Abstract: For determining a setting of an apparatus for folding documents to be inserted into windowed envelopes, a tentative folding setting is determined. Then, an overlay image representing the envelope and at least a portion of a side of the folded document that would be visible through the envelope window after folding of the specimen of the documents in accordance with the tentative folding setting and insertion of the folded specimen into the envelope is displayed. If the overlay image is not satisfactory, another tentative folding setting is inputted and an accordingly changed overlay image is generated. If the overlay image is satisfactory, the current tentative folding setting is selected as the folding setting to be applied for folding documents.

Abstract: For composing messages of a particular type, layout instructions identical for each document are provided. In accordance with selection instructions, in each case, for a prescribed position in the documents, data are selected and read from a data source. In accordance with layout instructions, the read data are processed into documents. In accordance with the handling instructions, the read data are processed into message data (19, 20, 21, 22, 23) other than the document data. The finishing of the documents into messages is done in accordance with the message data. A system and a computer program for practicing the proposed method is also described.

Abstract: For determining a setting of an apparatus for folding documents to be inserted into windowed envelopes, a tentative folding setting is determined. Then, an overlay image representing the envelope and at least a portion of a side of the folded document that would be visible through the envelope window after folding of the specimen of the documents in accordance with the tentative folding setting and insertion of the folded specimen into the envelope is displayed. If the overlay image is not satisfactory, another tentative folding setting is inputted and an accordingly changed overlay image is generated. If the overlay image is satisfactory, the current tentative folding setting is selected as the folding setting to be applied for folding documents.

Abstract: A document pre-processing unit for pre-processing documents to be printed. The unit has a processor input for receiving document data at least representing content. A computing unit is connected to the processor input, for computing a number of sheets a physical document would include if printed in accordance with the document data. In a memory threshold information can be stored. A comparing unit is connected to the computing unit and the memory, for outputting a modify signal if the computed number exceeds a threshold determined from the threshold information. A data modify unit is connected to the comparing unit, for reducing the computed number of sheets below the threshold by modifying the document content and/or the lay-out of the document in response to the modify signal. A processor output is connected to the data modifying unit for outputting the modified document data.

Abstract: For machine-producing a series of mail pieces with the aid of a system for assembling mail pieces, the system registers at least one property of at least one physical, postal item of a particular type, at least one code representing the registered property is generated and compared with at least one reference code, stored in a memory, which represents at least one item-type property. If the code representing the at least one registered property exhibits at least a defined extent of agreement with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, at least one setting code, associated with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, which represents a system setting is selected; and the production of a series of mail pieces is carried out in accordance with the selected setting code.

Abstract: For monitoring the transport of an object, the object is sent to a detection point. Signallings representing arrival of the object and related objects belonging to the same group at the detection point are registered. The target time for receipt of a signalling representing arrival of the object at the detection point is determined or adjusted depending on time points of signalling of arrival of related objects at the detection point. If after the target time no arrival of the object at the detection point has been registered yet, a warning signal is generated automatically. A computer program for automatically carrying out the proposed method is also described.

Abstract: For addressing an item to be mailed, at least one initial address for delivery of the item is determined and then an addressing file containing addressing data clustered in address clusters is consulted. At least a number of the address clusters each contain at least two addresses. As the addresses are clustered and the selection of an address cluster is effected in response to agreement between an initial address for delivery of an item and an address occurring in the cluster, neither the sender nor the addressee needs to know a special identification code of the addressee. A system and a computer program for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: For composing messages of a particular type, layout instructions identical for each document are provided. In accordance with selection instructions, in each case, for a prescribed position in the documents, data are selected and read from a data source. In accordance with layout instructions, the read data are processed into documents. In accordance with the handling instructions, the read data are processed into message data (19, 20, 21, 22, 23) other than the document data. The finishing of the documents into messages is done in accordance with the message data. A system and a computer program for practicing the proposed method is also described.

Abstract: For machine-producing a series of mail pieces with the aid of a system for assembling mail pieces, the system registers at least one property of at least one physical, postal item of a particular type, at least one code representing the registered property is generated and compared with at least one reference code, stored in a memory, which represents at least one item-type property. If the code representing the at least one registered property exhibits at least a defined extent of agreement with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, at least one setting code, associated with the reference code or at least one of the reference codes, which represents a system setting is selected; and the production of a series of mail pieces is carried out in accordance with the selected setting code.

Abstract: For assembling mail items, a type of envelope is selected from different types. Another station is accordingly set and a flat object is packaged in an envelope of the selected type. Prior to the assembly of a series of mail items, a set of basic finishing instructions applying to the series is activated. This set contains a first and a second set of instructions, each for selecting a first respectively second one of the different types of envelopes and with an instruction for an associated first respectively second setting of the other station, and a selection criterion for selecting, per individual mail item, one of the sets of instructions. Thus, within the framework of a preset set of basic finishing instructions, another one of the available types of envelope can simply be selected per mail item to be assembled individually.

Abstract: For assembling mail items, a type of envelope is selected from different types. Another station is accordingly set and a flat object is packaged in an envelope of the selected type. Prior to the assembly of a series of mail items, a set of basic finishing instructions applying to said series is activated. This set contains a first and a second set of instructions, each for selecting a first respectively second one of the different types of envelopes and with an instruction for an associated first respectively second setting of the other station, and a selection criterion for selecting, per individual mail item, one of the sets of instructions. Thus, within the framework of a preset set of basic finishing instructions, another one of the available types of envelope can simply be selected per mail item to be assembled individually.