Having unique profiles for all of your printers and substrates and having your RIPs automatically convert all files to these profiles is too easy no to do in this day and age, IMO. Your RIPs will want to utilize different linearization files and possibly different resolution and screening methods for different substrates which puts a wrench in the whole hot folder processed color server approach.
Sounds like you’ve got some workflow issues between the artists and techs. The artists shouldn’t have to deal with output profiles - they should be able to keep their work in the appropriate working space. Some of these RIPs allow for hot folders for different substrates but perform the color management when printing. Perhaps you can get the best of both worlds (your workflow concept and full color management) with an elegant RIP setup.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You equipment is not unique and many people have tackled this kind of thing before.
Scott Martin
www.on-sight.com