Page 23 - Print 21 magazine Jul-Aug 2021

Workflow
Build your platform
From the data-centric solutions that are informed by Industry 4.0 to the platform and framework orientations of an emerging set of software-as-a-service (SaaS) workflow options, the opportunity to remake your production workflow is in your grasp. Since drupa 2016 the industry has seen established workflow solutions retool to take advantage of cloud-based computing, subscription models for both delivery and payment.
Using platforms as a method to allow disparate software tools to work together in a workflow provides distinct advantages. Consider a platform like Enfocus Switch, with more than 70 apps available for integration into the Switch platform.
From CloudPrinter to handwriting generators, PDF tools and metadata handling applications, the Switch platform allows a workflow architect to assemble tools to optimise large segments of the production workflow.
HP offers an approach with its PrintOS platform, introduced at drupa 2016, and continuing to expand with new solutions added to the PrintOS marketplace regularly.
(APIs) to integrate into the platform, making it easier to try a tool before committing to it.
Production printers should also note the emerging world of print customisation platforms that connect print buyers with print producers. Companies like Cimpress, Cloudprinter, Gelato, and InkRouter have developed global network platforms giving access to print providers with different capabilities, and locations, that can expand
“Your workflow assessment should help you identify the real costs of job onboarding, which is the single biggest point of cost in the workflow process.”
the footprint of any printer, anywhere.
If you aren’t quite ready for a platform, look
for tools and suites that can be integrated into your current environment that can capture data on jobs at every touchpoint, and relay that information to production dashboards that inform not only the production floor, but management.
questions about scalability as your business changes and grows and take the time to review any case studies that are offered. A few minutes of reading may prove useful.
Making money
The promise of a well-designed workflow solution for print is that it includes only the needed software tools, and it captures and provides usable data to dashboards. It can be scaled up or down over time to accommodate new product lines and new printing and finishing technologies is operational excellence. It provides the infrastructure that eliminates unnecessary costs, unnecessary touchpoints, and unnecessary handling.
Your workflow assessment should help you identify the real costs of job onboarding, which is the biggest single point of cost in the process.
Remember that any of these solutions will require a keen understanding of your work processes and time to set up and implement. Once done, however, the cost savings will follow. And that is how you make money with your workflow: you take costs out that shouldn’t be there.
Workflowz talk about time being money, and in the current climate ensuring your workflow is effective is a real opportunity. 21
The defining characteristic of these
platforms is that applications used well-
defined application programming interfaces every job to ensure that margins are met. Ask
In the modern print shop, it is essential to be able to identify every cost associated with
joined up thinking
simplifying and automating the complex
sales@workflowz.com.au www.workflowz.com.au Tel: +61 2 8015 2996
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