The Brief
Be it written, verbal or pictorial, we have a real knack of being able to quickly cut through the brief and get a production-eye’s view on things. Understanding the project requirement, asking the questions that need asking and filling in the detail is what makes the difference between order processors and expert print managers. We’ll look at format or material alternatives if we think it’s appropriate and advise accordingly.
Job Analysis
Drilling down into the non-specific nitty-gritty is what’s sometimes needed and we are happy to do just that; we’ll run a quick sanity check on the budget and schedule requirement and if it doesn’t smell right, now’s the time to challenge it. Additionally, a full and frank understanding of your expectation is what’s wanted here; believe us, the project development and final job will be all the better for it.
The Spec
Converting the brief and analysis into a spec; it might sound like a different language and it’s full of jargon, but printers speak is what we do all day every day, so we can be absolutely certain that the onward supply chain totally understands what it is we’re asking them to do – no ambiguity, no omissions just a properly crafted print specification – that’s the only way we can be 100% we’re going to get an accurate all-inclusive price.
The Tender
With hundreds of suppliers to choose from and an even greater number of capability variables, our skill is in approaching the right supplier(s) with the most appropriate enquiries at the right time. Our e-system tendering system selects, emails and gathers back in quote responses from as wide or narrow a range as we see fit for each and every job part. That’s the only sure-fire way of guaranteeing you’re going to get best value from what is a diverse and ever-changing industry.
Cost Collation
Because it’s on-line, we have an at-a-glance comparison of all the costs on every job from every supplier, no spread sheets, no paper trail, no emails; everything in one place exactly as it should be. Because we’ve preselected from the system, we know that we’ve gone out to the right suppliers and that everyone’s quoted on the same specification – it’s a level playing field, so all we have to do is get the quote back to you for approval and appoint the
best-priced supplier.
Scheduling
On time every time: that’s the way to keep our clients happy. There’s nothing that can beat a bit or pre-production booking and once we’ve established your critical key dates then we’ll publish client and supplier facing schedules. But there are sometimes dark forces at work and key client dates get missed, we understand that and will do everything we can to meet the original deadline – of course sometimes that just not possible, so we’ll work it through with you and get to a new agreed completion date and stick to it!
The Order
It’s all a bit boring and if the devil’s in the detail then we must have forked tails because as far as paperwork is concerned this stuff is vital. Instructing suppliers to proceed with a Purchase Order is a legally binding document and it’s got to be right. As for clients, they get an order acknowledgement so they know exactly what it is we intend to produce – and it’s all system generated so you can be certain that it’s as accurate as the latest quote input.
Pre-production
There’s nothing quite like going through the job at artwork handover stage face to face; So we love to meet up, compare what we actually have with what we were expecting, amend and finalise the costs if need be, understand any special requirements, sign off on materials & mock –ups and make sure there are no gremlins in the system; we don’t like surprises and nor do
our clients.
Production
This is where our expertise really comes into it’s own, we’ll take responsibility for everything from repro through to proofing, approval and on-press colour management. We make sure that all your specific job requirements are carried out right first time. Every client is different; some want to be part of the process others don’t and both are fine. However much you’re involvement we’ll keep you informed of progress every step of the way.
The Delivery
Nearly there now but this can catch you out unless you’re careful, it’s the area of least interest and least glamour but it’s often the one of most importance. Easily overlooked, but paperwork, destination accuracy and timing are paramount. We’ll make sure everything is in place to complete your project. File copies in to you followed by an accurate approved invoice completes the journey.
