In this article, we will explore how to effectively utilize Gelato's ready-to-use workflows, also known as master workflows, to streamline your production processes. These workflows cover various production scenarios, allowing you to quickly create and customize product models without starting from scratch.
Understanding Ready-to-Use Workflows
Gelato offers a library of ready-to-use workflows that simplify the creation of product models for common production scenarios such as cards, posters, and books. By selecting an existing workflow template, you can easily customize it to fit your specific machines, sheet sizes, or local production needs.
This guide will walk you through the following steps:
Create a product model
Select a recommended workflow
Preview the workflow
Apply and customize it
Create additional workflows using templates
Watch this video for a visual guide:
Benefits of Using Ready-to-Use Workflows
Utilizing ready-to-use workflows provides several advantages:
Configure products faster without the need to build a full workflow manually
Leverage best-practice impositions and sheet sizes (e.g., SRA3, B2)
Ensure correct batching, simplex/duplex handling, and production steps
Adapt proven Gelato workflows for your own presses and substrates
These workflows are developed from Gelato’s extensive experience with hundreds of production partners.
Creating Your Product Model
To create a product model, follow these steps:
Go to Product Models in your GelatoConnect dashboard.
Click Create product model.
Choose your product type (e.g., Cards).
Enter the product name and internal identifier.
Click Continue.
Once the product model is created, you will see a prompt if a matching ready-to-use workflow exists.
Selecting a Recommended Workflow
When a workflow recommendation is available, you will see a list to select or skip if not required:
Select a workflow to review its configuration.
The workflow will include:
Pre-built imposition templates
Supported sheet formats
Matching sheet size rules
Batching settings
Simplex/Duplex logic
Ready-to-use activities
You can also select Preview before applying it.
Previewing the Ready-to-Use Workflow
Click Preview to see the complete workflow, including:
Sheet size selection logic
Multiple standard sheet formats (e.g., SRA3, B2)
Imposition layout rules
Batching rules
Simplex/Duplex handling
Default production steps for the product
The preview helps you understand how the workflow handles various formats, ensuring that all logic is preconfigured for easy adjustments based on your machines or substrates.
Applying the Workflow to Your Product Model
Once you confirm the workflow:
Click Continue.
The workflow and imposition template will be automatically applied to your product model.
You will land on your product model page, where you can:
Add parts
Add customer products
Define attributes
Create unique product UIDs (optional)
You can skip these steps if they are not relevant to your setup.
Reviewing and Customizing Your Workflow
Go to Workflow config inside your product model. Here, you can modify:
Sheet sizes supported
Machine requirements
Batching rules
Conditional logic
Customer product mapping
Attribute mapping
For example, if your press only supports A3 instead of SRA3/B2, you can update the sheet formats accordingly.
Creating Additional Workflows Using Templates
If you need multiple workflows for the same product model, but for different customer products or UIDs:
Go to Workflow config.
Click Add workflow config.
You now have two options:
Option A: Start from Scratch
Build a fully custom workflow manually.
Option B: Start from a Template (Recommended)
Use the same master workflows as during product creation. Selecting Start from a template shows you:
The same ready-to-use workflows
A preview option
The ability to customize and save immediately
This is ideal for creating multiple workflow variations (e.g., different machines or batching rules).
Summary
Using ready-to-use workflows helps you:
Quickly configure product models
Leverage proven Gelato workflows
Reduce setup time
Ensure consistency in production
Customize only what is necessary
Once applied, you can modify sheet size, imposition layout, batching, and machine-specific fields to tailor the workflow to your production environment.