How to apply multiple automator workflows to one file

Question

Hi everyone,
I've set up a few workflow applications to automate the process of making packshots from PDF files. The way those roughly work is they create a temporary copy in a folder, open a Photoshop droplet that executes all the actions on the file, and then save the finished product in a "finished" folder.
However, we frequently need to deliver multiple packshots made from the same file. I was asked to make one automator app that allowed us to drop the PDF version on it, resulting in the multiple types of packshots in the "finished" folder, together with the original PDF.
The way I have this set up right now is as follows:
1) Copy the original PDF file to the "finished" folder
2) Execute the first automator app
3) Execute the second automator app
This seems simple enough, and does work in 10.6.8. When I try it on a different computer in our studio though, with 10.7 installed, I get various errors:
- Sometimes it says an error occured within one of the automator apps, while the app works fine when running it seperately (on all computers).
- Sometimes it says something like "An error occurred while converting the data" when moving on from the first application to the second application
- Sometimes I'll get an error message in the log, saying:
*** -[_NSArrayl objectAtIndex:]: index 0 beyond bounds for empty array
What I got from this is that it's actually not getting the right input it requires (or not getting any input, since it's an empty array). However, the previous task is set to "return the task input" (our systems are Dutch so excuse me for any discrepancies in translations please), and the resulting output that I get seems to be what I want the next automator application to use. Below is a screenshot of the error message:
What I've tried:
- I read somewhere that the newer versions of Automator require the action "Retrieve selected finder items" between them. I've tried using this in various ways (between all other actions/tasks, only before the second application to be run and before both applications to be run), but with no success. The problem I have with these is that, during the applications, it moves the files around, thus apparently selecting those folders as well.
- Building an entirely new workflow on the newer system
- Using "Start application" instead of "Execute Automator workflow". This results in Automator saying that it did execute the workflow while nothing happened.
- Using "Ignore input" for the second application. This also results in Automator saying that it executed the workflow while nothing happened.
So right now, I'm pretty stumped as to how to get this combination of apps to work in 10.7. Any solutions or workarounds are most welcome.
Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Yes, angelanna. You can merge or split your video file via FCP sequence.
ahaah, maybe I think angelanna would like to get the resulting file with MTS format because he mentioned “No need to be compressed”. Are you asking for this, angelanna?
If so, a simple MTS files managing and editing tool  is needed. Maybe you can have a try the Mac version of Aunsoft Final Mate for managing HD camcorder footages. I just downloaded its free trial version and it offers a simple way of garping footages directly  from camcorder. And also it provides a attractive feature to join flawlessly and split accurately native MTS files for video file output with original MTS format.
Maybe this is the tool cwhich an help you out, angelanna.
Enjoy your video.