Direct Publishing is the solution for the automated generation of documentation, manuals and catalogs

Starting the publishing process is done directly from the main PDM/PLM or DMS system. All document related information is captured and handed over to the publishing server. Adjustable filter functions can be used to select the required data.

The direct publishing server combines the data and generates the full documentation:

• Check out of documents from the storage system
• Retrieval of necessary meta data for the publishing process
• Conversion of documents and data into a standard target format
• Stamping of documents
• Assembling of the single documents to a total documentation
• Composition of the total documentation considers customer layout styles
• Building of contents
• Generation of hotspots/bookmarks with corresponding links

After creation of the whole structure on the direct publishing server, the selected output format is generated:

• Paper: paper piles are automatically collected in the appropriate file size. Every file contains the suited contents. The spine labels for the files can optionally be printed.
• PDF: Finished PDF document with links, contents and navigation structure. If required, burned and with label on CD/DVD by a burning robot.
• WEB: Generation of navigation structures. The documents and drawings are attached into the structure using the customer's layout.

The Direct Publishing solution from SEAL Systems has many advantages:

• The order of a documentation package is done directly in the PDM/PLM or DMS system. The user remains in their familiar workspace environment.
• The PDM/PLM or DMS system is also the leading system for generation of documentation and spare parts catalogs.
• No additional database is necessary. Data, documents and information storage is not mirrored.
• No further interface programs and synchronization methods are required.
• Standard interfaces for most leading PDM/PLM systems available.

The technological base for a Direct Publishing solution is the DPF (Digital Process Factory®) from SEAL Systems. This means:

• Quick configuration and implementation of the publishing processes is achieved by the modular structure. Through a Working Unit concept, simple single steps are combined into big process chains.
• Later changes of the process are easy to do.
• Allocation of the single steps to different computers are possible.
• The whole documentation process can be supervised by the DPF Director. Error tracking is simple and failures can be easily eliminated.