"Print volume may be down, but more than 1,000 new or substantially improved production products were introduced to the print industry in 2011," reads the 'Must See 'Em' award winners guide. "Of the approximately 1,800 products being exhibited by more than 475 suppliers at Graph Expo 2011, 29 were selected as "if you go to the show, you 'Must See 'Em."

29 winners is a long list, so this week we'll highlight the winners in the Software and MIS categories:

SOFTWARE

EFI: Digital StoreFront Ticket (Preview Capability)
The new Digital StoreFront preview ensures the accuracy and completeness of the final job. The buyer describes what is required and the system confirms their description with a production-accurate preview. The buyer can review, make notes, and accept the proof online, 24/7. The overall process speeds production, reduces change costs, eliminates errors, and builds a lasting relationship between the printer and the print buyer.

EskoArtwork: Studio Tool Kit (Packaging - Shrink Sleeves)
EskoArtwork's Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves, a 2011 InterTech Technology Award recipient, creates artwork for shrink sleeves (labels placed around a package and shrunk during production). Users can quickly create, test, analyze, communicate and produce designs with 3D visuals, without conducting physical test runs. Studio toolkit for Shrink Sleeves saves hours of operator time and weeks of design time, getting the brand to market earlier, and saving the trade shop thousands in costs.

Pageflex: Version 7.7 (Software Product Integration)
The Pageflex platform (encompassing Pageflex Storefront, Pageflex Campaign Manager, and Pageflex Server) enables companies across the globe to communicate their marketing messages in print, email, pURLs, and web micro- sites. This technology simplifies the process of getting a coordinated, multi-channel campaign up and running so that marketers can focus on what their message says, rather than the mechanism for delivering it.

PTI Marketing Technologies: Fusion Pro Expression Producer (VDP Cloud)
FusionPro Expression Producer (Cloud) generates personalized images on demand. The images can be used in print, web, mobile, and any other media that allows for variable or versioned input. FusionPro Expression Producer (Cloud) allows customers to upload a personalized image template and return a dynamic URL call to be inserted in digital media.

XM Pie - A Xerox Company: uVideo (Video Personalization)
XMPie uVideo is the first-ever variable data desktop software plug-in for Adobe After Effects, a solution for creating sophisticated motion graphics and cinematic visual effects. Starting with either an original After Effects movie or an existing template from an online library, the user can seamlessly and realistically incorporate variable text, images, graphics and other footage with exciting special effects like animate, wiggle, shatter, blur, warp, distort, and more. In fact, any element or motion graphic effect, including 3D, can be personalized with the uVideo solution.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Avanti Computer Systems: MIS - Lead Management, Impostrip, Tracking
Avanti introduced three new components to its management information system at Graph Expo. 1) Automated Lead Tracking: An interface that automatically sends lead information from a printer's main website, third party site or micro-site, directly into Avanti CRM, an integrated part of their Print MIS. The information is auto- populated in real-time in their 'Leads' tab in CRM. 2) Impostrip Integration: The integration partnership with Ultimate Technologies allows printers to achieve zero-touch workflows from "web-to-print-to-finish." 3) Automated Proof Tracking: A web service developed to streamline the proofing process by facilitating bi-directional communication between Avanti's Print MIS and the printer's third party web interface.

EFI: PrintSmith Vision
Vision leverages advanced technologies to provide a full-featured, browser-based management solution designed for print- for-pay, on-demand and small commercial operations with virtually any combination of production processes. PrintSmith Vision includes estimating, quoting, order tracking, scheduling, production forms, data collection, inventory, costing, and invoicing tools. The solution is available in single and multiuser configurations and includes a powerful data mining and reporting capability.

Estimator Corp: Estimator Cloud
Estimator Cloud, the desktop version of Estimator, retains all its functionality, intelligence and calculation speed along with being complete portable and operated with full functionality from a wide variety of PC's Macs, or mobile devices. Estimator Cloud is a hi-tech adaptation of an existing full blown application that retains 100% of its functionality even when accessed from a variety of mobile devices.

Heidelberg USA: Prinect Business Manager
Prinect Business Manager (PBM) is a professional Management Information System for printing companies supporting all steps from estimating through job handling to invoicing and follow-up job costing. Prinect Business Manager brings new functionality to printers with a graphically rich user interface, full custom reporting, and the ability to compare a print run's efficiency on various printing equipment (including digital) before a quote is presented to the customer.

Technique Inc.: iTechnique
iTechnique is a completely new mobile management information system (MIS) and executive reporting tool running on iPhone and iPad as a native App. Utilizing cloud technology all significant information can be made available securely to staff where ever they are which promotes agile decision making and complete awareness in the company. iTechnique perfectly embodies the combination of the hugely popular iPad and iPhone with cutting edge software that empowers printers to do their job more effectively, providing better customer service and increasing profitability