DM Solutions Co., Ltd.

DM Solutions specializes in a diverse range of services, including direct mail, periodicals, parcel delivery outsourcing, logistics outsourcing, and consulting for e-commerce businesses. Since its founding in 2004, DM Solutions has expanded its presence in the direct mailing field, which inspired its name. Currently, it processes approximately 162 million pieces annually and serves around 12,500 client companies, securing its position as a premier player in the industry.

DM Solutions' Osaka and Nagoya Mail Centers were seeing sustained growth in direct mail orders, even as the broader industry faced rising postal costs and competition from digital advertising. Their ability to manage diverse volumes through end-to-end services being a key differentiator. However, management recognized that current inkjet equipment was nearing its limit—prompting a need to invest in a new production line to meet escalating demand and maintain service quality. Following a thorough review of more than 20 products, the KODAK PROSPER S5 was selected as the optimal solution based on its cost-effectiveness, print quality, speed, and ease of maintenance.

In September 2024, the Osaka Mail Center implemented the KODAK PROSPER S5 Inkjet Printing System. This advanced inkjet solution offers variable data printing across a width of 10.6 cm, achieves speeds up to 152 meters per minute, and delivers offset-quality output at a resolution of 600×600 dpi. The PROSPER S5 features an adjustable printhead capable of operating at distances up to 7 mm from the substrate, thereby facilitating safe and efficient printing on heavier materials without risk of contact, even at high speeds. With its superior productivity, image quality, operational simplicity, flexibility, and reliability, the system significantly outperforms conventional inkjet printers.

Inkjet operator Aya Okuda highlighted the PROSPER S5's user-friendly design, noting, “Both the PROSPER S5 and its transport mechanism are exceptionally straightforward to operate and require minimal setup time. Job changes, including position or size adjustments, now take roughly half the time previously needed. During a recent internal demonstration, we smoothly transitioned between jobs and produced 5,000 prints within ten minutes, which impressed the Tokyo center manager.”

Tomohiro Tamaki, General Manager of the West Japan Direct Mail Division for the Osaka and Nagoya Mail Centers initially expressed concerns regarding the drying of water-based inks. However, pre-installation testing confirmed no issues, even with specialty glossy papers. Looking ahead, the center intends to implement KODAK IJ Imprint Data Prep software, which includes an ink reduction feature that enhances drying by converting solid areas into dots, thus also reducing ink consumption.

Yurie Kushiro, Assistant Manager at the Osaka Mail Center, expressed her astonishment at the speed and quality delivered by the PROSPER S5 system. "Honestly, I was surprised," she remarked. "Shortly after installing the PROSPER S5, we tackled an initial project involving 320,000 postcard-sized direct mail pieces. Previously, this task would have taken us four days, but with the PROSPER S5, we completed it in just under two days, successfully meeting a very tight deadline," Kushiro added.

Kushiro went on to say, "Previously, the maximum output for postcard-sized direct mail was around 20,000 pieces per hour. However, the new PROSPER S5 allows for high-speed printing at more than twice that rate, achieving 45,000 pieces per hour. The quality is also impressive, with no rough dots and clear print even for small text and fine lines such as barcodes. "