How wide-format printers can use software to boost profits

Software can give wide-format printers a competitive edge in a very fast-paced segment of the print industry.

With the right software, print shops can streamline their operations and automate various tasks, saving time and resources.

Discover some of the solutions available, and how leveraging the right software solution can deliver improved efficiency and productivity.

Contents 

• What software options are available?
• Maximizing profits with web-to-print software
• Efficient quoting and pricing strategies with print quoting software
• Streamlining print layout and planning
• Utilizing MIS software for streamlined operations
• Scheduling software to optimize workflows
• Optimize shop floor operations with data collection software
• Empowering fulfillment operations
• Driving revenue growth through wide-format printing software

What software options are available?

Wide-format printers have several software options to consider when reviewing available software options. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Print MIS software: this helps print shops manage their entire workflow, track orders, and streamline their operations. It enables better communication and collaboration between different departments, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced errors.
• Web-to-print software: allows print shops to offer online ordering and customization options to their customers. It simplifies the ordering process and provides a convenient and user-friendly interface for customers to design and submit print orders.
• Estimating software: helps with generating accurate invoices quicker, enabling wide-format print shops to win more business. 

By utilizing these software options, print shops can optimize their processes and provide a seamless experience for their customers. There are more software options available, but in this article we’re going to focus on the three we have mentioned above.

Maximizing profits with web-to-print software

According to Smithers, web-to-print is set to grow significantly fast, and will continue to 2028 with an average CAGR of 5.6% in value, and 7.1% in print volume.

The addition of online ordering and easy customization increases ease of use and overall customer satisfaction. Web-to-print software solutions usually include:

• The option for customers to select their desired products and customize them. Research by Sparks & Honey, the expected value of the personalized items market will reach $201bn by 2026, up 49% from 2021. Meanwhile, 70% of shoppers are willing to pay at least 10% more for customized or unique products.
• The ability to submit orders easily directly through a customizable storefront (or website).
• Provide valuable insights into customer behavior which empowers printers to deliver more personalized and effective marketing campaigns and promotions. 

By making use of web-to-print solutions, wide-format print shops will attract new customers, increase order volume, and boost their profits.

Efficient quoting and pricing strategies with print quoting software

Estimating is a race. The quicker and more accurate you are, the more business you'll win.

"Companies that respond first to requests for quote are often more likely to get the job. If sales reps can do that on the spot while they are at the customer site or on the phone with the customer, it makes us that much more competitive".

- Shawn Williams, Senior System Administrator, Premier Press

Print quoting software is an essential tool for print shops to facilitate efficient quoting and pricing strategies. By automating the quoting process, print quoting software shortens the time to quote and reduces the chances of errors or inconsistencies. It also enables print shops to adjust their pricing strategies based on market conditions, competition, and customer demands.

Printers that take advantage of quoting software will also gain insights into the profitability of different print jobs. This results in them being able to identify high-margin opportunities and optimize pricing accordingly. Print quoting software is a must for printers wanting to remain competitive and win more business in the fast-paced world of wide-format.

Streamlining print layout and planning

Efficient print layout and planning are essential for the printing industry, ensuring precision and optimizing productivity. Advanced software solutions automate complex layout processes, saving time and reducing errors.

Managing complex print layouts becomes effortless with advanced imposition and planning software. These tools feature intuitive interfaces and innovative capabilities that revolutionize print project planning and execution. Advanced algorithms minimize material usage, optimize plate layouts, and reduce setup times, saving costs and reducing the environmental footprint.

Utilizing MIS software for streamlined operations

MIS software is an essential tool for wide-format printers looking to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency. This software enables print shops to manage their workflow, track orders, and monitor production processes in real time.

By centralizing all information and data, MIS software can provide a comprehensive overall view of the entire print shop operations, allowing for better decision-making and effective resource allocation.

It also helps automate manual tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and invoicing - reducing manual errors and saving time. Furthermore, MIS software facilitates better communication and collaboration between different departments, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows.

Discover how The Bernard Group, a super wide-format printing company, recently transformed its operations:

“As the Bernard Group grew, we knew we needed to retire our home-grown ticketing and order system and implement a real ERP. We also knew TBG was unique and needed a system we could customize, scale, and integrate. We examined every print-focused ERP on the market. Pace was the only system that fit the bill.”

- Martin Diers, CIO, The Bernard Group

Watch the video below to find out more, or read the full case study.

Scheduling software to optimize workflows

Efficient scheduling is vital for print production, impacting workflow optimization and overall operational efficiency. Dynamic scheduling solutions leverage data-driven approaches to maximize production time, minimize downtime, and ensure timely delivery.

Accurate and adaptable schedules make it easier to meet deadlines, ensuring on-time delivery every time. This reliability enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens business relationships.

“Why would anyone want to be busy all day moving tasks manually, trying to prevent conflicts, trying to minimize setup, etc., when you could let PrintFlow do it for you with almost total automation? I was able to teach PrintFlow’s brain with the knowledge of our schedulers, managers, and production. There was nothing that I was not able to teach PrintFlow.”

- Marco Caciotti, Vice President, EMEA IT Operations and Delivery, Multi-Color Corporation

Optimize shop floor operations with data collection software

In the fast-paced world of print production, having precise control over shop floor operations is critical. Advanced print data collection software is designed to streamline production processes, providing real-time data insights that help refine operations, enhance efficiency, and support strategic decision-making.

Customizing quality control triggers based on job status changes—such as job start, make ready, downtime codes, running, and job completion—enables precise monitoring and management. This customization ensures that only the most relevant data is captured, maintaining high production standards. Efficient data collection eliminates guesswork, ensuring that operations run smoothly and productively.

Empowering fulfillment operations

Advanced software solutions empower wide-format print businesses to manage inventory, track orders, and optimize operations efficiently. With intuitive interfaces and comprehensive features, advanced inventory management and fulfillment software simplifies handling and shipping processes.

Look for a solution that can seamlessly scale to address present requirements while positioning your business for future growth. This scalability ensures that you can manage increasing demands without compromising efficiency. 

Driving revenue growth through wide-format printing software

With the right software, wide-format print shops can streamline their operations and automate various tasks, saving time and resources. By leveraging the right software solutions, businesses can achieve improved efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

By exploring and implementing the software options we've outlined, print shops can transform their operations, achieve a competitive edge, and provide a seamless experience for their customers. To learn more about how you can maximize your wide-format printing equipment investments, download our FREE whitepapers today.

As part of our commitment to helping print shops maximize their wide-format printing equipment investments, we are offering two FREE whitepapers. These whitepapers, created in partnership with WhatTheyThink, provide valuable insights and tips on how to optimize your wide-format workflows.