The integration of e-commerce enabled expert systems for automated printing control networks in printing and publishing

The application of expert systems technology incorporated within automated printing control networks is here today and changing the printing and publishing process. This paper addresses the emerging integration of the printing requestor with the manufacturing operations for printed products and how expert systems software engineering makes this possible. In addition, an "Economic DNA" metaphoric model is presented whereby each individual printed work being produced can automatically report basic cost building blocks from the manufacturing process that are unique to that work being produced. This Economic DNA in turn communicates with the expert systems in the network, offering a cybernetic system for print production control. Some examples of off-the-shelf emerging technologies in this area are discussed. The impact of the technology on people is also mentioned.