Input

Switch allows you to process both single input files and file folders.

Files and file folders that enter Switch and have to be treated as one entity are in Switch referred to as "jobs".

Ways to provide input

There are several ways to submit input to Switch:

• Manually: You can drag and drop your input files or folders onto an input folder element on the canvas. This is handy to test flows.
• Automated: You can configure Switch to download the input from a server (an FTP server, an e-mail server, or a network server), or to receive it via the Switch Web Portal.

Depending on the way you want to provide your input, you must select the appropriate flow element:

If you want to submit files ...	Use the following flow element
By dropping them onto the canvas (manually)	Folder Note: Switch will take care of the physical location of the submitted files. This location is not editable, as indicated by the small lock that appears on the Folder icon.
Via a location on a local computer or a network server	Folder (you will have to specify the location) Submit hierarchy This is a special type which remembers the folder structure. See The Submit hierarchy flow element.
Via FTP	FTP receive
Via e-mail	Mail receive
Via the Switch Web Portal	Submit point

Job data

Switch allows you to send extra data along with your input files, called Job data. This can be metadata, the file name, information about the user, or data from other systems, such as MIS systems, asset management systems… The format of the job data can be XML, JDF, Metadata…

Job data can be used to decide how files must be processed.

Example:

The paper type (coated versus uncoated) often determines whether or not a file must be sent to an ink optimizer. If this information is available in your MIS system, you can attach it to your files as job data. If the files arrives in Switch, Switch can use this information to sort the input files and only send them to an ink optimizer application if required.