Patent ID: 7701605

Claim:
An image processing apparatus for controlling a schedule of processes constituting a workflow to carry out a print order, the image processing apparatus comprising: a dividing unit configured to analyze an input print order and divide the print order into a plurality of processes to carry out the print order; a schedule arranging unit configured to arrange a schedule of the plurality of processes; a grouping unit configured to group a set of processes together from the plurality of processes according to grouping attributes of the plurality of processes, the set of processes being associated with each other by the grouping attributes; and a first output unit configured to output the plurality of processes whose schedule is arranged by the schedule arranging unit in a recognizable manner, wherein the schedule arranging unit is configured to arrange the schedule of the plurality of processes such that the set of processes is capable of being executed continuously, wherein the first output unit is configured to output the set of grouped processes in a recognizable manner such that the set of grouped processes appears as a single process, and the schedule arranging unit is configured to, in a case where the schedule is rearranged, move and reassign the set of grouped processes in units of the set of grouped processes such that the set of grouped processes are interlocked with each other.