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Important considerations when investing in a Web-to-print solution
When should a print organization begin considering integrating a Web-to-print storefront? Many companies will perform a cost/benefit analysis before they go ahead with any significant technological investment. There's often a fear that the total cost of ownership will eventually make Web-to-print platform a money pit. What happens if customers don't find it to be user friendly? Will staff members have any trouble using the software? Will the print shop need to buy additional equipment? With these questions in mind, it's important to consider the cause and effect of implementing a Web-to-print solution.
What does it offer?
When a printing company collaborates with a Web-to-print service provider, it should seek a partner that is transparent with the platform's capabilities and costs. Ideally, there shouldn't be any hidden fees associated with the solution, especially if a businesses wishes to add multiple customer accounts.
What should print companies look for?
At the same time, it can be extremely time-consuming if a print shop wishes to provide a customers with a customizable portal. Accordingly, print shop owners should seek out Web-to-print providers that provide built-in capabilities to deliver dynamic, interactive portals through which customers can access a library of documents. This type of resource reduces the manual labor needed to manage customer relationships, automating much of the more cumbersome processes in print operations, including processing estimates and entering job tickets. Most importantly, a print organization doesn't have to funnel all customer orders through a single individual who has limited time and resources to handle multiple tasks. A Web-to-print solution is a 24-hour tool that processes orders without limit.
What are the obstacles?
However, print enterprises that don't sufficiently anticipate their needs and the capabilities of a Web-to-print partner can face trouble. According to WhatTheyThink?, there are a few ways that organizations can falter. First, businesses need to have the full support and understanding of those at the top. Integrating this solution is a fairly radical shift in the way most print organizations operate. A company needs strong leadership to back up the new direction by ensuring sales reps, marketing team members, information technology workers and customer support staff are on the same page.
Although Web-to-print is a software solution, it isn't a tool that should be passed on to the IT department. In fact, it's an integrated resource that touches nearly every aspect of a print operation. As a result, it's important to consider all angles when investing in a Web-to-print storefront.
