What is disclosed is a system and method for minimizing the Inter-Document Zone (IDZ) in printing system architectures with print engines running at constant speed. The asymmetric IDZ precession disclosed herein is intended for those multi-pass systems where there is a difference in required start and stop durations of various transition subsystems such as transfer engagement and disengagement processes. This mode reduces the required inter-document zone region by shifting the zone in accordance with asymmetric timing of start and stop times of processes that must occur during this time. Advantageously, productivity gains are effectuated without altering process speeds.