3 Ways to Streamline Your Print Program

Time is money. We all want to save time, increase efficiencies and streamline our processes so that we can succeed in business. Print buying is no exception. To that end, here are a three ways you can begin streamlining your print program today.

1. Leverage Technology

Technology and IT Solutions may not the be the first thing you think of when considering a print partner. However, sophisticated companies are leveraging technology in ways that put the client in control and streamline the print buying process.

We're leading the way in this area with a client-branded virtual storefront. Counter cards, menu boards, beverage wraps/coats, along with marketing and promotional graphics, are the kinds of print projects you run on a recurring basis. One way that we streamline for our clients is through a virtual storefront. You have access to your on-line catalog of graphics and past orders, from the convenience of your desktop. You have the option, through your web-based portal, to "click and order" or "customize and order." 

Signage and graphics are organized into categories that your team specifies from the start; including content, photos, material, size, quantity, and customizations. You can set up user controls to designate which users are allowed to create, review, approve, and submit each order.

Example project for QSR/Fast Casual: Ordering printed menu boards can be a streamlined process that saves you time and money, while avoiding the technical malfunctions, maintenance, and down time associated with digital menu boards.

For many customers we conduct a thorough store profile for each store or restaurant location—capturing the layout and graphic needs of each footprint to make a blueprint so we know exactly what each location needs. This is saved in your store profile. By knowing the exact graphics each store needs, we send the right graphics to the right location so there are no overages, no waste, and no extra effort sorting through your kit. Streamlined!

The online ordering system features each location footprint and specific graphics so your team can re-order only what is needed. This makes re-ordering and fulfillment an easy, on-demand process.

2. Be Ready to Approve

Whether you're working in the virtual storefront to approve your team members' order, or via email or phone with your print rep, be ready to approve and keep the project moving. When working with any partner in business, collaboration and communication is key to success. The same holds true with your print partner. Approvals, revisions, and another round of approvals can quickly bog down a project. 

You can streamline your print program by acting quickly when it comes time to approve. Be direct with your print partner and let them know the best way to reach you for approvals; including your preferred method of communication.  Your print partner should be flexible enough to accomodate you in the best way to keep a project moving.

3. Don't Underestimate Planning Tools and Processes

Simply knowing all the details up front, and having an organized process, will streamline your print program more than you may realize. Rely on your print rep to walk you through expectations and timelines for the project. Do you use a checklist and master planning guide? Do you keep a seasonal retail calendar close at hand to help with planning and timelines?

It is important for customers to understand the printer's timeline; large projects are naturally more time consuming, and if you have a good grasp of the many steps through which your printed materials travel, and the role you play in the production, you'll streamline your end of the production.

By utilizing technology and best practices, you can keep your print program running like clockwork and your store décor looking fresh and fabulous.