Technically, a hotfolder is a mapped network drive on a workstation that is linked to a shared folder on the PRISMAsync controller.
Hotfolders enable you to submit print jobs by simply dragging and dropping ready-to-print PDF files onto a shortcut on your desktop.
Hotfolders are primarily aimed at recurring workflows. In these workflows identical printable files with identical settings are printed on a regular basis. Hotfolders should not be used in combination with print job tickets.
The settings of a hotfolder can be defined by:
A hotfolder default ticket in the hotfolder itself, or
The automated workflow to which the hotfolder is linked.
It is advisable to use the hotfolder functionality in combination with the hotfolder default ticket.
However, if you want to use the settings of the automated workflow where the hotfolder is linked to, it is advised not to place a hotfolder default ticket in the hotfolder, to prevent mixing up settings. Furthermore, you must make sure that the [Overrule the job ticket] setting in that automated workflow is enabled (tick the checkbox).
To be able to use the hotfolder function, the following steps must be carried out first:
In the Settings Editor, the system administrator must activate the hotfolder function.
In the Settings Editor, the system administrator must create a hotfolder and link the hotfolder to an automated workflow.
On a workstation, the key operator must create a shared network drive that is linked to the hotfolder.
On the desktop of that workstation, the key operator can create a shortcut to the hotfolder, if desired.
In the next paragraphs you can read more information about hotfolders. See the administration guide for in depth information about hotfolders.