Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The disclosure includes a computational system (110) that implements a method for controlling operation of report production facilities. The system (110) is particularly suited to efficiently operating a facility that prints mail pieces and inserts the mail pieces in envelopes for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service. In one implementation, the system (110) includes a main processor (112) that receives constituent data and sequentially stores the data in report recipient files (116). The main processor (112) is utilized to process the stored data to create relational database files (118, 120). The database files (118, 120) include index fields which facilitate tracking and sorting of the data based in part upon postal rates, report lengths, and other distribution and production criteria. The main processor (112) may then be operated to create report output files (160) to be used by a report production facility (160) in printing and inserting the mail pieces. The report output files (160) may be created to obtain lower postal rates through presorting into postal discount categories such as carrier routes and zip code classifications. The report data may be located in the report recipient files (116), without further sequential processing, through the use of location data stored in the database files. The system (110) may further include a scheduler program (114) that controls creation of a report output file (122) by monitoring operational capacities of a report production facility (160), customer requirements via a system operator (124), and the contents of the database files (118, 120).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim