DocPath Business Suite Industrial Bringing New Life to Matrix Printers

DocPath, PCI’s partner in document software especially for the run-native IBM “i” operating environment, has announced the availability of Business Suite Industrial.  It is a new software solution that enables businesses to generate professionally-formatted documents such as invoices and labels for printing on line matrix, serial matrix, or thermal printers. This solution provides users with document design technology that was previously only available to laser printer users.

The challenge of using line matrix technology is an inability to have an easy and affordable way to design graphical documents for printing on a line printer or other industrial units. With Business Suite Industrial, line matrix users can continue to reap the benefits of a greener technology solution, migrate completely away from or use less expensive and inflexible preprinted forms, and do far more with their printed documents.

Business Suite Industrial also includes an intuitive design tool for creating professionally-formatted graphical documents that allow for tables, images and data-driven messages, barcodes and more, which are commonly used by industrial companies.

“Many businesses like the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of existing industrial printers, but have been forced to migrate to laser due to a severe lack of application flexibility. With DocPath, this is no longer the case,” said Julio Olivares, the president and CEO of DocPath. “Industrial printers are increasingly relevant by offering benefits such as lower energy consumption, hardware longevity, lower cost of ownership, and support for graphical forms generation.”

A renewed relevance for line matrix, serial and even thermal printing:

•A “greener” alternative – When factoring hardware longevity, consumable waste, and energy consumption, line matrix is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to print.

•Lower cost of ownership – Especially for high volume and high coverage print requirements, industrial printers can be the least expensive to operate per page, long-term, providing an attractive alternative to laser for nearly any business.

•Unmatched reliability – Continuous form industrial printers maintain superior performance when exposed to humidity, extreme temperatures, dust/dirt and other elements, making them ideal for harsh environments.

Business Suite Industrial is available for installation on iSeries, Windows, UNIX, and Linux. Business Pro Suite, a more comprehensive version enables support for laser printing, larger distributed print environments, PDF generation, and automated delivery of documents to email or fax.

For more information, contact Warren Neeley, GM of PCI Solutions via email address  WNeeley@PCIprinters.com or by calling 817-939-5614.  For a proposal, visit the website http://www.chooseglmgroup.com/Pages/DocPathBusinessSuiteIndustrial.aspx and request a quote.

Printronix Moves to Claim InfoPrint Industrial

Freshly back from the last rites and burial of the InfoPrint organization, Printronix made the announcement that for the last two decades, Printronix had been the sole OEM supplier of over 100,000 InfoPrint line printers and thermal printers.

In the Printronix press release, the company offers maintenance support and spare parts for the IBM and InfoPrint 6400, 6500, 4400 and 6700 printers.

From the announcement:
"Printronix provides a complete solution for InfoPrint Solutions customers, including a full line of printers, consumables and service offerings through the existing InfoPrint Channel Partner network which fully ensures uninterrupted customer support. InfoPrint end users can tap into the full product range offered by Printronix and its Channel Partners, who are trained and have the full backing of the Printronix global technical support team to ensure top tier customer support. "

In regards to Printer Connection, PCI is a Top Printronix (Platinum, one of <20) partner and was a Top InfoPrint partner (Premier, one of 10) until their tragic end.

A style of printer not sold or mentioned by Printronix is the 'Industrial Serial Matrix' printers known in IBM/InfoPrint customers as the 4247 and the previous 4230 and 4232. PCI is also a distributing partner (one of 4) for the Tally 4347 printer. This printer serves as a replacement and upgrade from the old 4247 and the new "Paint Shaker 4247-Z03". PCI can source the former InfoPrint 4247 as its OEM builder Compuprint is also coming out from behind the curtain. PCI strongly recommends evaluating the Tally 4347-i10 against the 4247-Z03 unit for any use on any printer stands other than a granite counter, as the Z03 can make many printer stands actually walk across the floor from the shaking.

Regarding maintenance service - the IBM and InfoPrint service was always and only offered as a 24x7 package, regardless of the customer's need or budget. The service norm in the industry is now 9x5 next business day and often with a spare printer as mission critical backup. PCI continues to offer and provide service and spares on all the InfoPrint and Printronix lines described in this Printronix action. For IBM/InfoPrint printers, service can be delivered by either PCI, Printronix, or a resale from PCI of Ricoh's continuing RPPS/contractor service arrangement for industrial printers.

For any information and discussion of future pricing and availability of service, parts and printers, contact Warren Neeley at 817-939-5614 or wneeley@pciprinters.com.