The main motive for rewriting the preflight module was the speed of work. Alongside with this, we put our focus on the guaranteed result, namely, we got rid of the unnecessary elements that did not function entirely correctly. Now the verification tool works much faster and checks for errors more accurately.
Result
It takes 29 seconds to check 45 pages long
21MB A4 brochure! :)
Before the rewriting of the preflight module it took 8 minutes for this brochure to be checked.
A brief description of the updates:
- Transferred the preflight module;
- Not converting
the downloaded PDF file, just checking it;
- Removed
"resizing";
- Added the
"Error margin" feature;
- Added the
"Quality" feature;
- Display of
verification progress using a multi-page layout;
- Option of downloading a layout in CPA (Client's Personal;
Additional information
1. Transferred the preflight module
With the intention of increasing the quality and convenience of our clients' work in the admin panel we regularly move elements, that are not required for the daily work, to the "Settings → Integrations" section.
2. Not converting the downloaded PDF file, just checking it
We were often asked not to convert downloaded by clients PDF files, but to leave them as they were. Done!
3. Removed "resizing"
Previously, when uploading a layout, we embed it in the product’s sizing area. For example, a client could upload a 220 x 300 mm A4 flyer layout to a 210 x 297 mm product’s sizing area. We had to embed it, i.e. to resize it from 220 x 300 mm to the required size parameters while maintaining the proportions.
Why did we decide to give it up? This would go against the previous point. We've added a new "Error margin" feature instead.
4. Added the "Error margin" feature
You can enter the error margin in mm for the uploaded layouts. What does it do? The system is not ‘unhappy’ with the dimensions, as long as the dimensions of the layout meet the requirements (with a possible error margin).
For example, you enter the error margin of 2 mm. Then a user uploads a layout for the "Business Cards" product with the dimensions of 94 x 54 mm (while the required size is 92 x 52 mm). There will be no error, as it fits into the predetermined range (92mm + 2mm margin, 52mm + 2mm margin).
5. Added the "Quality" feature
For photos that are only being uploaded by customers in the editor of photo products, you can enter the quality to which we compress the image. By default - 100%. Recommended - 85%.
6. Display of verification progress (multi-page product)
If you download a layout of a multi-page product, such as a brochure, verification process may take a little longer than preferred. In order not to bore the client with waiting, during the process of checking for errors the TCS service shows the number of pages that have already been verified.
7. Option of downloading a layout in CPA
In case you want to accept any kinds of layouts from the client and adapt them yourself, we have thought of the option that would allow the client to download the corrected and adapted layout in the client's personal account in the "Orders" section of the website.