DiMS! organizing print

Efficiency is the name of the game in any manufacturing environment—maximize output, minimize input. It’s a simple formula, but there’s nothing simple about implementing it. One of the more common approaches used to improve manufacturing efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, has been around for some time. It is a concept that drives companies toward efficient operations by relentlessly focusing on waste—in any form—that impacts time and materials. A key underlying requirement for implementing effective Lean Manufacturing practices is accurate and timely information. This is why there is a close association between Lean Manufacturing and business/production software systems. As one example, David Taylor, president/CEO of

The term MIS—management information systems—gets thrown around so much that the significance of its impact gets taken for granted. Company management and all employees making management decisions (and in well-managed companies, these decisions are made at the lowest possible organizational level) depend on accurate, real-time information to make good decisions that enhance the bottom line. So, you would think systems that provide the information for management decisions would get top billing, or at least some priority. However, this is not always the case. Companies that are in the MIS business for the printing arena sometimes struggle to win the battles for investment

DARMSTADT, Germany—The International Cooperation for the Integration of the Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization announced the results of its 2006 elections for advisory board members and officers on its board of directors. CIP4’s advisory board is the organization’s governing body. The advisory board consists of representatives of each of three classes of members; partner, full and associate. There are 14 partner members of CIP4 and roughly 150 full and associate members of CIP4. Partner members automatically have one seat on the advisory board, but full and associate members are represented by advisory board directors that are elected with a simple majority

Chicago was a busy place during the second week in September. The city hosted Labelexpo Americas 2006 with its 450+ exhibitiors and more than 13,000 visitors, many of whom gave the show a distinct international flare. Along with a steady flow of traffic during the four-day event, the show featured a wealth of significant new products introduced to the label printing market. The following rundown presents a brief review of some of the highlights. Lots to see Avery Dennison announced the acquisition of RF IDentics, a start-up company with technologies and manufacturing assets to enhance its RFID product offerings. UPM Raflatac reviewed its plans

Package printers have their hands full. While their focus is directed toward meeting the needs of their customers, they must accomplish this by spending their money wisely and increasing profits in their own operations. In the past few years, business production software has come to the rescue of package printers faced with the increasing need to run a lean business, while maintaining high-quality standards. Display Pack of Grand Rapids, Mich., was among those looking for a better way to streamline processes and exchange information. Its custom-developed business management system lacked strong estimation and business integration, and the means to provide financial information. Display Pack

Advanced Vision Tech. AVT offers job quality data management tools for controlling production quality. Write 804, Visit www.avt-inc.com CRC Information Systems The System is a graphic-arts-specific business management system offering everything from estimating to e-commerce. Write 805, www.crcinfosys.com DiMS! organizing print By allowing printers to harness information on a centralized, Web-enabled database, DiMS! provides the ability to link internal information systems, track production data, and integrate operations with key clients and suppliers. Write 806, Visit www.dims.net EFI Offers document management tools from creation to print. Write 807, Visit www.efi.com J HEIDELBERG Prinance is the core of an integrated software

Seems like computers are taking over everything. Whether you’re at home or work, on the manufacturing floor, an airplane, or up in space, computers are the tools of choice. They control, they communicate, they play chess; and they do it all—fast, reliably, and well. Just ask Hal, the computer-character in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey. When I hear the term computer, though, a picture of the hardware immediately comes to mind. But it’s clear: software is what makes a computer the powerful, tool that it is. Computer hardware is like the human body, with many fascinating and well-designed systems. But just