Brentwood, Essex – January 26, 2007 – Cambridge University, which has a worldwide reputation for outstanding academic achievement, has embarked on a new learning curve by taking the digital printing route in the Reprographics Department, Central Administration Offices, based at the Old Schools in Cambridge, with Océ, a world leader in digital document management.

 

Staff and students can send their printing requirements on line without having to walk to the Reprographics department with the documents, a print process that used to be cumbersome and drawn out.

 

The University employs more than 8,000 staff working in various departments, all of whom have access to the Océ fitted printroom. There are also 31 colleges with their own staff, who also have access the printing facilities offered. The University also uses Océ’s own DocWorks and DocSetter software to ensure optimum productivity and efficiency.

 

Production machines – the Océ 2100s and an Océ CPS (Colour Production System) 800 – have improved productivity and ensure that stringent delivery times are met, particularly in the busy periods when around two million A4 prints are needed in August and September alone.

 

Another testing time is late spring when the Océ machines will print 90% of the 1,500 various examination papers, of varying quantities, and associated materials, for Cambridge’s students at the 31 colleges.

 

One extra advantage with the new system – that prints up to 10million mono prints a year – is that booklet-making is now possible thanks to the introduction of Watkiss finishing equipment, which includes online thermal binding. This includes the ability to create tabs and collate the finished products.

 

Nigel Reynolds, of the Reprographics department at The Old Schools, Cambridge University, said: “The new Océ system now in place has been welcomed across the university. Staff are pleased and show a good level of understanding for the new printing system, which is a lot simpler for everybody.

 

“In the past we did sometimes have problems meeting deadlines because of jams and other mechanical failures, but when we re-tendered the printroom contract Océ wiped the floor with the competition in terms of quality, price and functionality. We’re really pleased with the partnership with Océ – nothing is too much trouble.”

 

Peter McCartin, Océ UK Ltd’s Higher Education Institution National Manager, said: “Once again, Océ’s proven track record in the Higher Education sector is helping staff and students alike.  Cambridge University is rich in history and has a worldwide reputation for outstanding excellence.”

Further information from Colin Harding, of Grayling Public Relations,
tel 0207 255 6298, mobile 07730 435400.