EDSF, Gartner, George Mason University Look at Print e-Procurement

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA—Sept. 19, 2007—A new report looks at print buyers’ interests in and experiences with e-procurement offerings, and how companies are saving money with e-procurement solutions. Titled “The Print e-Procurement Marketplace: 2007 Print Buyer Survey Results,” the report results from the EDSF research grant and mentor program. An EDSF grant was awarded to George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where faculty collaborated with Gartner to conduct the research. EDSF is the international, non-profit organization dedicated to the document management and graphic communications industries. The report is available now as a free download at www.edsf.org.

”Today’s web-to-print tools are viable options for print providers and buyers,” said Pete Basiliere, research director, Gartner. “Based on our research, there is no doubt print e-procurement tools improve the purchasing process and generate significant cost savings. Whether producing or buying business stationery, basic trans-promo documents or complex CRM-based marketing materials, I encourage print providers and buyers to investigate the latest breed of W2P tools.”

Detailed findings in the report clearly indicate that the print e-procurement marketplace offers buyers the tools to improve the purchasing process and reduce costs. E-procurement solutions not only facilitate internal procurement processes but they may also handle the complex print production workflows and generate significant cost savings and quality improvements.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Thirty-eight percent of large and very large companies report print procurement savings between 10 and 25 percent, while another 13 percent report saving more than 25 percent on the cost of print when an e-procurement solution is used

• Companies currently using an e-procurement solution undertake more centralized procurement than companies currently not using one.

• The reduction in errors during print procurement is the key dimension on which companies are most satisfied with their e-procurement solutions, followed closely by the reduction in print service provider errors.

• Overall, 40 percent of the companies reported their e-procurement tool “exceeded” or “far exceeded” their expectations.

Print e-procurement is the process by which buyers are able to electronically source, price, procure and possibly pay for printed materials. At their simplest, e-procurement solutions are web-based or hosted applications that enable buyers to select items they wish to purchase; upload personalized information, artwork and other copy; determine the quantity needed; and generate pricing.

For the complete report, visit www.edsf.org and click “Research and Publications” for the EDSF Industry Library. The report is listed under “EDSF White Papers.”

About Gartner
Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. Gartner serves 10,000 organizations, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the investment community. The Company consists of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and has 3,700 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants in 75 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.

About George Mason University
The School of Management at George Mason University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and is ranked in the top 100 worldwide in the 2006 survey of business schools by US News and World Report. Founded in 1972, George Mason University (GMU) has campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties of Virginia, with almost 30,000 students - the largest enrollment in Virginia. As the largest university in Virginia, GMU has become a major educational force and earned a reputation as an innovative, entrepreneurial institution that has gained national distinction in a range of academic fields. For more information, visit www.som.gmu.edu.

About EDSF
EDSF is a charitable foundation dedicated to preparing the next generation of professionals for the document management and communications marketplace. EDSF supports the industry’s future by granting scholarships to students in support of their academic careers, by providing research grants to colleges and universities, by building awareness about industry careers, and by recognizing innovative educators and educational programs. EDSF serves vendors and users who design and implement document solutions for business applications. For more information, visit www.edsf.org.