Abstract: In the printing and finishing of sheet-like objects, printing instructions are outputted to a printer. In accordance therewith, sheet-like objects are printed by the printer and are subsequently delivered by the printer directly to the finishing apparatus and then finished by the finishing apparatus. Output data concerning the printing instructions sent to the printer which are at least indicative of the printer capacity required for the printer to process the printing instructions outputted to the printer are registered. Sheet-like objects displaced by the printer are detected and signaled by the detector. At least periodically, production data in accordance with the signals received from the detector are generated. These data are at least indicative of a production quantity realized by the printer in response to the printing instructions sent to the printer. Depending on the production data, the output of next ones of the printing instructions to the printer is dosed.

Abstract: For producing mail pieces in a mail production apparatus, starting from physical postal items, a required operating condition of the production apparatus is determined. At least one physical property to be realized manually of the required operating condition is determined and at least one current physical property of a current condition of the mail production apparatus is registered. A difference between the at least one current physical property and the at least one physical property to be realized manually of said required operating condition is determined and an associated indication is represented in humanly perceptible form. In response, the at least one current physical property is changed, such that the difference is removed. Next, with the mail production apparatus in the required operating condition, at least one mail piece is assembled from physical postal items. Also described are computer software and an apparatus for use with this method.