Challenges and solutions for print managers and resellers
In the print media supply chain, every link plays a unique and essential role — but they all face the same core challenge: how do you ensure that print products reach the end customer quickly, efficiently, and with consistent quality? Whether you’re a supplier delivering to resellers, a brand owner looking for promotional materials, or a print manager working with end clients.
In this article series, we explore the specific challenges and solutions for each player in the chain. This edition focuses on the print manager / reseller.
The role of a print manager / reseller in the print supply chain
As a print professional, you play a key role in the print communication chain. You act as the link between clients and various producers, managing the entire process from order to delivery. This means making sure the right product is delivered at the right time, while ensuring quality and working closely with your clients. Thanks to your expertise and focus on customer satisfaction, businesses rely on you to handle their communication needs smoothly and professionally.
Key characteristics of a print professional:
- Project manager for communication projects, primarily for business clients (from SMEs to multinationals)
- Intermediary between producers and end customers
- Extensive knowledge of print and graphic production
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction
Challenges for the print professional
- Providing fast and accurate quotations
Clients expect a quick quote for their print orders — often custom-made and ranging from small promotional items to large-format signage. This requires print managers to calculate prices quickly and accurately, while also offering competitive rates. Manual calculations can be too time-consuming, especially when working with multiple suppliers.
- Efficient procurement from multiple suppliers
Print managers often work with various external printers and suppliers. However, they frequently lack a clear overview to find the right products and prices in order to make the best choice for their clients. This lack of visibility can lead to delays and missed opportunities in the ordering process.
- Time pressure and process optimization
Time pressure is a constant factor. That’s why it benefits print managers to automate as many processes as possible — from managing quotes and orders to invoicing. This frees up time to focus on customer retention and finding new business opportunities. Reducing manual tasks increases efficiency, lowers the risk of errors, and improves customer satisfaction.
The solution: One central print order platform
Prindustry’s SaaS platform offers print managers and resellers a central, automated solution for the entire ordering process — from creating quotes to handling invoices. The platform eliminates manual, time-consuming tasks, allowing print professionals to move faster, maintain clear oversight, and fully focus on customer retention and business growth.
The result? Greater efficiency, fewer errors, and a smooth process from order to delivery.
- Fast and accurate quotations
The platform enables print managers to quickly and easily create quotes based on the latest prices and specifications from producers. Since pricing information is automatically updated by the producers themselves, there’s no need for manual calculations. This saves time and ensures you always work with the most current and accurate data, minimizing the risk of errors.
- Easy procurement from multiple suppliers
The platform offers a central purchasing system where print managers can access the assortments of various print producers via the Marketplace. With just a few clicks, you can place orders and send them directly to the right supplier. Automated integrations ensure everything runs smoothly — from order to delivery.
- Efficient workflow through full automation
With the integrated modules of the Prindustry Platform, print managers can automate their entire workflow. Quotes are generated instantly, orders are sent directly to the appropriate supplier, and invoices are automatically created and dispatched. This increases efficiency and gives you more time to focus on customer management and business growth.
Prindustry Platform: Benefits for the print professional
- MARKETPLACE:
Gain access to a broad network of print producers and their assortments, including up-to-date product calculations. - ORDER MANAGEMENT:
Manage quotes, orders, and invoices from one central system. - AUTOMATION:
Save time and reduce errors with a fully automated workflow. - SYSTEM INTEGRATIONS:
Seamlessly integrate with MIS, ERP, and CMS systems, as well as external producers for optimal collaboration. - WEBSHOP:
Sell your own products and those of external suppliers through a user-friendly webshop with a flexible ordering flow for all print options. - CLIENT PORTAL:
Offer your client a personalized ordering platform where they can edit and order their print communication, while you stay in control.
Would you like to learn more?
Want to know more about how the Prindustry Platform can improve your work as a print manager? Schedule an online demo and discover how the platform can optimize your daily processes!
