WASATCH SOFTRIP SELF DOCUMENTING FILES
Self-documenting test files are a powerful way for our service department to collect accurate data on print problems in the field. They are now also an integral part of our Color Profile Assessment program as well as our procedures for producing imaging configurations in the field.
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Everyone who is completing our Color Profile Assessment program or who is responsible for producing imaging configurations must be expert in the information on this web page. Anyone who might find themselves in front of a problem in the field should also be expert.
Before reviewing this page, ensure you are expert in the use of the Wasatch Service Data Uploader, which is documented here:
Here is one example of a Wasatch Self Documenting Test File.
This is just one example. We'll create various different test files to suit different needs. Wasatch's service team may email you a test file needed for the task at hand.
Note that besides the familiar-looking test patterns, there is some special information included in the print:
- Wasatch Serial Number
- Print Unit
- Date and Time
- Print Queue Index Number (identifies the individual print)
- IC (Imaging Configuration)
When a self-documenting test file is RIP'ed for output, the Wasatch PostScript Interpreter pauses part way through, displaying this message.
As soon as you press Yes on this window the Service Data Uploader will run. Complete the required steps and select either the Make File For Upload or the Upload button to upload the data immediately. By doing this, you will ensure that the Service Data Uploader matches all the information shown above. This ensures that the print, or photos of the print, can always be matched to the data, regardless of how they become separated when sent to Wasatch. Even if there is a delay in how these materials reach us, this information allows them to be matched up.
This makes a tremendous difference in our ability to analyze both the print and the data in the upload, in fact, without this, both the print and the upload are close to useless. They're only valuable when they can be matched to each other.
The first window that appears when Service Data Uploader runs allows for entry of contact information and a general description.
The next window allows you to enter information that is not available to our software. This information is extremely important.
It is very important that you carefully record all names and part numbers for paper and ink in this window because there is no other way for the uploader to send us this information. Without this, the print and other data are generally useless. When this is done, pressing OK will launch the next window.
When finished, email us the Service Data Upload file ("ZIP" file) if it has not already been uploaded, and plan to mail us the print. Email us a digital photo of the print if you'd like to get some response quicker.
To upload a print file or photo of the print (under 20 megabytes), check Problem Files, and use the Add button.
When your selections are complete, you can either press Upload to immediately send data to Wasatch or you can press Make File For Upload to create a ZIP data file and place it where you like on your system.
The Upload button may fail if you are not connected to the Internet or if your local firewall prevents this type of upload. If that happens, choose Make File For Upload. You may also wish to use Make File For Upload so that someone other than Wasatch Service can inspect the data. A ZIP file is produced that includes everything that is in the upload. It can be attached to an email or even taken away on a thumb drive.
The ZIP file is easily opened in Windows Explorer and almost all the data is in text files that can be inspected by anyone. This may be important if your team has concerns about security.
For Imaging Configurations that are to be distributed with Wasatch SoftRIP (produced by Wasatch staff), we must have the print, along with the matching Service Data Upload. Several such self-documenting prints are generally required before an Imaging Configuration will be published.