PARAMUS, N.J., April 9, 2003 – The creation of a “digital smart factory”—an environment in which information technology (IT) is strategically applied across the printer enterprise to integrate manufacturing, business, and customer-interfacing systems—is essential for printers seeking to remain competitive in today’s demanding business environment. The 5th Annual Digital Smart Factory Forum, sponsored by the Research & Engineering Council of the National Association for Printing Leadership (www.napl.org), will provide up-to-the-minute information on the latest technology and insights into applying those technologies most effectively. The Forum will take place June 23-25, 2003, in the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa. “The R&E Forum has a well-earned reputation for providing a comprehensive view of how to create and implement a digital smart factory,” said Charles (Chuck) Gehman, director, Product Marketing, of Printcafe Software, Inc., Pittsburgh, and chairman of the Digital Smart Factory Forum. “Not only will attendees be introduced to the latest technologies available, they’ll be able to learn about what’s worked and what hasn’t for other printers, and get their questions answered from top industry experts.” The Forum will include presentations from leaders in their fields, informative discussion-based sessions, case studies of printers’ experiences with digital smart factory technology, white papers on the latest developments, and a keynote address by Anthony M. Federico, corporate officer of Xerox Corporation, Stamford, Conn. Mr. Federico, who leads the platform development of Xerox’ Production Systems Group, will focus on industry trends in color digital production printing; enabling technologies; and document design and management implications. For the first time, the Digital Smart Factory Forum will be held in conjunction with the Open Publish 2003 Conference, sponsored by IDEAlliance, giving Forum attendees two valuable events for the price of one. The fee for both conferences is $550 for members of NAPL and the R&E Council of NAPL; non-members: $700. For a detailed schedule of the seminar and registration information, call NAPL at (800) 642-6275, Option 3, or go online to www.smartfactory.org.