Mittelrhein-Verlag opts for print automation with Aptoma
Mittelrhein-Verlag (MRV) is focusing on innovation and efficiency by introducing the print automation solution from Aptoma. With the support of alfamedia, Mittelrhein-Verlag plans to begin implementation in January, thereby not only optimising work processes but also ensuring sustainable use of resources.
Aptoma’s print automation takes care of the automatic design and layout of the newspaper, while the editorial team can make adjustments at any time as needed. This ensures high quality and consistency of content, while editorial control is maintained at all times.
From left to right: Lars Hennemann (editor-in-chief, Mittelrhein-Verlag), Michael Marcks (CEO, alfamedia), Hans Ickenroth (IT manager, Mittelrhein-Verlag). Photo: Kevin Rühle / Rhein-Zeitung
Creative freedom through technology
Over the coming months, the necessary conditions will be created to go live with the print automation solution in late summer 2026. The focus here is also on the use of ‘Alice’, alfamedias AI solution in EditorialOrganiser, to prepare content specifically for Aptoma. The combination of Aptoma and Alice will support the editorial team in practice, both in terms of general content and local news. With the help of alfamedia’s AI solution, standard articles can be prepared efficiently, saving a considerable amount of time. This is part of a conscious strategic decision to reduce repetitive tasks and thus conserve human resources. At the same time, more time is created for creative tasks.
Lars Hennemann, editor-in-chief of Mittelrhein-Verlag, explains: ‘We want to create creative space for our employees. The automation solutions enable us in particular to gently cushion the inevitable demographic change. We can make better use of our resources and develop our talents in new, exciting areas.’
Automation optimises processes
Michael Marcks, CEO of alfamedia, explains: “Thanks to the conceptual groundwork laid so far with EditorialOrganiser, Mittelrhein-Verlag will be able to significantly increase its production efficiency. Aptoma will make a significant contribution to further digitising and optimising publishing processes. Our goal is to use innovative automation solutions to make the publishing house not only more efficient, but also more future-proof.”
The automation of the two products in combination creates a lot of new freedom and opens up further possibilities for action by covering simple but time-consuming routine tasks. Tasks that cannot be automated remain in the hands of the editorial team, who can apply their expertise where it is most needed. Aptoma’s print automation ensures that the layout is always of high quality and consistent.
Greater scope for action
The introduction of print automation in combination with EditorialOrganiser and Alice AI promises to streamline production processes and opens up opportunities for product diversification for the publisher. Mittelrhein-Verlag is thus ideally positioned to respond flexibly and innovatively to the changing requirements of the media landscape.
As a partner in this innovation process, alfamedia is delighted to accompany Mittelrhein-Verlag on its journey towards future-proof and efficient publishing. With this step, we are underlining our ongoing commitment to solutions that meet the practical needs of our customers.