Q&P action group drives innovations

In response to the printing industry’s growing need and wish to have computerized information systems closely integrated with workflow, there has been an increased level of activity and cooperation between the Q&P development team and Q&P distributors. The action group gets together to chart the developments required to meet customer needs and find a way to enhance the functionality of the industry-leading MIS.

“This face-to-face interaction to grapple with and discuss the pros and cons of different methods of achieving what the client wants is always the best way forward,” said Q&P founder Dave Bell (pictured). “Brainstorming sessions will often inspire contributions from others that help to shed light on some of the challenges the team is facing.

This week, the group will meet in Perth to discuss the requirements of the planned new interface, along with the JDF/JMF progress. For many printers, the JDF/JMF functionality will enable them to remain competitive in a period of shortened runs, low margins and faster job turnarounds. Trials have been done with press suppliers and it is expected the first installations will be rolled out in the next few months.

“The Australian industry is a different animal to that of the European industry with a much reduced market, and a higher percentage of small and medium businesses,” said Bell who visited DRUPA and IPEX to look at what was realistic to have as integration to workflow here in Australia.

The ongoing developments of Q&P that arise out of the close customer base consultation process ensure the program remains tailored to the specific industry conditions of Australia and New Zealand. Flexible and timely responses to the changing demands of the market deliver a competitive edge to printing firms in the Q&P network.

“There is nothing like local front-line experience to sharpen the applications that are useful to our customers,” said David.

Stay tuned for updates as the new interface makes its appearance.