Ready for Print MIS Implementation? Plan First. You've selected your new print management information system (MIS), marking a significant step toward optimizing your printing operations. But before...
Ready for Print MIS Implementation? Plan First.
You've selected your new print management information system (MIS), marking a significant step toward optimizing your printing operations. But before you can fully leverage its capabilities, a critical stage lies ahead: MIS implementation planning.
Transitioning to a new print MIS can be a complex undertaking, often requiring a significant shift in processes and workflows.
We recently had a conversation with Geoff Barker, an implementation expert at Avanti, a Print ePS company. As Geoff points out, the go-live process is "extensive," demanding careful planning and execution.
To help ensure your transition is as seamless as possible, we’ve developed this step-by-step guide—drawing on Geoff's expertise and the best practices of countless successful MIS implementations.
Contents
- Phase 1: Laying the Foundation with Comprehensive Training
- Phase 2: Validation – Putting Theory into Practice
- Phase 3: The Go-Live Assessment – Your Safety Net for Success
- Beyond the Go-Live: Ensuring Long-Term Success
- Ready to Revolutionize Your Print Operations?
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation with Comprehensive Training
A successful MIS implementation hinges on a well-trained team. Your employees need to understand not just how the software functions, but how it integrates with their daily workflows and responsibilities. A robust training program is essential to empower your team, build confidence, and ensure a smooth transition to any MIS.
Geoff approaches training with a "building blocks" methodology. Rather than overwhelming users with information upfront, the training unfolds over a series of on-site sessions, typically spanning several months. This phased approach allows for incremental learning and knowledge absorption.
- Phased On-Site Training: Multiple in-person sessions that build progressively.
- Building Block Methodology: Starts with basics, expands to customizations.
- Homework and Follow-Up: Assignments between sessions ensure learning sticks.
💡 Pro Tip: Appoint internal “super users” to support peer training and adoption.
Phase 2: Validation – Putting Theory into Practice
Training lays the groundwork, but validation turns knowledge into confidence. During this hands-on phase, your team applies the MIS in a real or simulated environment to test workflows and identify areas that may need refinement.
Geoff’s Rule of Thumb: Ask each user to spend 20+ minutes daily in the new system.
- Lead by Example: When leadership validates, the team follows.
- Set Clear Expectations: Assign test jobs and tasks to guide learning.
- Make It Engaging: Consider gamification or incentives to encourage adoption.
One customer ran Avanti Slingshot® in parallel with their existing MIS for two weeks. While resource-intensive, this method quickly uncovered inefficiencies and helped ensure a smooth go-live.
Phase 3: The Go-Live Assessment – Your Safety Net for Success
With training and validation complete, it’s time to confirm your readiness. The Go-Live Assessment acts as a final check before launch—led by Avanti experts like Geoff Barker.
It’s not a review. It’s a collaborative, in-depth walkthrough of how your team uses the system in real-world workflows.
- On-Site Observation: Spot user hesitation and provide live support.
- Workflow Walkthroughs: Test critical paths with real jobs.
- Risk Identification: Surface training gaps or workflow errors early.
- Actionable Report: A prioritized checklist ensures a successful MIS launch.
Beyond the Go-Live: Ensuring Long-Term Success
Your go-live date isn’t the finish line—it’s the start of continuous improvement. Geoff notes, “They might think they're ready… but they don’t know what they don’t know.”
We use each implementation to refine our processes. Customers benefit from updated resources, insights, and expert support long after the initial deployment.
By implementing MIS with Print ePS, you gain more than software—you gain a partner committed to helping your business grow and adapt.
Ready to Revolutionize Your Print Operations?
Implementing MIS successfully is a strategic journey. By following the 3-phase approach—Training, Validation, and Go-Live Assessment—you'll reduce risk, empower your team, and get more from your print MIS investment.
Plan smart. Execute confidently. Succeed long term.
Planning an MIS implementation?
We’d be happy to guide you.
