Optimus launches web-to-print tool to automate link from order to MIS

Optimus has responded to the need to automate the link between a web-to-print storefront and a printer's MIS with its new 'Cloud' range.

Nicola Bisset, managing director of UK-based Optimus, said that while web-to-print portals provided a good experience for the customer, the process of manually entering job information at the back-end meant printers were missing out on the cost saving benefits of automation.

She said storefront were "great for their customers but there is an extraordinary hidden cost for the company in then re-keying the information into the MIS ".

"We have ensured that any online transaction automatically appears in Optimus MIS to eradicate costs and streamline the process of receiving online orders – a significant decrease in the cost of processing orders."

She said the "biggest issue faced is the lack of integration into MIS, especially for those companies running more than one web-to-print system".

"We spoke to a very large number of companies who have multiple web-to-print systems. They all stated the reason for this is that one system provided the functionality required by one customer whereas another customer asked for online functionality that was only available in another system, thereby forcing the company down the multiple system routes."

Optimus Cloud is also aimed at making ordering easier for customers who lacked sophisticated printing knowledge.

"We are entering a new age, whereby a seamless and intuitive approach to simplifying and automating print purchasing and having instant access to information, is increasingly being considered by print buyers as mandatory not optional," said Bisset.

The entire range of Optimus Cloud modules will be launched at Fespa Digital in Barcelona next month.