BOULDER, CO., December 8, 2004 – Working with IBM’s Printing Systems Division, E.D. Smith & Sons, Ltd., one of the best-known names in the Canadian food industry, claims a 50% reduction in day-to-day output processes by automating the production and delivery of business documents across its supply chain.  As the rollout of the solution continues, E.D. Smith & Sons plans to expand these automated processes to 75% of its document output.   Utilizing IBM’s Infoprint iSeries Server software solution, E.D. Smith & Sons has been able to improve reliability, increase speed and effectively reduce the costs associated with the distribution of hardcopy and electronic documents. The new solution relies on IBM Infoprint Server for iSeries V5R2 software, an integral part of the core IBM eServer iSeries output architecture enabling both the hardcopy and electronic distribution of documents and reports.  Previously, the majority of the company’s business documents were distributed manually, a time and labor-intensive process. “After taking a hard look at our business processes, we realized that we could significantly reduce the manual handling and distribution of paperwork by implementing a solution that could automate our business correspondence across our entire supply chain,” said Beverly Russell, Director, IT of E.D. Smith & Sons, Ltd.  “IBM’s solution has helped us to better manage the ways in which we exchange documents with partners, suppliers and customers, leaving us to focus on our core business.” E.D. Smith & Sons’ initial installation of the IBM Infoprint Server software enabled the company to convert its business documents into PDF attachments and distribute them electronically to their business counterparts, greatly improving the speed and accuracy of distribution.  The installation was so successful that the customer recently worked with IBM to apply the same solution technology to delivering purchase orders, customer receipts, freight and supplier receipts, as well as a variety of other internal documents and reports. “Like many small and mid-sized businesses, E.D. Smith & Sons recognized the need for a better solution, one that would drive down costs and improve business efficiency,” said Bill Shaffer, business manager, iSeries output solutions, IBM Printing Systems Division.  “In essence, E.D. Smith & Sons was looking for a way to be competitive in the on demand world.  IBM is committed to understanding our customers’ needs and delivering scalable solutions that will help keep small businesses competitive.”