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Business considerations when transitioning to a print MIS system
Many printing companies are beginning to have a deeper understanding of the ways technology can be used to grow their businesses, make operations more efficient, offer innovative services to consumers and provide a high level of value. One of these solutions is print MIS. This is a system that automates nearly every aspect of printing, leading to better quality jobs that are completed faster and can be done with little to no human interaction, which can lower the cost of finished materials.
It makes sense for printers to utilize these systems as a way to increase revenue while also creating a higher level of loyalty on the part of customers. Still, many printers are concerned about implementing systems of this kind. The transition process can be a lengthy one, especially in the areas of system installation and training staff on how to use it.
It's a daunting task, but not impossible based on the number of companies already enjoying the advantages of using print MIS systems. However,following best practices can help the implementation process run smoothly and efficiently.
Things to consider during a print MIS transition
For many, change can be uncomfortable. This can be especially true of the printing industry's stance on technology. Installing an automated system that can streamline printing jobs can be a major undertaking. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to streamline the process.
WhatTheyThink? offers a number of helpful suggestions that a company can follow when considering making a change to automation, the first of which is for the owner of shop or other decision-makers to attend an informational conference to gain deeper understanding of the entire process.
One of the inherent advantages of attending a meeting of this kind is to speak with other that have made the transition to a print MIS system in order to gain insight into the challenges and hurdles that have to be overcome. Talking with those that have experience with all of the details related to the implementation process is a great way to plan for difficult times in the early stages of the change.
A separate article for WhatTheyThink? provided some considerations for companies in advance of the implementation deadline.
Would a phasing-in process be more advantageous than completely dropping the old system and using the new one? If connectivity to the Internet is part of the integration process, especially if Web to print software will be used, is there enough bandwidth to support this aspect of the system?
The website suggests not setting a firm date for implementation and instead, picking a suitable time after all aspects have been mapped out, including allowing room for challenges that are bound to crop up. It's no secret that automation can be a useful tool, but careful planning is just as important as the actual adoption process.
Printers looking to automate their practices to increase customer satisfaction should be prepared to undergo a few bumps in the road. However, the long-term benefits can have a profound impact on the business.
