Building on their proven upgrade methodology, for this project Harland Simon developed an innovative technique of replacing the Rockwell frontend with standard PCs and touchscreens and the Meridian controllers, such as the SmartMacs and SmartPacs, with off-the-shelf Allen-Bradley products. This new method enables a fast changeover between the Harland Simon and Rockwell/Meridian system during access periods. It also allows the press to be upgraded without the need to shut production down or affect normal schedules, a key requirement for most press control system upgrades. At the same time, costs have been minimized by retaining elements of the existing system that can still be used and supported.

Harland Simon’s Managing Director – Americas, John Staiano commented, "It’s very rewarding to see that the performance of the Harland Simon team on the Universal project and a smart approach to the Newsliner project have given Trib Total Media the confidence to continue the working relationship with us. We are pleased that our cost-effective upgrade methodology will allow them to continue to produce excellent quality publications with fast turn-around times to meet their customers’ expectations.”
   
As part of this project, Harland Simon will also supply three P6000 operator screens providing the same user experience across both the Universal and Newsliner enabling full flexibility across the presses. Similarly, a single upper level system comprising the Prima MS and RIPSet solutions will provide presetting, planning, monitoring and reporting for both presses to improve operational efficiency at the Tribune-Review.

About Harland Simon
Harland Simon is one of the world’s leading supplier of newspaper press control and management systems. With its roots going back to 1915, the company has been providing innovative, user-friendly and reliable solutions to the newspaper printing industry for over thirty years, from ‘turnkey’ systems for new presses to cost effective upgrades on existing presses.

Utilizing the benefits of industry-standard hardware and software platforms, Harland Simon offers a complete range of products and solutions including press drives and controls as well as associated computer management systems and production tools. It’s an approach that Harland Simon has used on many occasions previously on systems supplied by Goss, Rockwell Automation, KBA, Honeywell, EAE and manroland to improve performance, minimize waste and maximize production quality whilst keeping presses in daily production.

About Trib Total Media
Trib Total Media is the largest source of news and information in Western Pennsylvania. Their multimedia network of daily and weekly newspapers, weekly shoppers, niche magazines, websites, and targeted direct mail delivers news, information and advertising to over 1.2 million readers across Western Pennsylvania every week.