Printer workflows are no longer a linear entity. They are an interconnected network of processes and standalone tools that function effectively.

But it is often seen that many printers use multiple web-to-print technologies without the flexibility of integration; to cater to the unique demands of their B2B’s unique ordering.

It is a set-up for disaster!

Without proper integration support, the businesses fail to streamline their workflow, manage orders, reduce errors, minimize turnaround and make profits.

The changing markets and customer preferences demand a well-connected printer ecosystem where each process compliments the other.

In other words, print businesses need intuitive web-to-print technologies with the flexibility to integrate with their internal platforms to improve business processes.

Why do small and large printers need integration?

SME printers having integrated online ordering workflow is key to their growth in times of the pandemic. Social distancing and reduced staff have posed challenges to manual printing. Sooner integration will play a key factor in the future growth of SMEs.

Implementation of the right web-to-print can help get orders, connect workflows to move jobs to production, integrate with accounting to take care of invoicing, and integrate with CRM to engage and retain clients.

Traditionally these processes required more staff but with the rising cost of manpower, it is not possible to increase staff. Here integrated workflow can help automate all these processes with less human involvement, improving productivity and increasing sales.

Large printers serving B2B are challenged too. They have to cater to unique online ordering needs using various processes. They too need technology that can connect with their B2B internal platforms like SSO, punch out, ERP. The ordering can be done on web-to-print after which data flows back to their platform for further approvals and budgeting. With the changing industry dynamics, B2B corporates prefer to work with print vendors who offer them omnichannel experiences with the flexibility to integrate with their desired workflow.

Download PDF: Find out how third-party integrations help printers multiply sales and profitability?

Why is integration key to print business success?

Review your current printing workflow. You may find disconnected processes, unutilized tools, missed updates, and legacy functionalities that need upgrade and integration to keep current.

Businesses today have evolved into well-integrated software that results in a seamless, end-to-end workflow offering visibility at every stage for every stakeholder, managed on a centralized and scalable web-to-print software.

Let’s assume Mr. Smith runs a large commercial print shop called Smith & Sons Printing. They rely on manually-operated, legacy printing to service their customers.

With the onset of the pandemic, their business went on a toss. They are unable to take new orders as walk-ins have been discouraged. Their existing customers cannot order and reorder or even go to the print shop physically to modify or collect their orders. Their web-to-print is not integrated with third-party tools to offer additional support such as order placement, error correction, shipment, tracking and payments.

On the other hand, Smith & Sons Printing is losing their existing customers and are unable to find new customers as most of their staff is busy with manual tasks.

So, what is the immediate need for Smith & Sons Printing?

Firstly

Smith & Sons Printing must reassess their print workflow. They must understand the utilization of resources and staff to find out what is needed?

Secondly,

They need an updated, intuitive web-to-print software like OnPrintShop that offers them the flexibility to easily integrate with modules such as Workflow, Shipping, Payment, Account, Marketing/CRM, Print MIS, Design tool, Live Chat and more.

Thirdly,

The business needs to reinvent its print products and services and position it for the online marketplace.

The print shop can further dig and define the processes to better their game. Let’s find out what Mr. Smith can do?

Leverage Everything

A highly integrated print workflow includes equipment, software and people. Track each of these to improve your profit margins and move beyond a one-to-one replacement to scalable web-to-print software that delivers.

Add Visibility

The print industry is highly competitive. Businesses must use flexible software. Share data with the ERP, Print MIS, and supporting systems add visibility to processes that position the business for growth.

Breakdown Costs

Dig down the costs of hidden process loops, poorly specified jobs, multiple loop jobs like print file preparation and design approvals. Along with associated costs of people and machines to justify the investment in your web-to-print.

Map Integration

With your IT department map, the need for integrations so your business can run smoothly and efficiently. Let each stakeholder share their view of the process to opt for meaningful integrations and do away with unwanted process time-wasters.

Use Dashboards

Enable dashboards to chart out the integration and to self-service. Real-time updates would free your staff to dedicate their time to other value-addition activities of the business.

Be Responsive

Use intuitive web-to-print software that opens communication with the business and customers, bypassing manual tasks. Define responsive levels for each process. Let customers respond and be an active part of their ordering process.

Flawless Communication

Invest in web-to-print software that lets the sales team collaborate with customers and the staff seamlessly without fixating on the email loops. Save time spent on chasing customers and instead make time for productive customer interactions to drive business success.

The Bottomline

Keypoint Intelligence survey indicates a 41% increase in the use of web-to-print by 2022. A reliable strategy, post-covid, must include a review of the existing print solutions. Scale your existing web-to-print solution to reach as many customers as possible. A well-implemented web-to-print platform can set the difference between capturing new and repeat business and seeing a valued customer walk away.

Workflow integration requires a professional approach and attention to detail. Some integration vendors will ask printers to sit back and relax. But this approach hardly works.

Customer feedback suggests they look for printers with a web-to-print solution fully integrated into an MIS that can remove a significant number of touchpoints. Much like the OnPrintShop web-to-print solution that lets customers create their specific orders with real-time MIS specifications and pricing.