Patrick Bolan

A popular choice by in-plants seeking print management information systems (MIS), Toronto-based Avanti Computer Systems has long stood out as one of the few remaining print MIS vendors not acquired by EFI. With EFI’s May acquisition of privately held printLEADER, the company now controls about 70 percent of the Print MIS market, according to EFI’s own data.

Avanti Computer Systems held its 19th annual user’s conference in Washington, D.C., in June, bringing together a mix of both in-plant and commercial printers. During the three-day event, attendees networked with their peers, swapped ideas and attended numerous sessions on industry topics.

In recent weeks, four vendors have formed two separate partnerships to link MIS systems with Web-to-print products. A few weeks ago, Avanti announced that it had integrated its Graphic Arts Management System with Pageflex Storefront Web-to-print software. Then this week, Printable Technologies integrated its FusionPro Web product with the Kodak EMS Business Software. By linking their systems, these companies provide a streamlined workflow from online document customization and ordering through print production. “One of the greatest challenges facing print shops today is eliminating the re-entry of data as a job makes its way through the shop,” says Patrick Bolan, president and CEO of