Pittsburgh, PA -- The JDF User Group is changing its name to the Automation Solutions Network to better represent the group's primary function. The group was established as an open forum for users and vendors to discuss their automation issues and experiences, with a solutions-oriented focus. The next meeting will be held in conjunction with Printing Industries of America's Converge Conference on November 11, 2009 in Orlando, FL. Attendees of the Automation Solutions Group are eligible to receive a $150 discount off the registration fee for the entire Converge Conference, being held November 8-10.
 
The Automation Solutions Network's full day of meetings will cover the following topics:
- Automating front ends and content creation in a production environment, with specific focus on digital workflow applications. We will also evaluate how to incorporate value-added services and the move towards being a full-market service provider.

- How to successfully source and implement an MIS, focusing on multiple recent installations, trials and tribulations from the user's perspective, how to plan the installation, what to avoid, and "real world" expectations of the results.

- How "Lean" incorporates into an automated workflow, and five easy takeaways to save money and drive productivity.

- Available web-to-print applications, the criteria required to assess them, and how to evaluate available solutions.
The Automation Solutions Network meetings allow printers to exchange and share ideas with their peers and vendor members. This rare opportunity to communicate with vendors in a private setting benefits the entire printing community.
 
The group welcomes a wide range of users and suppliers of automation systems. All interested parties are welcome to become members. To become a member and register for the next meeting, please visit www.printing.org/automation, call 412-259-1706, or email [email protected].