Implementing any new management information system (MIS) is a large undertaking, irrespective of the size of the business. If it’s done correctly the benefits easily outweigh the initial pain. But...
Print integration – What’s it all about?
Print integration is something you’ve probably heard a lot about.
It’s something we’re passionate about, and we spend a lot of time working with customers on their integration projects.
But if you’re not familiar with integration, you might not be sure what we mean. Let us explain.
Contents
- What is print integration?
- Integration is the key to keeping up with increasing consumer demand
- Creating a best-of-breed workflow
- Take things up a notch with automation
What is print integration?
Print integration is the process of taking different pieces of software and connecting them. This can be done using different technologies, like JDF, XMF, API, or even software like Zaikio or Zapier.
Integration is the key to keeping up with increasing consumer demand
Increasing demands from print buyers for easier access to products, tighter turnaround times and greater flexibility, means print providers are having to find ways to streamline processes and increase efficiency to meet these needs.
The solution to this is, you guessed it, creating an end-to-end connected workflow using print integration!
Connecting all your technologies not only simplifies your production process but helps you make the best use of your resources without having to increase your workforce and increase profitability.
Creating a best-of-breed workflow
A best-of-breed workflow is the concept of selecting the best software for each area of your business and integrating them.
As trends move towards best-of-breed workflows, many businesses favor print management information systems (MIS) solutions that have APIs, because they can be more easily integrated with other print technologies that have an API. Many of our customers use our API to create their own integrations, without any help from us!
Many print MIS providers also have existing print integrations that could be useful to you. At eProductivity Software (ePS), we have many integration partners and are always looking for more, so that our customers can choose and integrate the software that works best for them.
If you’re looking for an integration that currently doesn’t exist, many MIS providers will look into developing this for you. A number of our print integration partners were first introduced to us by our customers, who saw the potential for an integration opportunity!
Take things up a notch with automation
If you’re tech-savvy and want to take things to the next level, then there’s also the opportunity to create an integrated automated workflow. Here’s an example to illustrate what we mean:
- Step 1 – Digitize the estimating/ordering processes for less complex jobs, by implementing a web-to-print system (like ePS MarketDirect StoreFront) so customers can place orders via an online portal.
- Step 2 – Digitize the optimization process by implementing imposition and ganging software such as Metrix.
- Step 3 – Integrate the new web-to-print solution with your MIS.
- Step 4 – Integrate your MIS with the new imposition and ganging software.
By automating repetitive tasks and then integrating the different pieces of software, you’re creating an integrated automated workflow that will free up your employees to spend more time on higher-value tasks.
From our experience, those businesses hiring tech-savvy people who want to push the boundaries with print integration and automation are standing out to the modern print buyer.
