Forms automation system and implementation

• Main Authors: DARLENE R. SPRAGUE, DONNA L. YARWOOD, DONALD S. CARR, SAMUEL D. BEVILACQUA, ANTHONY P. HOHOLIK, SUSAN M. HOELLIG, ANDREW C. ANDERSEN, MARY JO YAKSICH
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 23.12.1993
• Edition: 5
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS; COUNTING; DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FORADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORYOR FORECASTING PURPOSES; ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING; i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; LINING MACHINES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICS; PRINTING; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS; STAMPS; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE,COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTINGPURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TRANSPORTING; TYPEWRITERS

The invention provides a system for production of business forms, comprising: first computer means comprising a forms automation platform means; for establishing each of a plurality of business forms in electronic format; for determining print format information for said forms; and for converting said electronic format to appropriate print formats based upon said distribution profile information and print format information, to design a business form in electronic format; second computer means at each of a plurality of end user sites, including means for inputting variable information, if any, to be contained in the business forms to be produced; third computer means comprising a central library means: for processing requests for distribution to effect electronic distribution of forms; and for providing information about print formats and distribution profiles to said second computer means, said means including a display and an inputting means for inputting commands regarding the specific business form or forms requested; and communication means for providing communication between said forms automation platform means and said central library means, and between said central library means and said end user sites. Also provided are methods of producing and distributing business forms using the system.