With the “Mailroom Production Control MPC” system from Muller Martini, the mailroom operator can control complex logistical productions simply and safely.

The mailroom plays a key role in whole complete newspaper production process. It is effectively the nerve centre of the entire event. On the one hand, the most varied editions and region sections, as well as inserts and finishing instructions have to be brought together in the shortest time possible. On the other hand, the newspaper distribution channel should also be used for products from other publishers in order to reduce one’s own costs. Due to its complexity, this puts particularly high demands on the workflow because assembling the most varied in-house and external products in the shortest time and then the distribution to the correct lorries is particularly demanding.

Muller Martini offers the scalable Mailroom Production Control System (MPC) precisely for this purpose. It visualizes and monitors the time dependencies of the different products and centrally informs the operator about progress and any relevant occurrences. The drivers are constantly kept informed about the current production situation via displays in the loading bay or via the ramp monitors. – The production is only initiated when the driver’s arrival is electronically registered. If a
driver is delayed, the relevant productions can be moved back. The newspapers which have been freshly printed on the press are temporarily stored on FlexiRoll until this production unit is started.

Reduced Production Times
The data is imported from the customer EDP before production. Thanks to the clear Muller Martini data formats, product, subscriber and distribution data can be separately compiled and transferred to the MPC control system. Importation and production preparation is extremely simple with the MPC and can be carried out in a matter of minutes. If the production line and ramp assignment have to be changed during production, this can be done quickly, even on the run. Fast zone changes and production changes considerably minimize machine downtime. Even more time is saved with increasing product variety.

Safety – the main deciding factor
Maximum production safety of the control system is paramount.  The simple and modular design, as well abandoning the need for a Client Server System form its basis. The DispoControl is the disposition and monitoring unit in the mailroom. Every production line is controlled and monitored by a subordinate LineControl. After production preparation, data is shifted to the individual LineControls. This decentralized data saving increases production safety.

Safety requires simple operation. Optimum graphical visualization, unified menu structure and immediate implementation and display of changes help operators to safely control and monitor mailrooms. This allows him or her increased production flexibility through fast reaction possibilities. The future modular expansion with new functions also provides safety. Since the launch of the MPC, a unified version is in operation worldwide. It has been adapted and configured to customers’ individual needs. Newspaper manufacturers profit from simple updates and future modular expansion with the latest developments.

Simplicity offers low Life Cycle Costs
An advanced mailroom control system is distinguished by mastering complex production requirements whilst remaining extremely simple to operate. “We are impressed with MPC’s ease of operation, streamlined processes and extensive possibilities,” underlines Peter Rostorff, managing director at WE-Druck in Germany. Operator training is kept to a minimum thanks to its simplicity and intuitive user guidance.

Reports provide Transparency
All occurrences in the mailroom are automatically saved for production analysis. Extensive report functions are integrated as standard in the MPC. This allows mailroom managers to provide precise information about, for example, the inserting quality of every product and the delivery time of bundles.
Continual increases in efficiency are based on the analysis of production data. Production influences and reactions can be evaluated over long time periods and appropriate measures to increase efficiency can be defined.
 
The Plus Points of the Mailroom Production Control System:

• MPC based on standard PCs and Windows XP
• Simple and easy-to-understand mailroom control system
• Modular architecture allows flexible expansion in the future
• Fast production preparation and changes on the run
• High production safety
• On time preparation of external products for distribution together with own titles
• Understandable graphical visualization
• Individual production reports