Schumann Printers Installs QTMS iQ

WILMINGTON, MA, October 26, 2008 - Schumann Printers, Inc., a leading heat-set web printer of specialty publications and catalogs based in Fall River, Wisconsin, has selected Prism’s QTMS iQ intelligent shop floor data capture system (SFDC) to provide real-time information that will significantly enhance production control and reduce paper consumption across its pressroom. The QTMS iQ system, comprising machine monitoring modules and sensors, has been installed on all of Schumann’s web presses.

Mark Schumann, vice president of manufacturing for Schumann Printing, is passionate about production efficiency across his plants and credits his employees for helping to deliver on this. For 26 years Mark has worked in the printing industry and from his first years as a pressman he understood that having the right information at his fingertips and setting proper expectations makes for an efficient and profitable pressroom.

“I’m using QTMS iQ, in part, to provide my pressmen with production expectations measured against real-time performance in time, counts, and waste,” said Mark. “This empowers my employees to make the right decisions without constant supervision.”

Schumann Printers has developed its own management information system (MIS) over the years to manage all aspects of their business. It was critical that the production management system they selected be open and easily integrated into their custom solution. Using iQ’s XML-based Application Programming Interface (API), Schumann was able to quickly create an interface between iQ and their MIS.

Schumann replaced existing counting solutions with QTMS iQ to provide consistency across the pressroom. In addition, iQ can handle future expansion into the bindery and finishing departments while managing workflow and WIP across the entire production facility. “I was looking for a solution that could handle my entire plant. QTMS iQ was the only solution with this breadth,” commented Mark.

“I’m already realizing benefits from iQ,” Mark said. “The automation of down time codes and tracking of waste and time against these occurrences is saving my operators time. In addition, job specifications are coming electronically from my MIS directly to the iQ terminals at the press console and roll stand.”

QTMS iQ is a turn-key solution for Schumann’s pressroom. Prism’s engineering and installation team installed iQ on the first three presses in February and completed the installation on Schumann’s new Goss Sunday press in March. Schumann provided network and electrical drops and the Prism team took care of the rest.

“The installation team was a pleasure to work with,” Mark mentioned, “and I was impressed with their knowledge of our presses and our multiple configurations.”

“Mark Schumann and his team understand the benefits of production management solutions. They will realize tremendous savings in waste reduction, under-run elimination, and workflow control with iQ,” said Tim Daisy, Prism Sales and Marketing Executive. “I’m confident the Schumann team will use iQ to its maximum potential.”

Introduced in 2006, QTMS iQ is a modular system with more “intelligence” and user friendly features including browser-based pallet-tracking and workflow. The system provides an extraordinary level of highly accurate business management information and control to keep profitability and operational performance clearly in sight at every stage of production. QTMS iQ and all other Prism MIS solutions support the JDF specification.

About Schumann Printers
Schumann Printers, Inc. began its business over 40 years ago as a job printer. Since that time, their company has accumulated a formidable body of technicians and equipment to help publishers and other print buyers better produce their printed products. During the 1970’s, they began to see the need for publishers to have a specialist printer print their magazines. From that insight and growth in the last three decades, the company now produces both short-run and long-run magazines, catalogs, flyers and other advertising materials. Now under its second generation of family management, using the most innovative equipment and methods, Schumann is making an important new impact in the marketplace. For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.spiweb.com.