Postpress Automation — Backing into IT

Manual operations can be handled in a similar fashion, Harvey asserts. In the JDF specification, manual labor is one of the resources that can be used by a process, he points out.

"If a job hits a non-automated point in an automated workflow, the job data can be brought up to a PC monitor, control pad or other display device," Harvey explains. "The operator does the work as directed, then comes back to report its completion before calling up the next job."