Print ePS, a global leader in transformational technology for the print industries, and Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, San Luis Obispo, California, have announced a new print education partnership designed to advance experiential learning and industry readiness for students in the Graphic Communication program. Through the integration of the PrintSmith Vision and MarketDirect StoreFront solutions, this collaboration introduces state-of-the-art production and MIS software into the curriculum, marking a milestone in the future of industry-academic collaboration.
As an experiential learning unit within the Graphic Communication Department, the student-run printing enterprise, University Graphic Systems (UGS), provides hands-on opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world design, marketing, production, and business operations. The adoption of PrintSmith Vision and MarketDirect StoreFront supports this educational model by enabling students to work directly with the technologies shaping today’s printing industry.
“We are excited about the opportunity to align our industry-leading solutions with Cal Poly’s mission of Learn by Doing,” said Dan Vertachnik, CEO at Print ePS. “This partnership not only benefits students by providing them with state-of-the-art technology but also strengthens the bridge between academia and industry. By integrating our proven solutions into the curriculum, we’re empowering the next generation of print leaders and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, talent development, and the future of print.”
Dr. Xiaoying Rong, professor and interim department chair, added: “The partnership with Print ePS strengthens the alignment between our curriculum and industry practices. By integrating PrintSmith Vision and MarketDirect StoreFront into our curriculum and UGS’s daily operations, we empower students with the tools and skills they need to manage workflow, understand cost estimation, improve production efficiency, and enhance customer service. The solutions that Print ePS provides will allow students to learn directly from the technologies they will encounter in the industry, offering them a competitive edge as they enter the workforce.”
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting education and fostering innovation within the print sector. With the integration of PrintSmith Vision and MarketDirect StoreFront, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience, preparing them for successful careers in the rapidly evolving print industry. In addition, the partnership opens doors for faculty engagement, curriculum enhancement, and potential internship opportunities.
This partnership not only highlights the relevance and impact of Print ePS’s solutions but also demonstrates both organizations’ dedication to driving innovation and talent development within the print community. (Cal Poly GRC homepage.)
