To ensure efficient production operations across all product categories, configuring your machines correctly within GelatoConnect is essential. This guide walks you through managing your Machine Park, adding machines, and understanding the connection between machines and production workflows. It also explains how machine connectivity works in GelatoConnect, including how files are prepared and sent to different machine types such as DTG and DTF printers via workflows, hot folders, and RIP software.
Managing Your Machine Park
The Machine Park is where you manage all your facility’s machines, both printing and finishing. It serves as a centralized dashboard to track and control each machine’s operational status.
Key features:
Machine status control: Easily set machines as Active or Inactive. When a machine goes offline or is undergoing maintenance, mark it as Inactive to prevent it from being used in production workflows.
Filtered view: Use checkboxes to filter and view machines by status (e.g., Active, Inactive, Printing, Finishing) directly in the Machine Park table.
Adding and Configuring Machines
GelatoConnect is product-agnostic, meaning you can configure any machine used in your production environment, even if it’s not listed by default.
How to add a new machine:
Click the Add Machine button.
Use the Choose Machine Group filter to browse machines by brand (e.g., Brother) and technology (e.g., Sublimation printers).
If your machine isn’t listed, scroll to the bottom and select Add Manually to input its details yourself.
💡 Tip: Pre-configured machines are organized by brand and production technology to help you quickly find the correct match.
When adding textile machines, note that there are subtypes such as DTF printers and heat press machines. If your machine isn’t pre-listed, manually adding it will ensure it appears in your Machine Park for use in workflows.
If you still can’t find your machine, contact your Gelato onboarding manager for assistance in setting it up.
Understanding Machine Connectivity in GelatoConnect
GelatoConnect does not connect directly to machines at the hardware level. Instead, it uses workflows that work with any machine by delivering properly formatted files to your hot folder.
Example – Kornit DTG Machines
Require two files: a
.ksfconfiguration file and a.pngartwork file.GelatoConnect builds the
.ksffrom your input parameters and sends it along with the PNG to the hot folder.The RIP software pairs them correctly and sends the job to the printer.
Other machine types may require XML files or other formats. Regardless of the format, GelatoConnect ensures files are structured correctly, placed in the right folder, and ready for processing.
Example – DTF Workflow
For DTF printing, GelatoConnect can impose artworks, add barcodes or SKU numbers, and make other required modifications before sending the files to the hot folder.
Once received, your nesting software can arrange them efficiently to create optimized transfer sheets, or you can print them directly. This approach keeps DTF workflows simple and compatible with any setup.
Production and Workflow Configuration Impact
Every machine is linked to your Production Configuration and Workflow Configuration. That means:
Marking a machine as Inactive may interrupt active workflows or job assignments.
Deleting a machine or changing its status will trigger a confirmation pop-up, warning you of any affected jobs or configurations.
⚠️ Be cautious when making changes; any update to machine status or removal can result in the loss of associated production flows and jobs.
FAQ
What happens when a machine is set to Inactive?
It is removed from active production workflows, ensuring no jobs are routed through it. However, this may impact ongoing jobs.
Can I reactivate an inactive machine?
Yes. You can change its status back to Active at any time from the Machine Park dashboard.
Is there a limit to how many machines I can add?
No, you can add as many machines as needed to reflect your full production capacity.
Why don’t I see my machine listed?
Some machines may not be pre-configured. In that case, use Add Manually or reach out to your onboarding manager.
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