PaperNet Solutions, an emerging leader of product information and marketing tools for the paper merchants, and PaperSpecs, an on-line provider of paper knowledge to the design and print industries, today announced a partnering agreement. PaperNet is the industry’s first real time, "price book to production" connectivity suite based on Microsoft web services. PaperSpecs is the industry’s only independent online swatch book and paper knowledge base. The partnership seamlessly offers access to real time information, helping graphic artists, printers, paper merchants, and mills secure more business and reduce internal procurement costs.
PaperNet Solutions has a hosted Print Estimating system that connects directly to live price books. Merchants’ and printers’ can directly connect their ERP systems to the estimating system, eliminating redundant data entry in the paper procurement business process. The PaperNet suite offers a growing list of solutions for today’s paper merchant including price books, E-Commerce maximization, in the field mobile connectivity, integration to Print Estimating systems and e-doc exchange using Web Services.
The PaperSpecs’ database features more than 3,900 papers from over 65 mills and manufacturers. This partnership will allow designers and print production estimators to search both price and features for almost any print job. Now PaperNet customers will have precise and current information such as color, sheet sizes, pricing and more advanced features. With this agreement, customers can leverage the advantages of both systems, which increases efficiency and value to the paper and print market place as a whole.
Partner Quotes
"This agreement further amplifies the role and commitment of PaperNet and PaperSpecs to the paper, print, and design communities," said PaperSpecs Founder Sabine Lenz. Added PrintNet President Craig Scarborough, "Just as important, PaperSpecs’ position as a leader in providing paper knowledge coupled with our PaperNet suites is further opening the door for Merchants companies to have an ‘out of the box’ real time price book and e-commerce with a minimal demand on their internal resources."
QuickTips
The PaperSpecs website also offers tips on paper buying and a weekly free newsletter. Only members receive "QuickTips", a twice-monthly email from Sabine Lenz, which advises designers, art directors, print buyers and other paper specifiers on issues of the day and offers practical tips. PaperSpecs also assists in assembling samples and swatchbooks for clients or projects, and members gain valuable insight in paper specifying and print buying issues. To become a member or to get a free tour of the website, go to www.paperspecs.com.
Client Comments
Merchants, who are already using PaperSpecs, claim increased productivity through time savings of one hour per CSR per day. "Being able to go to one source 24 hours a day and get the answers we need is fantastic. Thank you for bringing this valuable tool to our industry," says John Ziegler, Printing Network.
"The PaperSpecs database allows us to compare any and all of the presented ‘house enamels.’ We can feel very comfortable knowing whether we are comparing apples to apples, or apples to oranges," adds Dan Falkenstein, Craftsmen Printing.
"We needed a competitive edge to go head on against the mega merchants," added John Berget, Duffey Paper. "PaperNet gave us that edge and helped us win business with some very tech savvy customers."
About PaperSpecs
Sabine Lenz is the founder of PaperSpecs, the first online paper database specifically designed for the design/print industry. Seeing designers struggle worldwide to stay current with new papers and paper trends inspired Ms. Lenz to create PaperSpecs, an independent and comprehensive web-based paper database and weekly e-newsletter. She is also a speaker and writer on paper issues and educational topics related to the paper industry. Visit your all-in-one online swatchbook at www.paperspecs.com.
About PaperNet Solutions
PaperNet Solutions was originally conceived as a service to assist printers with their paper procurement by integrating paper prices into the PrintNet Solutions print estimating system. It quickly evolved and focused on helping the Paper Merchant enhance customer service and provide their customers with needed information that improves productivity. PaperNet tools can significantly streamline the business process between merchant and printer. The net result for all participants is faster quote to order cycles, improving the product information management, and reduction in internal order processing costs, all significant factors that directly impact the bottom line. The core PaperNet technology platform serves the needs of some of the worlds largest companies financial institutions and human resource service providers.
Craig Scarborough and Jeremy Holland, both of whom have launched several successful technology firms focused on the human resource, marketing and customer service for financial industries, founded PrintNet, the parent company of PaperNet. For more information visit PrintNet at www.printnetsolutions.com.or PaperNet at www.papernetsolutions.com.
This article was last modified on December 20, 2005
This article was first published on December 20, 2005
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