The label, flexible packaging, and folding carton industries have gone through tremendous changes in recent years and the requirements for an industry-specific MIS have evolved significantly over time. Shorter print runs, added complexity, the need for more automation and efficiency, and new and deeper integration requirements have all triggered the development of a new cloud-based MIS for converters. At the same time, the rotation and turnover of staff with label and packaging workflow experience and know-how call for a smarter MIS system, one that knows and learns about what the user actually needs to achieve using state-of-the-art technologies such as AI.
Today, CERM is taking the next step in addressing that complexity with O2, a new cloud-based MIS developed specifically for the industry.
O2 brings together modern cloud technology, an enhanced user experience, automation, and built-in print industry intelligence while maintaining the principles that have been at the core of CERM for decades: helping converters automate production processes, improve productivity, and manage increasingly complex operations.
CERM’s O2 will be launched at LOUPE Americas 2026 on September 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
O2: Bringing CERM’s Expertise into the Cloud
The development of O2 is driven by a growing need for accessible cloud-based software that combines modern technology with a deep understanding of label, flexible packaging, and folding carton production. CERM is capitalizing on more than 40 years of industry experience and the development of its flagship MIS solution CERM7, which is used by more than 500 companies globally.
The acquisition of OMIKAI in 2025 brought additional cloud development experience and technology into CERM, helping the company accelerate its transition to a new generation of MIS software.
“Our team has traditionally been very strong at covering labels-and-packaging-specific needs and functionality through our well-proven CERM7 suite of products,” said Jan Heyse, CEO at CERM. “We continue that development while now adding a next-generation, cloud-native MIS product to our offering, built by a dedicated team, that relieves customers from IT infrastructure and security concerns, while giving them access to 40 years of labels and packaging industry workflow experience in a modern stack.”
O2 focuses on enhanced user experience, increased automation, built-in print industry intelligence, and an API-first approach fueling integrations. The new cloud-based MIS will benefit from the strong partner ecosystem CERM has developed over the years, leveraging established relationships with leading technology providers including Esko, HYBRID Software, ABG, SCREEN, and many others.
Starting Focused, Designed to Scale
Rather than attempting to replicate the full scope and complexity of CERM7 from day one, CERM is taking a progressive approach to the new platform. O2 will initially target specific use cases for small and medium-sized converters that can benefit from digitalization and automation without requiring the depth and complexity of a traditional enterprise MIS implementation.
O2 will provide a strong foundation for companies to scale alongside its customers. The long-term objective for the cloud-based MIS is to progressively support increasingly sophisticated production environments and workflows across label, flexible packaging, and folding carton operations, bringing an expanding range of CERM capabilities to the platform. The vision of O2 is to meet the needs of today’s integrated converters through a modern cloud-based architecture.
“Our goal is to create a platform that companies can grow with,” said Jan Heyse. “We are starting with specific use cases where O2 can immediately provide value and will continue expanding its capabilities as both the platform and our customers evolve.”
While the first version of the product is mostly centered on label converters, functionality focused specifically on flexible packaging and folding carton production will be added in a second phase.
First Look at LOUPE Americas 2026
The official release of CERM’s O2 will be on September 15 at LOUPE Americas 2026.
CERM will demonstrate the new cloud-based platform during the event, offering converters a unique look at its browser-based environment, user experience, and approach to managing label and packaging operations in the cloud.
In addition to this release, CERM will showcase the AI agent Lexis, which transforms incoming customer emails and attachments into validated CERM sales orders; Smart BI Enterprise, the latest evolution of CERM’s business intelligence solution; CERM Tempo, featuring advanced scheduling capabilities; and enhanced quality management and traceability functionality.
Industry leaders, including Abbott Label, Blue Label Packaging Company, The Revere Group, and ETIFLEX, are
already using some of CERM’s products and services and seeing significant productivity gains.
www.cerm.net
