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Outsourcing firm Vertex is to pilot new IBM workflow software to link up its raft of IBM digital printing kit.

The firm is testing the Productivity Tracker product, which will let it monitor  individual printers’ jobs. It follows Vertex’s implementation of IBM’s Info-print workflow tool, which is linked with Pitney Bowes’ Direct Connect product. The Info-print software has dual servers with built-in disaster recovery and “business continuity”.

IBM sales manager for printing systems Clive Stringer said: “The productivity tracker monitors every event the printer goes through. It can paint a complete picture of the production facility.”

Vertex produces transactional mail at its Warrington unit. It has three IBM Info-print digital printers – a 3900, a 4000 and a 4100. It also has two IBM cutsheet machines – a 2785 and a 2770.

Vertex customer service manager for print production Alison Matthews said: “The workflow software lets us know what stage the document is at. We went for this system because it makes us more robust.”

Stringer added: “The general market is becoming far more focused on reducing costs. It means we can’t just focus on printers.”