PARAMUS, N.J., MAY 16, 2005 – Establishing a highly efficient, integrated and seamless digital workflow is essential for graphic communications companies seeking to strengthen their competitive positioning in today's marketplace. A cornerstone of that effort, computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), is explored in-depth in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing: Realizing the Benefits, released this month by the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL). “My goal in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing is to provide a roadmap for printers on how they can implement CIM to achieve new levels of operational and manufacturing efficiency, flexibility, and profitability,” notes author and technology expert Chuck Gehman, director of Product Marketing for EFI, Inc., and chairman of the Digital Smart Factory Committee of the Research & Engineering Council of NAPL. “To survive in today's business environment, a graphic communications company must develop a service offering that meets customers' needs, invest in the human resources to implement those services, and sell and market them effectively. But underlying its ability to excel in all of these areas is an efficient and productive manufacturing operation.” In an easy-to-understand format, Gehman explains the basic concepts of CIM, fast becoming one of the most important methods of process improvement in the industry, and shows readers how to identify areas in their own operations that can most benefit from CIM implementation. Included is as in-depth look at the Job Definition Format (JDF), an industry standard that supports many CIM initiatives, as well as an exploration of various process-improvement disciplines, such as Six Sigma, ISO, and lean manufacturing concepts. Computer-Integrated Manufacturing: Realizing the Benefits (NP 371) is $29.95 for NAPL members; $39.95, non-members. To order, call (800) 642-6275, Option 3; email [email protected]; or go online to NAPL's bookstore at www.napl.org/store/. NAPL is committed to helping the graphic arts community succeed within today's highly competitive communications environment. The level of information provided in Computer-Integrated Manufacturing: Realizing the Benefits and the many other titles in NAPL's comprehensive publications roster are prime examples of that commitment. For more information, contact Richard Papale, NAPL director of Publications, at (800) 642-6275, ext. 1332, or [email protected]