The newly released version 8 of EFI Digital StoreFront web-to-print and eCommerce solution allows print providers to streamline, simplify and improve the print buying experience. Digital StoreFront is part of EFI’s Productivity Suite of certified, integrated workflows.

EFI will showcase the updated solution at two upcoming industry events in Las Vegas, NV, USA: the ISA International Sign Expo (April 9-11) and the PODi AppForum (May 11-13).

This upgraded version of EFI’s award-winning, flexible web-to-print solution includes new EFI DirectSmile options that extend the types of variable-data and personalized direct mail campaigns corporations can successfully create online. Print providers can produce more work using the online job submission solution integrated with a complete Productivity Suite, offering real-time, bi-directional integration and data sharing with EFI MIS/ERP and EFI Fiery digital print workflows.

With the web-to-print software’s new Enterprise Model, print providers can subdivide a client’s single Digital StoreFront license into different interfaces to serve different franchises or subsidiaries within a client’s organization. The providers can also offer one-stop-shopping for a range of services using a new marketplace sales offering that can incorporate content partners, such as copywriters, photographers and graphic designers, in a single online ordering interface.

The software also streamlines and enhances the web-to-print ordering process with single sign-on (SSO) authentication for multiple users within the same organization, more-accurate shipping estimating using UPS Connect rate look-up tools, and support for online purchasing of ebooks or other electronic content.

“Print providers can become very efficient in their work with corporations, creatives and agencies, moving creative concepts through to successful execution using a platform that manages the many important details,” says David Minnick, EFI’s product management director for web-to-print and value-added products.

The software is designed for small, medium and enterprise businesses. The end-to-end workflows include standardized, JDF-based automation and streamlined job routing to copiers, printers, digital presses and prepress/platesetting systems from major equipment manufacturers.