RE: Forms for AP checks -- MAPICS-L

I am familiar with MICR toner, I buy it for our payroll printer that runs
off a Windows based server, but there are some things I don't understand.

When we had an HP 5si, I used to buy MICR toner for less than the cost of HP
toner.  I was told that this was because it was third party toner and not
marked up like HP toner (why doesn't HP market MICR toner?) .  We recently
replaced the HP 5Si with an HP 4300, and the MICR toner is almost double the
price of HP standard toner.  Close to $400!  I guess that is what you mean.

I assume that the forms packages will take care of the MICR fonts like out
payroll software does so there should be no need for a MICR enhanced
printer.

Nice to hear from you Mike, thanks for your input. 

BRYAN  

    

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael.Ellis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:Michael.Ellis@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 12:12 PM
To: mapics-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Forms for AP checks


Bryan,

One thing to know that is a trade-off where checks are concerned.   If you 
want to PRINT the MICR (the funny bars at the bottom of a check that 
encode the routing number and the account number), then you have to use 
magnetic ink to print.   The printers often need to be specially built or 
configured for this capability.  Also the toner is expensive and should be 
figured into your cost analysis for ROI. 

If you don't print the MICR, then you have to use preprinted forms with 
the MICR already on them.  The rest of the stuff you print (logos, boxes, 
text, etc.).   Advantage, the form can change whenever you need it to 
without throwing out forms.  Advantage, physical control of the forms 
(checks can't be generated without access to THAT paper).  Disadvantage, 
you must maintain physical control over the paper or you're basically 
giving someone blank checks.  You may have to change forms in the printer 
if the printer isn't dedicated to this function. 

What I've seen people do is load the plain old laser printer with the 
MICRed blanks and keep the printer in a locked room.  Obviously, security 
over who is allowed to generate checks on the system is the same old 
"MUST-DO" that you have either way.

Hope that helps.

Michael G. Ellis
Information Systems International, Inc.
A Global ERP Consulting Firm
815-398-1670 x23
 
Choose ISI consultants to ensure consistently top quality implementation 
services at all levels of your organization.

"To enjoy the things we ought and to hate the things we ought has the 
greatest bearing on excellence of character. "
Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Burns, Bryan" <burnsbm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <MAPICS-L@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 2:32 PM
Subject: Laser printing A/P checks


> Looking to replace a Decision Data 6550 line printer with a laser 
printer
> for printing A/P checks.  Laser printing was my suggestion and 
Accounting
is
> open to the idea but would like some costs. Presently print about 200
> two-part AP checks a week on preprinted forms.
>
> Do we have to buy a forms package to accomplish this?  We presently hand
> stamp the checks. What would be the ballpark price for a bare bones 
forms
> package?
>
> On the other hand, we also line print about 200 two-part invoices a day,
> three-part BOL's on preprinted forms, and PO's on preprinted cut sheets
for
> a laser printer, so perhaps we should buy a package to do it all.
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Bryan Burns
> System Operator
> ECHO Incorporated
> Lake Zurich, Illinois
> 847-540-8400 ext. 493
>
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