Litho Supplies and Tharstern have developed a system to allow Tharstern customers using its e-procurement module to automate on-line ordering of consumables directly from their MIS to Litho Supplies' website.


The system is based-on XML to ensure that in the future other suppliers and MIS systems can all work using a common standard, rather than tying customers into a proprietary system.



"The system were developing will enable all parties involved in the transaction to check order histry and place new orders as well as access real time on-line information on stock and price without leaving the MIS," said Tharstern director Abdul Kassas.



The deal with Litho Supplies is Tharstern's first for consumables ordering. It builds on its announcement at Drupa that it was working with a number of paper suppliers to integrate paper purchasing into its MIS.



"The Internet will have a major impact cutting the cost of transactions," said Litho Supplies joint managing director Gerry Mulvaney. "Online cost of transactions fall dramatically and we all need to find ways to cut costs."



Litho Supplies has been offering online ordering since the start of the year and currently has over 40 customers using the service.


Story by Barney Cox