Nester Tool

The Nester tool hands off a prepared job from your workflow to a Nesting Queue (in PrintFactory Cloud), so it can be automatically nested, ganged, or batched with other compatible jobs. Use it to bridge pre‑press automation with centralized nesting and scheduling.

Overview

When a job reaches the Nester step, the workflow uploads the print file and metadata to the selected Nest Group. The Nester service then combines jobs by printer/material and produces optimized nests for production. You can also tag jobs with Logistic and Physical groups and set a Print Deadline for prioritization in the Nest Overview.

Before You Start

• Make sure your Nest Groups (queues) are already created in your organization’s PrintFactory Cloud.
• Decide what grouping metadata you plan to pass (e.g., delivery batch, production line, or department).

Open the Tool

1. Open the Workflow Editor.
2. Add or select the Nester step.
3. Click Configure to open the setup dialog.

Nester Setup Dialog (Static tab)

• Nest Group — Choose the destination Nesting Queue. The list includes queues available to your account.
• Setup… — Opens the management page for Nest Groups in your browser so you can review queue settings.
• Logistic group — Optional text to group jobs by delivery, customer, or order. Visible in Nest Overview for sorting and batching.
• Physical group — Optional text to group jobs by a physical constraint (e.g., specific printer line, finishing route).
• Print Deadline — Optional date/time a job should be printed by. Used for prioritization in the Nester UI.

Variables tab

Use variables to set or override values per job. Type “{” to insert a key. Examples below:

• Nest queue Id — Target queue GUID.
• Nest queue name — Target queue by name.
• Print Deadline — Date/time string (e.g., 2025‑05‑10 14:00).
• Logistic Group — Text value (e.g., ACME_0425 or RouteA).
• Physical Group — Text value (e.g., Line2 or Laminate_Cold).

How It Works

1. Nester collects the job’s parts and metadata (including cut information if present).
2. The job is uploaded to the selected Nest Group.
3. The Nester service registers the job with its groups and deadline so operators can sort, filter, and schedule.
4. The workflow continues after a successful hand‑off.

Using Nester in Workflows

1. Add the Nester step after pre‑press and before output.
2. Select a Nest Group and, if needed, set Logistic/Physical groups and a Print Deadline.
3. Use the Variables tab to route dynamically (e.g., queue by media).
4. Run the workflow. Track progress and batching in the Nest Overview page.

Tips & Best Practices

• Create dedicated Nest Groups per printer/material to keep nests efficient.
• Use Logistic group for shipping or delivery batching; use Physical group for plant‑floor routing.
• Set Print Deadline for time‑critical work so it’s clearly prioritized.
• Keep queue names consistent—operators will rely on them when filtering in Nest Overview.

Summary

The Nester tool is the hand‑off to PrintFactory’s centralized nested production. It forwards your pre‑press processed jobs, adds grouping and scheduling context, and enables automated, waste‑reducing nests across devices.