Optimus Wins Major MIS Order From Friary Press

Release date: 30.01.2006

One of the UK's leading sheet-fed printers, Friary Press in Dorchester, has placed an order for a complete suite of Optimus 2020 MIS modules from Woking supplier Optimus, plus the Goldmine CRM and Optimus Prestige Scheduling packages. The company will also be one of the first in the UK to install the new Connect data collection system, which was launched by Optimus in September.

'We researched the market extensively and Optimus 2020 had a look and feel that was way ahead of any of the competition,' says finance director Phil Stocker. 'Optimus approached the project with the understanding of a fellow printer, reflecting its background in the industry, and really listened to what we wanted to achieve. There is no doubt in our minds it had the edge over other MIS options on the market.'

Configuration of the core Optimus 2020 modules has just begun, with phase two of the programme - Connect and Prestige Scheduling - taking place in the spring. Friary Press has ordered a 30 user system, with 15 remote data capture terminals on the shopfloor.

'This is quite a major change for us, which has entailed very careful planning,' says Mr Stocker. 'Implementing such a sophisticated MIS system is not simply another IT project. Optimus 2020 will play a vital part in ensuring we operate our factory efficiently and obtain the maximum productivity from our machines. It will also help us to identify the most profitable types of work. The new Connect facility will be a real bonus, allowing us to gather production data directly from our machines in real time, thus improving the accuracy and quality of our management information.'

Connect provides a method of gathering production data from equipment that is non-CIP4 and not JDF-enabled. As long as the hardware eg press, folder, guillotine etc emits an electronic signal then it can be interfaced with the Optimus 2020 system. One of the many advantages of Connect is that it is based on a proven technology (called winSICAD) developed by Optimus Spain. The huge range of equipment that has been interfaced to use winSICAD includes Komori, Roland and KBA sheet-fed presses, Harris and Heidelberg web offset machines, plus Stahl, Muller Martini and Iberica finishing equipment.

'Optimus 2020 will become the nerve centre of the business,' says Phil Stocker. 'We were impressed by its flexibility and also by the training and after-sales support offered by Optimus in Woking.'