Users can track individual mail pieces with DFWorks while Optimus Dash automatically gives details of the overall job. The solution includes full access to Optimus Dash features such as job cost, stock management, delivery and invoicing, with access to performance versus service level agreement and forecast features of DFWorks.

Optimus group managing director Nicola Bisset said that Optimus Dash would offer a holistic view of the process while the DFWorks configuration would track each individual piece through the workflow, allowing customers to be in control of the overall and specific aspects of a job simultaneously.

Pitney Bowes subcontracted Optimus to provide scheduling for a major bank based on its expertise in the production environment and Bissett said the two companies had since been in partnership discussions.

The "open architecture" of Optimus Dash and the software’s similar structure to DFWorks meant that the two workflows were suitable for integration, Bissett said.

She added: "Both Pitney Bowes and Optimus have been approached on numerous occasions over the last two years by transactional printers who require a strong management information system but also need to be able to track each transaction, in particular for the secure printing sector.

"Combining with Pitney Bowes enables us to provide the functionality that the industry is demanding.

"It is a match made in heaven – a unique opportunity to combine two complementary systems."

Pitney Bowes global director of software business development and product management David Thomas said that the two companies had many common customers who were using both workflows in isolation. The partnership now offers a better solution to DFWorks customers with the addition of stock, inventory and scheduling capabilities offered by Optimus Dash, he claimed.

He said: "The partnership has so far proven to be excellent in terms of Optimus’ expertise and knowledge of the production environment and has improved Pitney Bowes’ ability to deliver solutions.

"Working as part of a closer partnership will undoubtedly benefit us and our customers."

He added that Optimus’ international reputation would help Pitney Bowes in its mission to globalise DFWorks, extend its capabilities throughout Europe, South Africa, Asia and Australia, and capitalising on its existing 300 customers across North America and Western Europe.