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How to overcome the print MIS and Web-to-print integration conundrum
In many print organizations, the push for greater technological integration results in a mishmash of software and tools that don't integrate with each other effectively - or at all. As a result, print shops and their customers don't see the kind of agility and efficiency they were expecting when purchasing these different systems.
A recent article on WhatTheyThink explored this idea, highlighting the fact that not all software is capable of integrating with others. This is one of the big myths and misconceptions that can be costly for print organizations when they shop for print MIS tools, purchase automated workflow systems from different third-party providers and attempt to make them communicate with Web-to-print systems.
"The automated workflow functionality of print MIS software and the convenience afforded by Web-to-print storefronts hinges on their ability to share information."
What are the big ticket issues?
According to WhatTheyThink, the technical constraints of an integration should be high up on the list of considerations. After all, connecting the two print solutions is the primary goal, and the key is to have information flowing in two directions. The automated workflow functionality of print MIS software and the convenience afforded by Web-to-print storefronts hinges on their ability to share information, such as product specifications, billing and shipping data, and order history - among numerous other important items.
Customers see a benefit
One of the key advantages of a Web-to-print storefront is the accessibility provided to print shop customers and their ability to assume more control over their collateral, whether it's marketing materials or signage. With this technology, they can see the status of their orders, refer to order histories and get quotes for new jobs as the need arises. For this to work, the print MIS software and storefront need to be integrated - otherwise, the gains made by having both systems quickly erode.
North American printer Hemlock provides a clear example of why it's important to choose a Web-to-print storefront that easily integrates with a print workflow tool like print MIS and consider some of the more technical aspects of the job.
A consultative process
Especially when a print shop wants to provide workflow automation services to their customers that may have their own existing storefronts, seamless integration is even more important. Hemlock learned this when it discovered PressWise. The company operates both offset and digital presses, which they use to work with numerous clients. Keith Stoner, prepress systems manager at Hemlock, explained printers need to work with clients to reach an agreement about product IDs, pricing tables, customer profiles and shipping terms, among other topics.
Then, a print organization needs to have a conversation with their clients' IT employees to set up the XML connection, but once this is done, the PressWise API easily connects with customers' external storefronts. Hemlock has been able to use print MIS solution in a wide variety of contexts to improve multiple workflows. As a result, there are more than 100 users taking advantage of the system to manage their printing needs.
When print organizations consider their print MIS needs and options and the Web-to-print demands of their clients, it's critical that both solutions integrate seamlessly.
