Howitt, which is planning a multi-million pound investment in a new gravure operation, has placed a 250,000 order for Prism's WIN system, QTMS press monitoring equipment for three existing web presses and GEM equipment for its finishing department. Installation of the QTMS has started, and the entire system is scheduled to go live early in 2003.

Howitt chief executive James Elliot said the company had carried out an in-depth analysis of the options available. "This strategic choice offers full integration of MIS with shop floor data collection to help the group grow and manage its business into the future," he added. Howitt's system will enable 35 Prism WIN users to monitor real-time data from the shop floor.

The Walsall Print Group has also invested a six-figure sum on the full complement of Prism WIN products in both Walsall Print Company and Walsall Security Printers. The group's system will allow 65 users to track job estimates through the production process.

Story by John Davies