Size doesn’t matter in the world of print management
The concept of outsourcing print management can be beneficial to businesses of any size. But despite this, many companies in the UK continue to manage their print in-house. From time spent printing collateral to the money spent on materials, it all costs – and that’s before you consider the potential waste from overprinting.
There are a myriad of different areas that every business needs to cover in their print activity, including stationery, marketing print, point of sale materials, direct mail and transactional mail. With such a wide range of disciplines covered, the simple action of outsourcing print management could save businesses as much as 30 per cent on their overall costs.
There are still many misconceptions about print management, predominately that it has only been for large companies and that it entails providing workspace for a team of outsourced print managers, which can be costly. It is essential though to remember that print management is no longer a service just for large firms, smaller organisations can see huge benefits for their business, in cost savings that help reduce spend and improve process.
Advances in technology have helped streamline the way print management works to help businesses of all sizes maximise their efficiency. The benefits that a more streamlined approach provides are plentiful, from improved workflow and quicker approval and compliance sign-off to better vendor management and clarity when assessing spend and value. Not only this but digital and print now work closely together for greater integration, which offers the complete control over a campaign and greater efficiency in managing stock as well.
Ultimately, print is often not the core part of a business’ focus, but by efficiently managing what can be a complex procurement and supply chain management function you could realise the significant benefits available.
☛ Tim Webster is business development director at Lateral Group
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Don’t forget the resources expended on trial runs for printing. Printers often charge companies more than necessary. It is their trade practice of not showing the breakdown. Moreover, only by trials and errors can colour-separations be attained, not to say, times of proof-reading. Most important of all, control is in companies’ own hands.
That’s why many companies are reluctant to outsource printing. Remember printers’ usually do not hand over artworks and colour separations and associated preparations to companies though the latter, already, paid for. They will reap unreasonable “super” profits in case of re-printing as the same instruments are used.
I buy print for my company i.e. in-house. I have saved on average 20% to 30% on what the Print Management Company previously charges and what my predecessor was able to procure. This has been achieved because I know what I’m doing. Maybe it is not the concept thats at issue, but more the skills and knowledge of the individual who buys print, and the senior management team ensuring they have employed the correct staff.
there is certainly a better way to buy print
just attended the PIRA global print buying conference- my speech here and worry not- no sales pitch ( genuinely)- just a different way to look at buying and selling print
http://www.webmartuk.com/simonbiltcliffe