Online Print Management Helps Reduce Costs
Are you looking for ways to better connect with customers, reduce marketing costs and cut down on waste? It sounds like an ideal situation, but there hasn’t always been a clear-cut method to achieve these results without major investments in technology. Fortunately, advancements have been made to allow marketing departments with access to technology that solves two areas of pain:
1. Inventory Control and Fulfillment: Rather than print projects in bulk and warehousing thousands of items, online print management paired with print-on-demand offers the ability to create virtual inventory items that can be produced on an as-needed basis. Currently, many marketers are deciding to produce smaller quantities (250 – 500 units) rather than thousands in order to eliminate warehousing and the potential for obsolescence. As a result, material can be ordered in the exact quantities needed, when they are needed and customized to the specific point in time. Due to virtual inventory, all printed collateral is relevant, on time and targeted specifically to the audience.
2. Greater Control Over Purchasing: Many companies are struggling with the idea over decentralizing the purchase of printed marketing collateral. Typically, when this occurs, there is the potential for an inconsistent identity, erosion of the brand and higher costs due to erratic purchasing. Through online print management, companies can push the order of materials to store managers or sales personnel, but gain greater control over quantities ordered and achieve consistency in manufacturing. Items such as business cards, store signage, rack cards and other printed collateral can be stored online and available 24/7. As a result, marketing managers save time and the company saves money…a great combination!
Overall, online print management is a great asset for any company with multiple locations or nationwide sales teams. As marketing teams face reduced staff and budgets, the ability to manage print through online portals is a great way to improve efficiencies and eliminate waste.