PITTSBURGH, May 21, 2025 – Print ePS, a global leader in transformational technology for the print industries and Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, San Luis Obispo, California is proud to announce a new strategic 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.
For more information about Print ePS and their innovative solutions, please visit https://printepssw.com/ For more information about Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department, visit http://www.grc.calpoly.edu
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Cal Poly’s hands-on approach, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit www.calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree that blends creativity, technology, and strategy. design, production, business, and user experience while specializing in areas such as design reproduction technology, UX/UI, packaging, immersive interaction, and management. The department features more than 33,000 square feet of hands-on lab space, including cutting-edge software and equipment for print, packaging, and media production. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc. (ACCGC), and is supported by a strong industry network. Graduates are in demand across industries including technology, consumer goods, healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, and marketing. For more information, visit www.grc.calpoly.edu.
Print ePS, a division of eProductivity Software, enables the creation of innovative communications and consumer experiences that drive a more engaging, colorful, and sustainable world.
Print ePS empowers print companies of all sizes by harnessing technology to manage their business and manufacturing processes from point of sale through fulfillment. Whether a single-location business or a multi-site, multi-national enterprise, Print ePS’ deep software portfolio evolves and scales with businesses globally. From entry-level modular solutions to robust productivity suites, Print ePS is a trusted partner that understands business challenges and aspirations, helping customers build a technology roadmap for long-term success.
For more information, visit www.printepssw.com
For media inquiries, please contact:
Aaron Tavakoli, Director of Marketing
Email: aaron.tavakoli@epssw.com