O'Neil Data Systems Introduces Solutions At Customer Event With HP

Commentary By Erik Cagle

PLANO, TX—One of the popular buzz phrases in the printing industry revolves around relationships between printers and technology suppliers, so oft-repeated that it's about reached trite status.

But then there's the love affair going on between HP and O'Neil Data Systems (ODS). There's no need to issue the "get a room" edict with this dewey-eyed combo—they have the entire ODS facility here and a good majority of the printer's Los Angeles digs. Everywhere you look is a testament to the commitment between printer and tech supplier; one would almost expect ODS to apologize for the gear that doesn't feature the HP logo.

And so it comes as no surprise that the pairing welcomed 250 U.S. customers, analysts, trade press and other interested parties to "Transform! Build Your Future With Print!" on May 19 and 20, the front end of a four-day HP inkjet press worldwide event expected to attract 400-plus total attendees. The transformation message came wrapped around the notion that printers and vendors need to work together in order to realize change in a meaningful way.

Yes, it wasn't just the HP variety show (though there was plenty to see in that regard). A wealth of other suppliers were also showcased, including VITS, Kolbus, Pitney Bowes, CMC, Hunkeler, MBO, Bell + Howell, Standard Finishing, Muller Martini, LaserMax Roll, EMT International and Videk—many of whom were onsite as part of a mini-expo to underscore the connectivity between providers and customers that goes into producing the seamless workflow.

But make no mistake about it. The high-speed, production inkjet bond between ODS and HP remained front and center. One of the announcements centered on ODS' acquisition of its sixth HP T410 web press, which plays nicely with a pair of T230s and two T350s. It segued into the announcement that HP is now offering the T260 Mono inkjet web press, a 26˝ solution to help high-volume printers shift work when necessary. It will be available by the end of 2014.

One of the other HP announcements that turned heads was the unveiling of its HP Priming Solution, which enables printers to use standard offset coated substrates that have typically eluded production inkjet technology. The Priming Solution provides a matte finish that is cost-effective and helps to increase the crossover points versus traditional offset in both publishing and commercial printing. It will be commercially available by year's end.

Another solution that sees ODS hunkering down with the vendor (more than one in this case) is its digital perfect binding system, realized with a little help from its friends at VITS International and Kolbus, which enables binding of up to 1,000 pages at faster speeds (see main release).

Attendees were also able to get up close and personal with ODS' HP Indigo 7500, which is certified to handle 2,500 substrates (including metallics, foil, plastics and paperboard) at thicknesses up to 18-pt. In addition, an overview was provided on the HP SmartStream Workflow Solutions portfolio. Its HP SmartStream Production Center is integrated to multiple job sources, such as MIS, Web-to-print and composition.

The message sent by O’Neil Data Systems is clear. It intends to commit R&D and dollars toward those technologies that will enable it to be a living, breathing example of transformation. Its likewise commitment to HP indicates both printer and technology provider are equally committed to a future that is fast becoming dominated by inkjet digital printing.

PLANO, TX—May 21, 2014—O'Neil Data Systems has released two new solutions marking the kickoff of an international customer event with HP at its Plano, TX, facility from May 21-23. These product and service offerings include a digital perfect binding system and letter wrap system for mailings. O'Neil Data Systems also announced the acquisition of its tenth HP T-series press, the HP T410 color inkjet web press, making it the largest HP production inkjet printer worldwide.

"We're excited to share our latest innovations with customers and other industry experts at this special event cosponsored with HP," said James Lucanish, president of O'Neil Data Systems. "We're a technology-driven company and rely on HP for providing us with the most advanced line up of presses, including our new HP T410 color inkjet web press. With a scalable web width up to 42", we can produce high-volume orders faster, offer greater customization and achieve the same unsurpassed print and color quality. We set the bar high when it comes to exceeding customer expectations so unveiling our newest solutions alongside HP reflects our mutual commitment."

O'Neil Data Systems has developed a one-of-a-kind digital perfect binding system that will intelligently bind personalized booklets at extremely high speeds. Working with VITS International, a variable repeat sheeting and finishing systems supplier based in Blauvelt, NY, and Kolbus, a bookbindery machine supplier headquartered in Rahden, Germany, O'Neil Data Systems combined two pieces of technology to create a unique solution allowing binding of up to 1,000 pages at faster speeds.

"There wasn't a solution available to create a high-speed, perfect binding system sufficiently fast to meet our needs so we brought together two prominent companies to collaborate on making our vision of creating multiple book blocks at industry leading speeds a reality," explained Steve Ellithorpe, vice president of operations, at O'Neil Data Systems.

The system eliminates duplicate processes and delays caused by changing out multiple paper roll feeds into the press during printing and prior to binding. Instead, using customized equipment to work with its HP T-series color inkjet web presses, multiple rolls can be fed continuously for uninterrupted printing resulting in binding speeds of up to three times as fast. Clients with large-volume projects can expect a much quicker turnaround and enjoy the same high-quality end results.

Deirdre Ryder, president and CEO at VITS International, noted: "Thanks to our partnership with O’Neil and Kolbus, we have created an innovative solution for high-volume, digital binding for personalized books. We are excited to be a part of this game-changing technology."

Robert Shafer, president of Kolbus America, also added: "Our collaborative efforts have resulted in an industrial solution tailored to the specific requirements of O'Neil's digital press platform. Kolbus is honored to be a trusted partner of O’Neil."

O'Neil Data Systems is also introducing its new paper wrap envelope system that eliminates the need to mail client documents with preprinted envelopes. Instead, a single sheet is printed on both sides, folded, and sealed along three perforated edges. Digital technology enables variable printing and personalization both inside and out permitting an endless variety of color, images and messages. Convenient digital step up is also well-suited for print-on-demand projects.

The paper wrap envelope system is an ideal solution for high-volume mailings significantly reducing required material, time and costs. This includes large ID card mailings common to the financial and healthcare industries. ID cards can be easily attached within the letter wrap and securely sealed for ready mailing to expansive populations. O'Neil Data Systems developed this process in response to customer needs and employs its HP T-Series color inkjet web presses along with specially designed inserters manufactured by longtime vendor CMC Italia, a producer of intelligent inserting and paper wrap systems, based in Perugia, Italy.

"We are continually striving to innovate and lead the way when it comes to providing our clients with better solutions to strengthen their business and interact more meaningfully with customers," said Lucanish. "We are leveraging our years of expertise in data management, communications and printing, and our latest product and service offerings will provide tangible benefits for our clients while moving our industry forward."

About O’Neil Data Systems
O’Neil Data Systems is a leading provider of marketing communication and publishing solutions. Founded in 1973 by William O'Neil, a seasoned Wall Street veteran who also founded and publishes Investor's Business Daily, the company originally produced time-sensitive investment research publications on publicly traded companies. In the mid-seventies, O'Neil Data Systems pioneered the field of automated composition and database publishing using advanced computer technology. Since that time, O'Neil Data Systems has grown into a national provider of data-driven publishing and marketing communication services for major U.S. organizations.

Source: O'Neil Data Systems.

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O'Neil Data Systems Teams With HP at Customer Event (With Commentary From Erik Cagle)