Operator — Overview

Welcome to the operator panel! As a print shop operator, you are responsible for moving orders from validation through to delivery. This guide introduces all the tools available to you.

What You Can Do

Operators have access to everything related to the production flow:

• Track orders — view and filter all print shop orders
• Manage the print queue — advance statuses, assign printers, and log the start and completion of each job
• Pre-check files — review, approve, or request corrections before printing
• Log proof photos — document print quality for the client
• Monitor equipment — check printer availability and record maintenance events

Production Flow

Every order moves through the following stages until delivery:

Paid → (Awaiting Review → In Production)
     ↓ (no pre-check)
  In Production → In Finishing → Ready → Delivered

If file pre-check is enabled in the print shop settings, orders go through review before entering production. If the client needs to correct files, the order moves to Changes Requested and returns to review after resubmission.

Available Guides

• Production Dashboard — overview with counters and indicators per status
• Print Queue — Kanban board, print jobs, and bulk status advancement
• File Pre-check — review queue, item approval and rejection
• Order Management — full order list, filters, details, and cancellation
• Proof Photos — upload quality photos linked to an order
• Printer Assignment — printer assignment, availability, and maintenance

Starting Your Shift

A recommended routine when starting your shift:

1. Open the Production Dashboard for a quick overall view
2. Check the Print Queue — orders in the "Paid" column need to be started
3. Review the Pre-check queue — items awaiting review block order advancement
4. Look at orders in In Finishing that may be ready for delivery

Tip

Use the dashboard counters to spot bottlenecks. If many orders are piling up in "Paid" but few are "In Production," prioritize starting new jobs.