Planning starts next week to implement ppi Media's print workflow at Dainik Jagran, the daily newspaper that claims to be the world's most widely read.

Jagran Prakashan has opted for a package which includes The German software developer's PlanPag (planning and production), AdX Print, AdPag and AdMan (for advertising) and ProPag automatic page assembly.

Executive president Sandeep Gupta says reliable workflow suited to multi-edition and multi-centre working which delivers accuracy and speed meets "the need of hour".

Dainik Jagran claims more than 56 million readers and 231 local editions published in 11 Indian states. Its titles appear in Hindi (Dainik Jagran, Nai Dunia, Nav Dunia), Urdu (Inquilab), Gujrati (Gujrati Mid-Day), English (Mid-Day), Punjabi (Punjabi Jagran) and compact bi-lingual (iNext).

Streamlining and optimising complicated processes, ppi's 'classic' workflow enables simultaneous working on editorial pages, and the scheduling and placement of content and advertisements, with a central approach to page planning.

"Among some workflows tested, ppi Media with its complete workflow solution was the preferred choice," says Sandeep Gupta.

The project officially kicks off in February with a project meeting and the setting up of initial systems in Jagran's publishing houses. ppi will provide workshops, training programmes and basic installations, standing side-by-side with staff to bring them up to speed on the new software.

The first modules go live in October with all work - including production of the English-language morning daily Mid-Day and its local editions from Mumbai - scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2016.

Sandeep Gupta says the decision to kick off the New Year with a new partner will maintain their current market position today and to continue their tradition of growth well into the future.

ppi Media chief executive Norbert Ohl says the implementation will be an exciting time: "We have known the professionals at Jagran for several years and have no doubts that working together we can get this ground-breaking project up and running.

"We are proud to have found such a renowned customer - the Hindi daily has an impressive track record and is among the most popular daily newspapers in India."

In addition to its daily newspapers, Jagran Prakashan is active in areas including magazines, radio, internet, below-the-line-marketing and mobile value added services.

Pictured: Jagran Prakashan executive president Sandeep Gupta