When VLT-Press, Sweden, looked for a new web-based print production system that could integrate both them and their customers in tracking ongoing tasks while feeding more information back to the customer, their choice was DALiM PRiNTEMPO, from Swedish distributor Mediafront. VLT-Press customers adapted to the new tool quickly. Some of them claim that this is the best solution they have ever seen.

There were a number of points on the VLT-Press list of demands, among them the possibility of adapting and developing the system, extensive pre-flighting, the possibility to edit files, and last but not least, a user-friendly interface in Swedish.

"We tested three or four systems. Our ultimate choice was Mediafront's DALiM PRiNTEMPO because it is easy for us and for our customers to handle. Its interface meets all of our requirements: good-looking, clean, simple and in Swedish. The system is compatible with both PC and Mac and can be administered using an ordinary browser. In addition, the technology behind it appears to be very good," says Fredrik Bogårdh, the former pre-press manager at VLT-Press and currently manager of central pre-press for the VTAB group of which VLT-Press is a member.

"The specifications from VLT-Press stated clearly that the system should give pre-flight reports in Swedish. Therefore at Mediafront we immediately started translating and adapting the Dalim Software system to meet this requirement. As far as I know, we were the only supplier that could manage this so quickly," says Magnus Lundgren at Mediafront.

Another very important factor was a system that could be adapted and developed. Mediafront's DALiM PRiNTEMPO scored points here as well, and VLT-Press were the first to introduce the new system to Sweden.

"As we all know, tomorrow's reality is not today's," says Mr Bogordh. "Therefore, we also specified a system that could be altered and extended over time."

The installation was made in April and May last year and was gradually implemented until it was in full operation in October. Customers are constantly updated via the new interface. They can see the latest version of a document and also approve material via the web.

Every week five million newspapers leave VLT-Press in Vasteras. Apart from nine daily newspapers, among them Aftonbladet and Dagens Nyheter, some 40 recurring titles are produced here. After three months of full operation Mr Bogårdh points out that everything has proceeded very painlessly, that the system matches up to all expectations and that customers are very satisfied.

"Many of the tasks that customers earlier carried out via telephone can now be done directly via the interface. This works smoothly and saves us and our customers a lot of time," says Mr Bogårdh.