Challenges and solutions for the print supply chain
Part 2: Print managers
In the print supply chain, each link plays a unique and indispensable role, but they all face the same challenge: How do you ensure print products reach the end customer in a fast, efficient and qualitative manner? Whether you’re a print manufacturer supplying resellers, a brand owner looking for promotional materials or a print manager working with end customers.
In this three-part blog series, we address the specific bottlenecks and solutions for each link in the chain. Today the focus is on the print manager.
The role of the print manager in the print supply chain
As a print manager, you play a key role in the chain of print communications. You are the intermediary between customers and various producers, and you manage the entire process from order to delivery. This means you ensure the right product is delivered at the right time, while monitoring quality and working closely with your customers. Because of your expertise and focus on customer satisfaction, companies trust their communication solutions to run smoothly and professionally.
Features print manager:
- Project manager for communications projects for predominantly corporate clients
(from SMEs to multinationals). - Intermediary between producers and end clients.
- Extensive graphic design knowledge.
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Challenges for the print manager:
- Providing quick and good quotes
Customers expect quick quotes for their print orders, often customized and ranging from small promotional materials to large sign products. This requires print managers to be able to provide quick and accurate estimates while offering competitive prices. Manual calculations can be too time-consuming in this regard, especially when working with multiple suppliers.
- Buying efficiently from different suppliers
Print managers often work with several third-party printers and suppliers. In doing so, they often lack a clear overview to find the right products and prices to make the best choice for customers. A lack of overview can lead to delays and missed opportunities in the ordering process.
- Time pressure and process optimization
Time pressure is a constant factor. Therefore, the print manager benefits from automating as many processes as possible. Consider the automated management of quotes, orders, and invoices. This leaves more time to focus on customer retention and finding new business opportunities. Reducing tasks increases efficiency, lowers error rates, and increases customer satisfaction.
The solution: one central graphic ordering platform
Prindustry’s SaaS platform offers print managers and resellers a central automated solution for the entire ordering process, from preparing quotes to handling invoices. This platform takes away manual and time-consuming tasks, allowing print managers to move faster, maintain oversight and focus fully on customer retention and growth. The result? More efficiency, fewer errors and a smoothly running process from order to delivery.
- Get accurate quotations quickly
With the platform, print managers can easily and quickly issue quotes based on the producers’ current prices and specifications. Because the price information in the system is automatically updated by the producers themselves, you don’t have to make manual calculations. This saves time and ensures that you are always working with the most up-to-date and accurate price information, which minimizes the risk of errors.
- Convenient procurement from multiple suppliers
The platform provides a central procurement system where print managers can access the assortments of various graphics suppliers through the Marketplace. Place orders with just a few clicks and forward them directly to the appropriate producer. Automatic connections ensure that everything is streamlined, from order to delivery.
- Efficient workflow through automation
Thanks to the integrated modules within the Prindustry platform, print managers can automate their entire workflow. Quotations are instantly generated, orders forwarded to the correct supplier, and invoices automatically created and sent. This increases efficiency and gives you more room to focus on customer management and growth.
Prindustry Platform: Benefits for the print manager
- MARKET PLACE:
Gain access to an extensive network of graphics manufacturers and their ranges, including up-to-date product calculations. - ORDER MANAGEMENT:
Manage quotes, orders and invoices from one central system. - AUTOMATION:
Save time and minimize errors with a fully automated workflow. - SYSTEM INTEGRATIONS:
Integrate seamlessly with MIS, ERP and CMS systems, as well as external suppliers for optimal collaboration. - WEBSHOP:
Sell your own products as well as those of external suppliers in a user-friendly webshop with a flexible order flow for all printing options. - CUSTOMER PORTAL:
Offer your customer a personal order platform where they can edit and order their own print communications, while you remain in control.
Would you like to know more?
Want to learn more about how the Prindustry Platform improves your work as a print manager? Schedule an online demo and discover how the platform optimizes your daily processes!
Parts in this blog series
