Abstract
PRINT’s main activity is the direct distribution of consumable products for computing and office automation equipment to a customer base of large clients and small to medium sized business. It offers its customers more than 6,000 different references; including manufacturer brand and PRINT trademark products. PRINT has recent operating resources of high quality. Its offices and warehouses were built in 1997 and are large and extremely easy to modulate. The information system installed in 1999 includes a SAP type ERP (enterprise resource planning) which makes it possible to optimise the management of stocks and orders. A CRM (customer relationship management) system, linked to an Internet sales module will be available at the end of the first quarter of 2001 and will make it possible to improve the management of others even further. PRINT also has a subsidiary, REFILL France, which specialises in the manufacture of PRINT trademark laser cartridges. This two-part case is designed to put students under the stress of a short deadline, and make a quick assessment of a potential rough valuation based upon limited information and their ability to grab the drivers of the computer consumable industry.