Supplier On-Line connects the MIS to suppliers' inventory and stock picking systems, allowing stock checking and ordering as part of booking in a job.

"It should cut administration costs and time," said Tharstern director Abdul Kassas.

The firm is working with paper merchants Howard Smith and Robert Horne, although it is keen to work with other suppliers too. "We went to paper suppliers first as it seemed logical," said Kassas. Testing is also about to go live with two printers.

Customer On-Line, its e-commerce module linking the Tharstern MIS to customers, has gained new features including a template-based Request For Quote (RFQ). Data from the RFQ feeds into the MIS, but it needs an estimator to complete the quote.
"We considered having a fully automated system, but printers wanted intervention," said Kassas. Other new features include stock call-off, secure online transactions, personalisation and remote proofing.

Story by Barney Cox