Whether you're preparing files, reserving stock, converting PDFs, or managing physical production steps like binding and cutting, Workflow Builder provides a visual, drag-and-drop interface to streamline your order processing. Below, you'll learn how to start a workflow, configure logic based on product attributes, and understand the types of activities you can include.
Getting started with Workflow Builder
To create a workflow, begin by linking it to a specific product model. Here's how:
Select the product you want the workflow to apply to.
On the right-hand side, open Workflow Configurations.
A pop-up will appear prompting you to:
Name the workflow.
Select product attributes that define when the workflow should be triggered (e.g., material, size, finish, color type).
Example: If an order matches attributes like glass material, matte finish, and a 10-ounce size, it will run through the assigned workflow.
Tip: You can select all attribute values to ensure every variant of the product will be processed using this workflow.
Designing your workflow with drag-and-drop steps
Once your workflow is created, you’ll enter the visual editor. You’ll see two main areas:
Pre-production steps (for digital and logical operations)
Production steps (for physical manufacturing actions)
Each activity type is available on the left panel and can be dragged into the appropriate section.
Pre-production steps
These are digital activities used to prepare orders before physical production:
Common activity groups
Flow activities
Batch: Combine multiple orders for processing.
JavaScript execution: Customize logic using code.
Mapper: Transform and map data between formats (similar to lookup tables).
Paths: Route orders conditionally based on order attributes.
Wait: Pause workflow until a condition is met or a time delay passes.
Procurement activities
Stock reserve: Deduct SKUs from Gelato Connect Procurement (GCP) when an order is received.
Get warehouse product location: Retrieve the physical location of a SKU in your warehouse.
Imposition activities
Tied to next-generation imposition using predefined templates.
Select templates directly from the dropdown list that pulls from your Imposition Templates page.
PDF tools
Convert HTML to PDF
Merge, split, or transform PDFs
Convert PDF pages to images
Extract information or run preflight checks for compliance
PDF modifications
Duplicate, crop, or convert images
Isolate or remove spot colors
These steps help ensure the digital files are ready and meet production standards.
Production steps
These activities represent the physical steps that happen during production:
Binding: Assemble pages into finished books or documents.
You can specify how components (e.g., inner pages, end sheets, covers) are merged at this step.
UV coating: Apply finishing for durability or aesthetics.
Creasing: Add folds to paper or other materials.
Cutting: Trim printed items to their final shape.
You can drag and drop these production activities like any other step.
Some steps, like mounting, may involve manual tasks. For example, mounting posters into frames would be configured as a manual process without linking it to a machine.
Specialized apparel workflows
If you're working with apparel (e.g., DTG printing), Workflow Builder includes specific activities such as:
DTG color profiler
Platen matcher
These steps help tailor workflows for direct-to-garment (DTG) products and can be combined with imposition templates to optimize layout and production flow.
FAQs
Can I create a workflow that applies to all product variants?
Yes, by selecting all available attribute values during configuration, you ensure the workflow runs for any variation.
What if a step needs human intervention?
You can configure manual activities, like mounting, to indicate tasks that don’t require machines.
How do I preview imposition templates?
Imposition templates are selectable from a dropdown that pulls from your Imposition Templates page during workflow setup.
Can I combine multiple PDFs into one file?
Yes, you can use the Merge PDF activity under PDF tools to combine files before production.
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