Business practices and technology change at an ever-increasing pace – all companies have had to embrace change for many reasons in recent years – perhaps to become more environmentally aware and responsible, or simply to keep pace with technological advances of their industry and competitors! The print industry has seen more advancement in terms of machinery, materials, and technology perhaps more than most and one of these aspects that needs to be addressed in the advancement of, not only the physical machinery used, but the software behind such mechanical developments. Investing in an MIS solution is essential for print businesses to keep abreast of this industry evolution and change. Here are some advantages that even a simple MIS software solution can make to your print business:

Print MIS Solution

Management Information Systems – MIS – are software aids that provide a tool for producing order management, print workflow, and delivery scheduling along with generating customer estimates – basically a vehicle to track and manage a customer order from start to finish! There are many levels of MIS available providing different levels of support, dependent upon your requirements and, often, budget! The initial function a MIS will provide is to generate accurate customer estimates for the print job required and, from there depending upon the agreed solution, will manage the workflow from this point. Whatever the size and requirements of the print job, MIS solutions will reduce the need for human input which automatically saves money on the overall process from the outset.

Streamlined Processes

MIS offer streamlined processes by creating an automated workflow which reduces the need for human input by as much as 25%, therefore reducing the events of human error, providing a more accurate job run and freeing-up your staff to be working on other aspects of your business, as well as perhaps providing a better work/life balance for your staff. Your print job will be more accurately managed, and easier to track whilst providing records of progress which, again, will save time and prove more efficient and accurate.    

Data Analysis  

MIS generate detailed reports of each job which can often identify and highlight potential improvements in your business processes – the information of all your customer orders, such as types of stock and materials required/used and volumes of products are all accurately recorded and reported upon, providing you with better information for jobs going forward and allowing you to deliver a more professional service to your customers.

Customer Service

As stated, MIS can help your business provide a better customer service through accurate and efficient data analysis but can also improve your customer service levels in other ways – MIS systems can provide quicker and more detailed customer estimates and, if it needs revising at any point, can be swiftly and easily altered. The print shop management system will also provide detailed progress of each job run and all the stages it goes through allowing you to keep your customer informed of exactly where their job is up to which, in turn offers a more professional service and builds customer confidence as they feel their orders are being securely and professionally managed, leading to repeat business from satisfied customers!

Investing in MIS is a must for print companies looking to keep pace with their rivals in a very competitive marketplace – the efficiency and professionalism that a good Management Information System brings to your print business will inevitably lead to you being able to provide a better all-round service to your customers.