step without doing any processing. You can use this step to establish a restart point when reprocessing a job, using the Step restart type property.
  24. ConvertJSONtoXML
    A step based on this step template transforms a JSON file into an XML file.
  25. ConvertLineDataJobIntoAFP
    A step that is based on this step template converts a line-data job into the Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) format by calling the line2afp data stream conversion component of RICOH ProcessDirector as an external program. This step also sets a variety of job properties that control the conversion process.
  26. CopyToFolder
    A step that is based on this step template copies a RICOH ProcessDirector print file from the spool directory for the job to a different directory location. Replace the /aiwdir directory in the external command for the step template with an existing directory before using the step template as a step in a workflow.
  27. CountPages
    A step that is based on this step template calculates the number of pages and sheets for the job, and locates the beginning of each page in a job for use with the viewer component.
  28. CreateAFPJobsFromDocuments
    A step that is based on the CreateAFPJobsFromDocuments step template generates one or more child AFP jobs.
  29. CreateJobFromFiles
    A step that is based on this step template creates a child job from one or more source (input) files. If you specify more than one source file, the system automatically concatenates them. You use this step when you want to create a new job that operates on a single file. For example, if you have one or more text or PostScript files produced by a job that are auxiliary to the main print file, you can use a step based on this step template to create another job to print those files.
  30. CreateInserterReprints
    A step based on the CreateInserterReprints step template processes documents to be reprinted after insertion by creating a print file containing only the reprints. The documents are processed using the workflow you specify and the reprint method specified for the inserter controller.
  31. CreateJobsFromDocuments
    A step that is based on this step template generates one or more jobs based on entries in the document properties file for the original job. By default, child jobs are created.
  32. CreateJobsFromRepositorySearch
    A step that is based on this step template searches a repository and creates one or more jobs based on the data retrieved. The step processes these searches based on the criteria specified in a file or a string. When the step completes, new jobs are created using the selected workflow with the data retrieved from the search.
  33. CreateJobsFromXML
    A step based on this step template lets you create one or more XML jobs from the contents of an XML input file. The step submits the jobs to a workflow that you specify.
  34. CreateOrderInSlingshot
    A step based on this step template lets you call an Avanti Slingshot web service that creates an order for a job received from RICOH ProcessDirector.
  35. CreatePageRanges
    A step that is based on this step template rebuilds the page information needed for accurate repositioning when a partial job is reprinted. When all pages of a job are being printed, this step takes no action.
  36. CreateReprints
    A step based on the CreateReprints step template processes documents to be reprinted after reconciliation by creating a print file containing only the reprints. The documents are processed using the workflow you specify.
  37. DecryptPDF
    A step based on this step template decrypts and removes password protection for a PDF file.
  38. DetectInputDatastream
    A step that is based on this step template analyzes the first bytes of the input file when the input data stream type is Unknown. If the step can determine the type of the input data stream, the step sets the value of the Input data stream property accordingly.
  39. DownloadFile
    A step based on this step template downloads a file from an external source to a location that the RICOH ProcessDirector server can access.
  40. EditAFP
    A step that is based on this step template creates barcodes, text, and hidden areas in AFP files. The barcodes, text, and hidden areas are defined in a control file that you create using RICOH Visual Workbench and AFP Editor. When you configure the step, you can choose to create any page groups and index tags that are defined in the same control file before creating the barcodes, text, and hidden areas. You use AFP Indexer to create page groups and index tags.
  41. EmailDocuments
    A step based on this step template emails each PDF document in a job as an attachment to an individual email address.
  42. EnableRepositioning
    A step that is based on this step template locates the beginning of each page in an AFP or PDF job for use with the RICOH ProcessDirector viewer component.
  43. EncryptPDF
    A step based on this step template encrypts and password-protects a PDF file.
  44. EnhancePDF
    A step that is based on the EnhancePDF step template manipulates or evaluates a PDF file. The actions that manipulate or evaluate the file include rotating pages, removing pages, adding stamp annotations, and checking that the file meets PDF specifications. For each PDF job, the step receives both a PDF file and a JDF job ticket as input.
  45. ExportFromRepository
    A step based on this step template exports properties from entries in a repository using the search criteria specified in a file or a string. The step uses the entries in the Search criteria to retrieve archived results in the same way that the Search function of the Archive tab does in the RICOH ProcessDirector user interface.
  46. ExtractPageExceptions
    A step based on this step template reads the page exceptions for the job, either from the JDF file or created in the user interface, and writes them to a tab-delimited file.
  47. FailWithMessage
    Add this step to a workflow to have a job go into error with a customizable message that RICOH ProcessDirector writes to the job log. The FailWithMessage step is particularly useful when a job stops in a step because the conditional processing in a workflow gives unexpected results. For example, you add a FailWithMessage step as the last conditional branch from a step. If RICOH ProcessDirector cannot send a job through the other branches of a step, it sends the job to the FailWithMessage step and writes a failure message to the job log.
  48. FillWhiteSpace
    A step that is based on this step template fills white space areas in AFP files with content, such as images or text. The white space is defined in a control file that you create using the Whitespace Manager feature of RICOH Visual Workbench . When you configure the step, you can choose to create any page groups, index tags, barcodes, hidden areas, and text that are defined in the same control file before filling the white space areas. You use AFP Indexer to create page groups and index tags and AFP Editor to create barcodes, hidden areas, and text.
  49. GetTransformPageExceptions
    A step based on this step template lets you include page exceptions when you use the Advanced Transform feature to transform AFP input into PDF or PostScript output. The step converts tray information in the AFP form definition into media objects in the job ticket for PDF or PostScript output.
  50. GroupDocuments
    A step that is based on the GroupDocuments step template updates the document properties file to identify groups of documents based on up to six document properties. After you have grouped documents, you can use a step based on the CreateJobsFromDocuments step template to create a separate child job for each group.
  51. IdentifyDocuments
    A step based on the IdentifyDocuments step template determines page and sheet counts, sets the values of properties for each document in the AFP file, and writes the properties to the document properties file. If you specify a Visual Workbench control file that links document properties to index tags, the step sets the values of the document properties equal to the values of the index tags (TLEs). The AFP file must have page groups (BNGs) defined before the step runs.
  52. IdentifyPDFDocuments
    A step based on the IdentifyPDFDocuments step template identifies the documents in one or more PDF files. For each document, the step determines page and sheet counts and the values of document properties. The step writes the properties and their values to a document properties file.
  53. IdentifyPDFDocumentsFromZip
    A step based on the IdentifyPDFDocumentsFromZip step template determines page and sheet counts, determines the values of properties for each document in the PDF file, writes the properties to the document properties file, and builds a single PDF file from the contents of a ZIP file.
  54. IndexAFP
    A step that is based on this step template creates page groups and index tags in AFP files. The page groups and index tags are defined in a control file that you create using RICOH Visual Workbench and AFP Indexer.
  55. InsertCMR
    A step that is based on this step template inserts a color management resource that meets your specifications into a job.
  56. InsertJobs
    A step based on the InsertJobs step template processes a job for insertion. Also, it can receive and interpret an inserter results file from the inserter controller.
  57. ManualStepWithAutoStart
    A step that is based on this step template stops a job in its workflow so that you can do a manual operation.
  58. ManualStepWithManualStart
    A step that is based on this step template lets you start a manual operation, such as moving a roll of output to the postprocessing area.
  59. MapExternalResultsFiletoDocProps
    A step based on this step template maps document properties that you select from an external results file to the document properties included in a modified results file. The external results file is produced by an external program. The modified results file is formatted to contain the document properties from the external results file that must be placed in the document properties file. The modified results file is the input to a step based on the UpdateDocPropsFromExternalResultsFile step template, which applies the changes to the document properties file.
  60. OptimizeJDF
    A step that is based on the OptimizeJDF step template reduces the complexity of the JDF job ticket by combining the page exceptions for media, finishing, and sides options.
  61. OptimizePDF
    A step that is based on the OptimizePDF step template reduces the size of a PDF file and removes elements that are not needed.
  62. PrepareJobFromRepositorySearch
    A step that is based on this step template creates a job from the output of a step based on the CreateJobsFromRepositorySearch step template.
  63. PreparePDFOutputForFinishing
    A step based on the PreparePDFOutputForFinishing step template lets you select page layout options for the job in preparation for post-processing, such as finishing. For example, if you are printing a continuous forms job that is placed onto a roll as it exits the printer, you can use this step to change the print direction and page order so that the paper is oriented correctly when it enters the finishing equipment. You can also prepare your printer output for 1-up or 2-up printing as required by finishing equipment such as a cutter or folder.
  64. PreviewPrint
    A step that is based on this step template sends a selection of pages from a job to a printer to be printed. You can use the output to determine whether the job properties are set correctly. If they are not set correctly, you can modify them before you print the entire job.
  65. PrintJobs
    A step that is based on this step template uses the printer and job scheduling properties to assign the job to a printer.
  66. PullFromSFTP
    A step based on this step template retrieves files from a remote server via SFTP.
  67. PushToSFTP
    A step based on this step template sends files to a remote server via SFTP.
  68. ReadBarcodeData
    A step based on this step template determines whether the barcodes for all the documents in a job have been read. To make the determination, the step checks the results file that one or more barcode readers update.
  69. ReadDocumentsFromDatabase
    A step that is based on the ReadDocumentsFromDatabase step template copies the values of document properties for every document associated with the job from the document database or from the document's original job into the production job's document properties file.
  70. ReadDocumentsFromParent
    A step that is based on the ReadDocumentsFromParent step template creates a new document properties file for the job by extracting lines from the parent job's document properties file. In most cases, ReadDocumentsFromParent provides better performance than ReadDocumentsFromDatabase. You might want to use this step template if you know that another workflow has changed document property values, and you want to use those values instead of the values from the original job. While the ReadDocumentsFromDatabase step template gets values from the original job, ReadDocumentsFromParent gets property values from the parent job. ReadDocumentsFromParent extracts only the lines where the value of Document Child Job ID equals the current job ID.
  71. Reconcile
    A step based on the Reconcile step template determines the action to take for the documents in the job based on the status of each document. This step can automatically reconcile the job, or the operator can manually reconcile it.
  72. RemoveDataFromRepository
    A step that is based on this step template searches a repository and removes the data that matches one or more search criteria from the repository. When the search completes, the data returned in the search results is removed from the repository.
  73. RemoveJobs
    A step based on this step template exports audit information and removes the job from the system. You can choose whether the step removes job files immediately or waits until the system is less busy processing jobs.
  74. RetainCompletedJobs
    A step that is based on this step template retains a job when the Retention period (unit) property for the job has a value. It compresses all spool and checkpoint files for the job if the value of the Compress all files property is Yes.
  75. ReverseOutputOrder
    A step that is based on this step template causes pages to print in reverse order. The last page in the job prints first. You can use ReverseOutputOrder with any supported page layout.
  76. ReversePDFPageOrder
    A step that is based on this step template causes pages to print in reverse order. The last page in the job prints first. You can use ReversePDFPageOrder with any supported page layout.
  77. RunExternalProgram
    A step that is based on this step template submits the RICOH ProcessDirector job to an external program for processing. Because processing is external to RICOH ProcessDirector, steps created from this step template are called external steps. You can use this step template to run composition programs on the primary computer, a secondary computer, or an application server.
  78. RunHotFolderApplication
    A step based on this step template puts the RICOH ProcessDirector job in a hot folder that submits it to an external program. When the external program finishes processing the job, the step retrieves the job from the hot folder for the output of the external program.
  79. RunImpostripOnJob
    A step based on this step template sends a PDF print job to Ultimate Impostrip® for impositioning. The step waits for Ultimate Impostrip® to return the updated job, then continues processing with the next step.
  80. RunPitStopOnJob
    A step that is based on this step template sends a PDF print job to PitStop Server for preflight processing. The step waits for the PitStop Server to return the updated job, then continues processing with the next step.
  81. SendEmail
    A step based on this step template sends email with or without attachments to an SMTP server. The attachments can be complete print files, partial print files, or other files.
  82. SendInserterControlFile
    A step based on the SendInserterControlFile step template runs a script that transfers the inserter control file to the inserter controller.
  83. SetDeadline
    A step based on this step template sets a date and time by which the job must complete a Deadline step to have a Deadline outcome of Met. If a job does not complete the Deadline step before the deadline time, the Deadline outcome for the job is set to Missed. The Deadline outcome of Met or Missed is set after the deadline time has passed.
  84. SetDocPropsFromConditions
    A step that is based on the SetDocPropsFromConditions step template updates the document properties file in the job based on other document and job property values. You use a property conditions file to assign property values.
  85. SetDocPropsFromList
    A step based on this step template reads one or more list files in a directory and sets the value of a specified document property for each document in the document properties file (DPF) for the job.
  86. SetInsertProperties
    A step based on the SetInsertProperties step template sets document properties that are required for insertion.
  87. SetJobPropsFromOriginal
    When a step that is based on the SetJobPropsFromOriginal step template processes a child job, it copies the values of some job properties from the parent job to the child job.
  88. SetJobPropsFromTextFile
    A step that is based on this step template uses a text file that accompanies the input file to set job properties. The text file specifies which properties to set.
  89. SetJobTypeFromFileName
    A step that is based on this step template uses a pattern-matching string to set the workflow from a portion of the input-file name. The step can also convert an optional overrides file submitted with a job to a file in RICOH ProcessDirector property name=value format, which the SetJobPropsFromTextFile step uses to set job properties. This type of step cannot be added to a workflow; it is set as the value of the Workflow initialization step, the Child workflow initialization step, or both properties of an input device.
  90. SetJobTypeFromRules
    This step template is used by an input device to set the workflow from a value of a parameter that accompanies the input file. The step can also convert an optional overrides file submitted with a job to a file in RICOH ProcessDirector property name=value format, which the SetJobPropsFromTextFile step uses to set job properties. This type of step cannot be added to a workflow; it is set as the value of the Workflow initialization step or the Child workflow initialization step on an input device.
  91. SetPostalJobProps
    A step based on this step template lets you set job properties needed by postal software to determine how to process the mailpiece information contained within the external document properties file.
  92. SetPropertiesForReconcile
    A step based on the SetPropertiesForReconcile step template sets job and document properties that are required for manual reconciliatio