Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm data requirements
- Job specifications are reviewed to identify document purpose
- Materials required for page design, layout and content are identified from job specifications
- Source and format of data is determined and confirmed
- Page design template is evaluated for printing purposes, and static and variable fields are correctly understood and labelled
- Responsibility for data accuracy and other tests such as spell checks and postal software is agreed with client and in accordance with privacy legislation
- Prepare data
- Data required to populate copy holes in the variable-data template is established
- Fields to be populated are confirmed and linked to data required to mark up copy holes in the variable-data template
- Composition engine is used to achieve required data format and page layout requirements for merging variable data and static elements
- Business rules are developed to reduce data errors and discrepancies (If possible, a data sample is obtained and preliminary checks run, making sure data and format is correct)
- Soft proof is performed to ensure quality of all static and variable elements If high variability, RIPped data is spooled prior to printing to maintain higher engine speeds
- Sample from the machine is produced and checked for conformance to job specifications