This feature is available with PrimeCenter packages
The Global hotfolder simplifies automation setup for print shops managing multiple recipes and workflows. Instead of configuring individual input folders for each recipe, you can use a single entry point for greater flexibility.
Each recipe can still operate with its own hotfolder, but you also have the option to work with the Global hotfolder. The recipe name is included in the XML job ticket or embedded in the file name to facilitate integration and automation.
Access Global hotfolder settings
1. Click on Edit menu and choose Settings.
2. Select the Global hotfolder tab.
Good to know
In the main interface of PrimeCenter, the icon to the right of the search bar allows you to access the Global hotfolder with one click!
The Global hotfolder tab is accessible from the home page .
The Global hotfolder tab is accessible from Settings.
Configuring your Global hotfolder
The Global hotfolder automatically sends jobs to the corresponding recipes by extracting the recipe name. To work correctly, all target recipes must be running.
Global hotfolder settings
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Folder: Click on Choose folder to define your global hotfolder path.
Info
- Universal Naming Convention (UNC) paths are not supported.
- Starting from PrimeCenter V4.2, the default global hotfolder is located in your personal Documents folder: Documents/PrimeCenter/Global-Hotfolder.
- Extract recipe: Select how to extract the recipe name:
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Extract properties from file name (if using file name extraction):
- Set a naming convention with metadata to identify the recipe name.
- You can include additional characters, letters, or numbers to match the original file name while ensuring correct extraction.
- Available metadata:
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- recipeName: Identifies the recipe name within the file name.
- anyText: A placeholder for non-important parts of the file name.
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Running the Global hotfolder
Once configured, click Run to activate the automation process.
Warning
Ensure that all recipes used by the Global hotfolder are running. The automation will only work if both the Global hotfolder and the corresponding recipes are active.
Stopping the Global hotfolder
To stop the automation process, go to the Global hotfolder tab and click Stop.
Checking Global hotfolder status
An icon in the main interface indicates if the Global hotfolder is running.
Examples
📌 Example 1: extracting recipe from file name
File name example
Roll-to-Roll_Stickers_Customer3_Order003_Cyan_80x.pdf
Naming convention template
recipeName_anyText_anyText_anyText_anyText_anyText.anyText
Extraction process
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recipeName= “Roll-to-Roll” (job is redirected to the corresponding recipe). -
anyText= "Customer3" (ignored for recipe identification) -
anyText= "Order003" (ignored for recipe identification) -
anyText= "Cyan" (ignored for recipe identification) -
anyText= "80x" (ignored for recipe identification) -
anyText= "pdf" (ignored for recipe identification)
📌 Example 2: extracting recipe from XML job ticket
If the XML job ticket contains a recipe name, such as “DSP”, the job will be automatically redirected to the "DSP" recipe.