Quite a large problem in a typical professional lab is sorting and packaging. Portrait packs have to be checked and matched up with composite or group photos, which are printed separately. This is a time intensive and error prone process.
Collate is a new software module from Timestone for labs using multiple applications such as NeoPack/Professional, NeoComposite or NeoGroup. Collate allows labs to combine the components for each order created with different Timestone programs and then print all the products for each person's order together, side-by-side.
Previously, it was necessary to print components from each application separately and then manually sort and collate the order before packing and shipping.
Using Collate, the lab would simply open a job that is ready for printing, say class composites and portrait packages and print everything side by side.
To reduce shipping errors, Collate allows the lab to print a tag or ticket in the form of a strip with each order that contains any information required about that persons order: product content, actual order details, instructions for re-orders, whether they ordered product or not. With Collate, double-checking orders is easy and accurate.
To speed up packing and reduce errors, Collate allows the lab to print a header so as to signal a change in group, class, team or league to the packers. The header can contain any information you wish.