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How printers should approach print MIS
The printing industry is steeped in tradition. The first printing press dates back hundreds of years, but recent developments in digital technology have altered the way print shops operate in countless ways. One innovation that has had a profound influence on not just printers, but their customers as well, is print MIS. This technology presents a unique opportunity to automate workflows and increase a print shop's performance.
However, integrating an effective print MIS solution isn't like turning on the light switch. It's an investment that requires serious forethought and close inspection of what the print organization actually needs. Industry news site WhatTheyThink? advised business owners away from the perspective that a print MIS solution will solve all their problems without them having to lift a finger. In reality, the technology is a major component for creating a more functional print shop, not the only resource that will transform the entire operation.
What do printers need to think about?
WhatTheyThink? explained business owners should think about all sides of a print MIS solution. For instance, the principal decision-maker should consider the following questions:
- What is the most painful process that impacts customer service?
- Does it take excessive time for clients to receive their quote or estimate using a manual paper-based system?
- What is the daily, weekly and monthly volume?
- Is there a significant number of back orders?
Once a printer identifies the key issues it needs to solve, then the business can make the most effective use of a print MIS solution.
Florida print shop owner realizes the benefits of print MIS
Lawton Printers, a shop with a 114-year history in Orlando, Florida, can verify many of the advantages that accompany a print MIS solution. With this workflow automation tool, Lawton Printers has been able to reduce the number of jobs that are part of the pre-press stage. In fact, 60 percent of the digital jobs, even those that are customized, completely bypass pre-press.
As a result, the company as seen overhead costs drop. Because it takes less time for the shop to provide customers with estimates, quotes and orders, the company also serves a more satisfied clientele. Among the businesses Lawton Printers works with are nonprofit groups, professional sports teams and various agencies.
Tyler Koon, vice president at Lawton Printers, is quick to point out that a print MIS solution doesn't replace employees. Instead, it's a resource that reduces the number of repetitive tasks that personnel is usually responsible to handle. Automation shouldn't be a dirty word in the print industry. Because staff doesn't have to spend excessive time performing routine duties, like printing out and mailing estimates and quotes, workers are in a better position to understand the entire organization to a fuller extent.
Regardless of how long a print shop has been in business, there's always an opportunity to improve operations. Business owners shouldn't seek out a print MIS solution expecting to be a cure-all, and approach it with full knowledge of the gaps that may exist in their daily operations.
