Dual dependent channel print stream processing module optimizer

A method for generating an optimized version of a print file, the method comprising steps of:

• generating an ordered representation of the print file, the print file specifying a plurality of single page count documents and multiple page count documents;
• determining from the ordered representation of the print file a number of single page count documents to be placed ahead of a first page of a multiple page count document;
• and
• assigning to the optimized version of the print file the number of single page count documents before assigning the first page of the multiple page count document.

A method for optimizing a print stream to be processed by first and second print stream processing modules, comprising:

• assigning to the first print stream processing module at least a first page of a multiple page count document and a number of single page count documents;
• and
• assigning to the second print stream processing module a number of pages representative of subsequent pages of the multiple page count document;
• wherein the one or more single page count documents are assigned to the first print stream processing module prior to assigning the first page of the multiple page count document such that the operation times of the first print stream processing module and the second print stream processing module are approximately balanced.