Background
Company mergers and acquisitions often result in an assortment of disconnected and incompatible systems and processes. Unifying and consolidating practices across the combined enterprise can be difficult and potentially expensive, but is essential for profitability, efficiency and future growth.
The Challenge
When these two large insurance companies merged, they each had implemented completely different print architectures. Although both organizations output to Xerox devices in their high volume print centers, one company relied on metacode, while the other had standardized on AFP.
In looking at their options, the company considered a number of alternatives, including rewriting applications to be compatible with a single print language, replacing equipment with dual mode printers, or continuing to operate two separate environments. All were rejected as being too expensive and unsustainable.
The Solution
The insurance company decided to standardize on a single platform by taking advantage of print transform software. In reviewing their infrastructure and longer term requirements with CrawfordTech experts, they agreed that the optimal solution would be to put the transform on their IBM mainframe system.
Using the JES PRO Spool Extraction Facility, they were able to automate the entire process on their z/OS based mainframe. Once the solution was implemented, output datasets are automatically selected from the JES2 output queues from metacode and LCDS output queues. The data is converted to AFP, using PRO Meta to AFP, and automatically placed back in the JES2 AFP output queues for printing.
Results
With 270 templates, and 10,000 jobs, it took approximately 5 months to complete the transition. However, since no JCL or application changes were required, the process was smooth, and ongoing operation were not disrupted during the conversion. The transition for internal staff was low-risk and painless.
The company was able to eliminate duplicate printers, going from six print sites to two, realizing a sizeable savings, and delivering ROI in less than a year. The unified system provides stability, scalability, and outstanding performance – allowing them to continue to grow as their business expands.
