FLOW LAYOUT
Full automation describes a process entirely based on programming, where predefined templates are populated with content to build publications in a fully automated, software-driven manner. Full automation is feasible when the following criteria are met:
- A high degree of predefined layout specifications
- A high degree of defined design rules
- A high degree of structured product information (e.g., PIM)
- A high degree of structured image data (e.g., DAM)
The template serves as a blueprint for the display of a product, a page, a chapter, or the publication itself. Individual templates are constructed based on layout specifications and design rules. These standards often arise from:
- Corporate Design (CD) Guidelines
- Corporate Identity (CI) Guidelines
- Internal or agency Style Guides
- Legal regulations (Consumer protection, etc.)
Detailed layout and design specifications (color, font, imagery, typesetting, and layout) allow us to define clear standards. Based on these, we map your publications into templates and code. Once sufficient standards are established, production can be fully automated.
In a full automation setup, the publication is built exclusively through software. Without manual or “analog” intervention, the system assembles the publication product by product and page by page. This method of production is known as Flow Layout.
Existing software for structuring product and image data can be connected to the automation engine via a REST API. This ensures that DAM and PIM systems can remain in use or be replaced independently over time. However, a dedicated DAM or PIM system is not strictly required; structured product data can also be utilized via Excel, XML, CSV, or JSON files, incorporating image data directly from a file system.
Would you like an assessment to see if your publication is a candidate for full automation? Feel free to get in touch with us via email or phone:
