CORPORATE PROFILE

Printronix is the leader in enterprise resource planning printing solutions, providing network integrated multi-technology printers to businesses worldwide.

Founded in 1974, Printronix is the acknowledged foremost supplier of line matrix printers, and an innovator in continuous form laser printers and thermal bar code label printers. Printronix printers are used in business reporting, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution printing applications. In 2004 Printronix reported sales of $125 million with a common stock traded on NASDAQ: PTNX.

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

Hewlett Packard (HP), on of Printronix’s largest trading partners, made the decision to join other Fortune 100 electronic manufacturers in adopting RosettaNet interchange standards. In order for Printronix to continue trading with HP mean the company had to go along with HP in adopting the standard.

SOLUTION

HP had long believed there were significant cost efficiencies and productivity gains to using XML over the Internet with RosettaNet interchange standards. So, ready for the task, Printronix and HP teamed to find a RosettaNet solution that would enable them to:

• Write and customize their own maps
• Meet HP’s evolving document and communications protocols
• Provide complete automation for “lights out” operation
• Prepare for future XML and Web-based services

Selecting TIE as their solution provider proved to be an easy decision for the Printronix and HP team as they compared the various solution vendors. The resolution that met the team’s approval was TIE’s ability to offer an end-to-end RosettaNet integration solution while using Printronix’s existing IDOC system. Among the winning selection criteria was the past successful customer relationship with TIE, value pricing, strong technology knowledge and responsive support. Kate Squires, Printronix IS Project Manager, recalls their vendor selection process, “HP and Printronix talked with two other vendors, and only TIE offer the right price and flexibility.” TIE designed a solution that leveraged Printronix’s current TIE eVision investment to meet the new RosettaNet requirements. A quick upgrade of the basic eVision data transformation module to TIE Integrator™, along with the addition of a GridNode™ communications module was all that was needed on the product side. Next, TIE’s Consulting services installed and configured the new modules, completed the integration requirements, and mapped the PIPs.

Benefits of the TIE solution were its ability to handle high volumes of transactions, operate in an automated “lights out” processing environment, and allow for easy customization in-house. However, product was only part of the equation. “Requirements constantly changed throughout the implementation, potentially making this a much larger project than expected,” stated Kate Squires, “With all the changes, and our internal project schedule in jeopardy, some of the teleconferences became fairly heated. During those times, TIE’s project manager was a calming influence, getting to the root of the problem and putting the right resources in place. TIE know just what was needed, and always had an answer.”

RESULTS

Printronix and HP are now transacting business over the Internet using the RosettaNet document and communications protocol. The result was a stable, comprehensive solution in production mode. TIE’s attention to detail and dedication over the four-month project ensured that Printronix and HP achieved its objectives on time and on budget. As they continue forward, the TIE solution had positioned Printronix for its next project; their SAP upgrade. Kate Squires stated, “TIE’s IDOC based integration approach is so flexible, we are able to quickly move to the latest SAP release.”

In the end, the true success of any project rests with the customer. And, nothing says it better than Kate Squire’s closing comment as she reflected, “HP got what it wanted, and it’s all about customer satisfaction.”

Melinda Powers is the Chief Marketing Officer of TIE Commerce. She can be reached at Melinda.Powers@tiecommerce.com.