An automated greeting card conveyance system is disclosed that includes a first conveyor configured to transport pre-decorated greeting cards along a first conveyance path and a second conveyor configured to transport envelopes along a second conveyance path. A control system controls customization of each greeting card and envelope by (a) determining a card identifier of the greeting card, (b) identifying customized content associated with an order for the greeting card having the card identifier, and (c) causing the customized content to be printed on the greeting card and envelope. A coupling system may also be used to automatically insert the greeting card into the envelope. In addition, a sealing system may be used to automatically seal envelope having a pointed envelope flap.

An envelope processing apparatus includes a flap opener, a first envelope detector, a second envelope detector, and circuitry. The flap opener opens a flap of an envelope during conveyance of the envelope in an envelope conveyance passage in which the envelope is conveyed to an enclosing position. The first envelope detector detects the envelope at a position upstream from the flap opener in a conveyance direction of the envelope. The second envelope detector detects the envelope at a position downstream from the flap opener in the conveyance direction. The circuitry causes the flap opener to execute an opening operation of the flap of the envelope conveyed to the enclosing position and causes the flap opener to execute the opening operation of the flap again when an opening-and-closing state of the flap determined based on detection results of the envelope by the first and second envelope detectors is abnormal.

An envelope separator is provided with a robotic arm and a support table where the robotic arm can fit fingers between envelopes to collect groups of envelopes from an envelope feeder and then separate those groups and allow for easy packaging of the envelopes into boxes. Preferably, the robotic arm accomplishes the packaging process as well by placing the groups of envelopes into boxes and continuing to gather and place successive groups of envelopes in successive boxes.