Abstract: A data engine collects real-time information associated with the operations of hard copy mail processors. In the example, the data engine also aggregates data relating to one or more phases of electronic document generation, e.g. document composition and/or printstream processing (re-composition). Analysis of the data enables conditions, states or events of one or more of the phases of the mail processing lifecycle to influence the operations and execution of one or more phases in real-time. For example, the data engine can apply processing rules to recommend or dynamically execute action in the document composition or printstream phases, to improve operations in the mail processing facility. Furthermore, the data engine may also provide suggestions for standardizing various steps of mail processing or upgrading of equipment of the mail processing facility, so as to increase overall mail processing effectiveness.