System and method of data processing for a printing operation

A data processing system comprising:

• a processor configured to:
• receive selected records from a first data source, wherein the selected records have been subjected to a first record characteristic updating step and the selected records comprise mail information useful for delivery of printed materials;
• store the selected records from the first data source in a second data source for use in a printing operation using one or more computing devices;
• update the selected records with a second record characteristic updating step, wherein a time at which the second record characteristic updating step is performed is determined in relation to a print production schedule for production of the printed materials;
• and
• create a postal pre-sort file based upon the updated selected records for use in the printing operation, wherein the printing operation is performed on a printing device based on the pre-sorted records.

A method of preparing data for use in a printing operation, comprising:

• receiving selected records from a first data source, wherein the selected records have been subjected to a first record characteristic updating step and the selected records comprise mail information useful for delivery of printed materials;
• updating the selected records with a second record characteristic updating step, wherein a time at which the second record characteristic updating step is performed is determined in relation to a print production schedule for production of the printed materials and the second record characteristic updating step is performed regardless of an amount of time elapsed since the first record characteristic updating step;
• and
• creating a postal pre-sort file based upon the updated selected records for use in the printing operation, wherein the printing operation is performed on a printing device based on the pre-sorted records.