A method for processing a printed product, the method comprising: selecting a sequence of processing for the printed product through a plurality of processing stations (8, 9, 10) connected to an elongated central transfer station, the elongated transfer station having an elongated central shelf extending in a longitudinal direction of the central transfer station; and at least a first handling device on one side of the central shelf and a second handling device located on an opposite side of the central shelf; feeding the printed product to a first infeeding location of the central transfer station; moving the printed product within the central transfer station to a first outfeeding location of the central transfer station by the first and second handling device (21, 23) of the central transfer station; transporting the printed product from the first outfeeding location of the central transfer station to a first processing station (8 in the selected sequence, wherein the printed product is transported directly to the first processing station without passing through another processing station (9, 10); processing the printed product at the first processing station; transporting the printed product processed at the first processing station back to a first receiving location of the central transfer station, wherein the printed product is transported directly back to the central transfer station without passing through another processing station (9, 10); moving the processed printed product within the central transfer station to a first removal location of the central transfer station by the first and second handling device (21, 23) along the elongated shelf; and removing the processed printed product from the central transfer station at the first removal location. selecting a sequence of processing for the printed product through a plurality of processing stations (8, 9, 10) connected to an elongated central transfer station, the elongated transfer station having an elongated central shelf extending in a longitudinal direction of the central transfer station; and at least a first handling device on one side of the central shelf and a second handling device located on an opposite side of the central shelf; feeding the printed product to a first infeeding location of the central transfer station; moving the printed product within the central transfer station to a first outfeeding location of the central transfer station by the first and second handling device (21, 23) of the central transfer station; transporting the printed product from the first outfeeding location of the central transfer station to a first processing station (8 in the selected sequence, wherein the printed product is transported directly to the first processing station without passing through another processing station (9, 10); processing the printed product at the first processing station; transporting the printed product processed at the first processing station back to a first receiving location of the central transfer station, wherein the printed product is transported directly back to the central transfer station without passing through another processing station (9, 10); moving the processed printed product within the central transfer station to a first removal location of the central transfer station by the first and second handling device (21, 23) along the elongated shelf; and removing the processed printed product from the central transfer station at the first removal location.