System Architecture and Infrastructure

NowToPrint is built on a high-performance, scalable Cloud-Native architecture designed to meet the demands of industrial-grade print production.

Infrastructure Capabilities

The platform is built on the most current and secure technologies in modern web engineering. Designed around the principles of Speed, Security, and Sustainability, the infrastructure can process thousands of concurrent orders.

• SSR & Edge Computing: Pages are rendered server-side and delivered to users at near-instant speeds.
• Real-Time Database: Order statuses, stock movements, and production updates are reflected instantly across all interfaces.
• Microservice Approach: Heavy PDF processing and graphic rendering tasks are handled in isolated services without impacting the core system.
• Industrial-Grade Security: All data is stored encrypted (Encryption-at-rest & in-transit).

Modular Architecture (Modular Monolith)

NowToPrint is composed of independently managed Feature Modules that appear as a unified whole. An update to one module (e.g. Pricing) does not affect other modules (e.g. Design Studio).

Core System Flow

Key Module Capabilities

The logical separation of the system, relevant for software developers and integrators, is as follows:

1. Prepress Engine

The "Visual Intelligence" of the system. Analyses uploaded PDF files.

• Capabilities: Colour space and output intent analysis, font validation, resolution analysis.
• Standard: Produces a "Traffic Light" (Pass/Fail) report in accordance with ISO 12647 standards.

2. Design Studio

A browser-based vector graphics editor.

• Capabilities: Layer-based editing, SVG processing, dynamic text placement.
• VDP: Variable Data Processing capability allows thousands of variations to be generated from a single design template.

3. Pricing Engine

The financial module that calculates print shop costs with precision.

• Logic: Operates on a Cost-Plus (Cost + Margin) methodology.
• Parameters: Accounts for paper weight, sheet size, machine depreciation, and waste rates.

Security Model

The platform operates on Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) — the answer to "Who can see what, and how much?".

Thanks to this structure, an "Operator" sees only the jobs assigned to them, while an "Administrator" can manage all financial reports.