Need a Flexible MIS?

Every printer is different, but some are more different than others.


It is a saying that is especially true today, as printers seek new ways to differentiate themselves and maintain profit margins in the face of increasing competition and technological change.

(Pictured right: Rob Taylor from Taylored Systems, Q&P distributor for New Zealand)

As a strategic business tool, an MIS system such as the one offered by Quote & Print must be flexible enough to meet the changing requirements of printers, as well as the demands from customers that they deliver better, cheaper and faster than ever before.

This is especially true in a small country: here in New Zealand, we are often amazed at how different each printer's ideas are of what constitutes a 'must have' feature.

Quote & Print delivers this flexibility in four ways: implementation, modification and customisation, coupled with a unique software upgrade program every six months that is driven by the printers themselves.

Regular upgrades: Printers using Quote & Print are encouraged to suggest practical ways in which the software might be enhanced to better meet their needs, and, twice a year, a new version is released that incorporates the best of these suggestions. In a very real sense, Quote & Print users are a community that moves forward together, benefiting from each other's experience.

Flexible implementation: Quote & Print can be set up in many different ways, and these default settings can be fine-tuned at any time by users authorised to do so. For example, to ensure that estimated profit margins are precisely calibrated against actual press time and costs.

Software modifications: when a good idea is fed into the regular update program, it is then available free of charge to all Quote & Print users on support contracts. Nevertheless, if a printer wants to commission a custom modification for their sole use, this can be accommodated by linking the changes to that printer's Quote & Print registration code.

Software customisation: when major productivity and profit gains could be secured, Quote & Print can be the base for a proprietary, custom-built MIS. Examples include specialised user or online interfaces, and systems linked into other mission-critical systems like accounting, security, freight forwarding, etc. Quote & Print can also be the 'glue' that unites systems in collaborating companies, or across the enterprise.

Getting the details right

The key to a successful customisation project that will meet its time and budget deadlines is the initial specification. The more exact the 'spec', the happier everyone will be at the end of the project. In particular, it is a good idea to get staff input from the start, as they will be the people using the new system all the time once it goes live, and they often have a keen eye for time and cost savings. Try offering a reward for good ideas, such as a dinner for two in a fine restaurant, and you'll be surprised how many come out of the woodwork!

Involving your staff also gives them a sense of ownership, which can help them adapt to the new way of doing things. This is especially true for older staff.

Rob Taylor
Taylored Systems, Q&P distributor for New Zealand
Call 027-495-4848 or email rob@taylored.co.nz .