process & workflow: Make It Work

Nachmany: I would ask, how can you run a business and make complex, everyday production decisions without knowing what your costs?

Presnell: Being pro-active is much better than being reactive. Many times we speak with Printers that find themselves on the verge of losing an important customer to a competitor offering online print management solutions. First and foremost, it’s about “Protecting your turf” by offering your existing customer base an easier way to do business with you. For example, giving your top customers Private Portals containing the print materials they order on a regular basis is a great way to fend off the competition and create customer loyalty. Then, look to grow your business with an e-commerce store front that promotes your complete product line and provide a Business to Business environment that customers want.

Rottenborn: The old adage, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure” definitely applies to business management and estimating software, especially in wide-format. With tighter profit margins and shorter lead times, efficient estimating and production are more important than ever to insure business profitability.