Meet CERM O2: A New Cloud-Based MIS for Label and Packaging Converters

Generic business software does not always reflect the specific requirements of label and packaging production. Converters must coordinate estimating, sales orders, materials, production, scheduling, shipping, invoicing, and connections with specialized equipment and software.

O2 is being developed specifically around these industry processes.

The new cloud-based MIS combines modern technology with the print industry intelligence CERM has built through decades of working with converters worldwide. Its development centers on four core principles:

• An enhanced and intuitive user experience

• Increased workflow automation

• Built-in print industry intelligence

• An API-first approach supporting connected workflows and integrations

• As a browser-based platform, O2 will allow users to access their MIS without maintaining the traditional on-premises infrastructure associated with enterprise software. CERM will manage the underlying cloud infrastructure, platform updates, and security centrally.

O2 builds on CERM’s experience developing industry-specific MIS software for more than 500 label and packaging converters worldwide.

The acquisition of OMIKAI in 2025 brought additional cloud technology and development experience into CERM, helping accelerate the creation of a new generation of MIS software.

Employee turnover and the shortage of experienced industry professionals make knowledge retention an important challenge for converters.

An MIS should do more than store information. It should help users complete tasks, follow the right processes, and make effective use of production data.

O2 is being designed with built-in print industry intelligence that reflects how label and packaging companies operate. Combined with automation and an enhanced user experience, this will help reduce unnecessary manual intervention and make workflows more accessible to users with different levels of experience.

The objective is a smarter MIS that helps users manage their work while supporting consistent processes throughout the converting business.

CERM is taking a progressive approach to the development of O2.

Instead of attempting to reproduce the complete scope and complexity of C7 from the beginning, the first release will address specific use cases for small and medium-sized converters. These companies can benefit from greater digitalization and automation without necessarily requiring the depth of a traditional enterprise MIS implementation.

The first version of O2 will focus primarily on label converters. Dedicated functionality for flexible packaging and folding carton production will be introduced in a second phase.

As O2 develops, the platform will progressively support more sophisticated production environments and workflows. Its cloud-based architecture provides a scalable foundation that can expand as the platform and its customers evolve.

O2 expands CERM’s MIS offering. It does not replace C7.

C7 remains the company’s established MIS platform for converters with complex production environments, extensive functionality requirements, and highly integrated workflows. CERM will continue investing in the platform through dedicated development teams.

O2 provides a different path: a modern cloud-based MIS for converters looking for an accessible and scalable platform with increased automation, an intuitive browser-based environment, and fewer internal IT infrastructure requirements.

By developing both platforms, CERM can support a broader range of label and packaging converters with solutions aligned with different operational needs and levels of complexity.