It has integrated its price lists with the Solprint MIS and SpeedQuote e-commerce system, while sister Paperlinx group merchant Robert Horne has integrated with Solprint and is currently testing its integration with SpeedQuote.

"It’s fantastic to see how far print e-commerce has developed," said HSPG head of e-commerce Rob Botterill.

"A print buyer can get an instant price, place, and pay for, the order online 24/7. When the printer accepts the job he can electronically order the job through our system. This process saves everyone time."

"Paper pricing is a time-consuming process, and prices can change on an almost daily basis," said SpeedQuote sales director Mike McLain. "It’s one less thing to worry about."

He estimated that having the correct price and automatic ordering would save both the printer and the merchant £5-£10 per transaction.

Another potential benefit of the automation of paper ordering and just-in-time delivery for each job according to McLain is an improvement in the printer’s cashflow.

"In a perfect world the system would mean the printer doesn’t have to hold any inventory."

So far two Solprint users, including Dorset-based journal specialist Henry Ling, and six SpeedQuote users, including Caerphilly-based Primary Print Group, are using the systems.

Henry Ling finance director Mark Kennett said: "This integration is an excellent example of how a completely integrated MIS makes a positive contribution to the bottom line."

Solprint managing director Peter Griffin added: "This ensures good quotes because the paper prices are accurate, and typically they make up at least 30% of the cost of a job."

Who HSPG, Solprint and Speedquote

Users Henry Ling, Primary Print Group

Benefits Accurate estimates and quotes, automatic paper ordering, reduced inventory and reduced transaction costs.