Book Printing Group USA, part of Bertelsmann Marketing Services, has launched the biggest investment package in its history. The printing group is investing in digitalization, its machinery, and modernizing the IT landscape as part of its large-scale “One BPG USA” project.
In May, the direct marketing and printing businesses previously bundled in the Bertelsmann Printing Group were brought together under a new umbrella brand: Bertelsmann Marketing Services (see BENET report). Since then, the associated printing houses in the U.S. have been operating as Book Printing Group USA – and they are now implementing the largest investment package in their history. New software, which is being implemented step by step, is a key element of the package. The comprehensive IT project kicked off at the end of April.
CEO Christof Ludwig of the Book Printing Group USA and his team have a clear goal: for the company to be the top choice for every publisher on the North American continent when it comes to high-quality, reliable book production. To this end, the printing group is investing in digitalization, its machinery, and modernizing the IT landscape as part of its large-scale “One BPG USA” project The “EPS Technique” software solution plays an important role here. Between 2024 and 2026, it will gradually be implemented at the locations of the Bertelsmann Marketing Services subsidiaries in North America. Once EPS Technique is fully implemented, in conjunction with SAP JP5, it will be the uniform ERP system (ERP = enterprise resource planning) for all locations.
One advantage of this integrated solution is the high level of automation and fast processes that will be possible in the future. But the data network encompassing all locations will also allow for optimal control of capacity in all production departments, and improve warehouse management and dispatch, among other advantages.
“Once the Technique suite has been implemented, we will be able to process customer orders faster, react to changes with even more agility, and significantly shorten our time to market,” says Yannic Schröder, Chief Transformation Officer at Book Printing Group USA “And we will benefit from standardized data models and integrated processes across all locations,” adds Book Printing Group USA Chief Operating Officer Jorge Velasco.
